Thorn in the flesh

What if Barnabas was Paul's thorn in the flesh? No, I'm not suggesting that he was, but rather just raising an interesting thought. Here the two of them had gone on adventures together, worked together, fought together, until the day when the two parted company. As best as I can tell it, the split seems to me to be over their differences in worldview. One man, willing to go to the ends of the earth for a mission. The other man, deeply enmeshed in mentoring and encouraging relationships with those in the kingdom. The two had purpose together until one day, God moved them in separate directions. How did he eventually split them (or multiply their work)? He did so over a disagreement concerning ministry and their giftedness in that regard. Now, Barnabas loses and so does Paul. Each loses according to his heart's passion and desire. Barnabas loses a friend and someone he feels needs encouraging. Paul loses a teammate and one he feels needs a greater missional spirit. However, both win as well. Barnabas wins by gaining a new coworker in John Mark, who he can encourage and lead. Paul wins in that he gains a Timothy and a Silas, until later joined by a healthy and more missional John Mark. So, God is glorified and his mission of love continues on. Now, that doesn't change the fact that Paul and Barnabas are both hurt. The thorn of losing a worker or a friend can be a difficult pain to endure. Still, God moves powerfully and his grace is sufficient, even when there is a thorn left in the flesh.