Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text subtly highlights a significant shift: the mission is now described as "Paul and his company," marking Paul as the primary leader, eclipsing Barnabas for the first time. This change, coupled with John Mark's departure, signals the start of a new phase where Paul takes center stage, even as his companion retreats from the unfolding challenges.
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a successful ministry in Cyprus, Paul, now clearly recognized as the leader ("Paul and his company"), sails to Perga in Asia Minor. It's here that John Mark, their companion, abruptly leaves the mission and heads back to Jerusalem, leaving Paul and Barnabas to continue their journey inland alone.
Have you ever noticed how sometimes leadership naturally shifts? In this journey, a subtle but significant change occurs.
The text notes that Paul and his companions are now described as 'those about Paul' (οἱ περὶ τὸν Παῦλον). This isn't just a casual mention; it signals a notable shift. Previously, Barnabas and Saul were often mentioned together, with Barnabas sometimes taking the lead. However, after their success in Cyprus and facing new challenges, Paul emerges as the primary leader of this mission. This phrase indicates that Paul is now the central figure around whom the ministry revolves, with Barnabas and others accompanying him. It's a testament to how God raises up and empowers individuals for specific roles at specific times.
Why would someone turn back when a great mission is just beginning? This departure raises profound questions about courage and commitment.
John Mark, who had accompanied Paul and Barnabas from the start, suddenly leaves the mission at Perga and returns to Jerusalem. The reasons aren't explicitly stated, but the commentators suggest possibilities: fear of the unknown dangers inland, homesickness, or perhaps an aversion to ministering to Gentiles. Whatever the cause, Paul later viewed this departure as blameworthy. This moment highlights the intense demands of early missions and the personal cost of discipleship. It wasn't just about preaching; it was about enduring hardship, facing opposition, and stepping far outside one's comfort zone. John Mark's decision, though understandable in some human ways, meant he missed out on crucial experiences and caused a rift that needed later reconciliation.
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This moment marks a significant turning point for John Mark, highlighting his earlier departure from Paul and Barnabas's mission. His return to Jerusalem, potentially due to fear or familial obligations, contrasted sharply with Paul's determination. Years later, this same Mark would go on to write the Gospel that bears his name, demonstrating God's ability to use even those who falter.
c. AD 44
Herod Agrippa I dies
Herod Agrippa I, king of Judea, dies suddenly in Caesarea. His death leads to significant political shifts and the return of Roman governance.
c. AD 45-49
First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Saul (Paul) are sent out by the church in Antioch, embarking on their first major missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A crucial council is held in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the early church, influencing future mission strategies.
c. AD 50
Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, accompanied by Silas, sets out on his second missionary journey, this time focusing on Asia Minor and Greece. Barnabas, taking his cousin Mark, goes separately to Cyprus.
c. AD 51-52
Paul and Mark's Disagreement
Paul and Barnabas have a sharp disagreement over taking John Mark on their subsequent journeys, leading to their separation. Paul deems Mark unsuitable for ministry at this time.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul arrives in Rome under house arrest, awaiting trial. During this period, he writes several epistles, including Colossians and Philemon.
c. AD 62— this verse
Mark writes his Gospel
John Mark, likely in Rome, compiles his Gospel, drawing on Peter's teachings. This event occurs after his estrangement from Paul and during a period of developing Christian literature.
This passage directly addresses the aftermath of John Mark's departure, showing Paul's strong disagreement with Barnabas over bringing him on a subsequent mission, highlighting the seriousness of Mark's decision.
2 Timothy 4:11This verse, written later by Paul, shows that Mark was eventually restored and valued by Paul, offering a perspective of reconciliation and growth after the difficult event in Acts 13.
Philippians 2:3-4While not directly about Mark, this passage speaks to the importance of humility and looking out for the interests of others, principles that Mark may have failed to uphold by leaving the mission, and that Paul would have expected.
Hebrews 12:15This verse warns against 'falling short of the grace of God' or becoming like 'a bitter root,' which can relate to the potential spiritual consequences of deserting a divine calling due to fear or discomfort, as John Mark may have done.
ellicottActs 13:13: "Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem."
(13) Paul and his company .—Literally, those about Paul. The new description is obviously chosen as indicating the new position which from this time the Apostle began to occupy as the leader of the mission. Perga.—The city was at this time the capital of Pamphylia, situated on the river Cestrus, about seven miles from its mouth. The absence of any…
bensonActs 13:13: "Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem."
Acts 13:13 . Note when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos — Sailing to the continent of the lesser Asia; they came to Perga — A city in Pamphylia — Situated on the west side of the river Cestos, about seven miles from the sea. Here there was a celebrated temple of Diana; consequently, many priests and others, whose interest and honour depended…
The text subtly highlights a significant shift: the mission is now described as "Paul and his company," marking Paul as the primary leader, eclipsing Barnabas for the first time. This change, coupled with John Mark's departure, signals the start of a new phase where Paul takes center stage, even as his companion retreats from the unfolding challenges.
After a successful ministry in Cyprus, Paul, now clearly recognized as the leader ("Paul and his company"), sails to Perga in Asia Minor. It's here that John Mark, their companion, abruptly leaves the mission and heads back to Jerusalem, leaving Paul and Barnabas to continue their journey inland alone.
After a successful ministry in Cyprus, Paul, now clearly recognized as the leader ("Paul and his company"), sails to Perga in Asia Minor. It's here that John Mark, their companion, abruptly leaves the mission and heads back to Jerusalem, leaving Paul and Barnabas to continue their journey inland alone.
"Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem," — The text subtly highlights a significant shift: the mission is now described as "Paul and his company," marking Paul as the primary leader, eclipsing Barnabas for the first time. This change, coupled…
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Last reviewed October 2026