Barnabas wanted to take John Mark along, not just out of natural affection as his relative, but because he saw extenuating circumstances for Mark’s earlier departure that Paul overlooked. This reveals a tension between close personal ties and the stringent standards Paul applied to those called to ministry.
Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the crucial Jerusalem Council decision regarding Gentiles, Paul proposes to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they established on their first missionary journey to check on the believers. Barnabas, however, has a different idea: he wants to bring along John Mark, his nephew, who had previously abandoned them during their first trip, leading to a sharp disagreement between the two apostles.
Why would Barnabas insist on bringing Mark along, especially after he'd previously left Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia?
The verse reveals Barnabas's desire to take John Mark with them on their next missionary journey. The commentary highlights that Barnabas and Mark were related – likely uncle and nephew. This familial connection provides a key insight into Barnabas's perspective.
The tension between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark highlights a fundamental difference in how they viewed failure and restoration.
This verse sets the stage for a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, driven by their contrasting approaches to ministry and discipline.
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Understand the original words
Barnabas · Greek Proper Noun
A name meaning 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation'. He was a prominent leader in the early church, known for his generosity and his role in mentoring both Saul (Paul) and John Mark.
Markos · Greek Proper Noun
A Jewish name meaning 'godly' or 'graceful'. He was a cousin of Barnabas and a companion of Paul and Peter, known for deserting the first missionary journey before later being restored to fruitful ministry.
apostanta · Greek Verb
The act of retreating, deserting, or falling away from a responsibility, duty, or companionship. In a theological sense, it often implies a failure to persevere in the work of the Gospel.
paroxusmos · Greek Noun
A heated, bitter, or intense dispute or contention. In the biblical context, it describes a strong opposition that leads to a division or rupture in relationships between individuals.
Silas · Greek Proper Noun
A prominent leader in the early church who was a prophet and a delegate from the Jerusalem Council. He was chosen by Paul to accompany him on his second missionary journey.
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited favor and divine enablement of God given to believers to sustain them, empower them for ministry, and lead them to salvation. It is the primary motivation and strength for Christian life and mission.
This moment of disagreement reveals the human side of these apostles. Barnabas's familial loyalty clashes with Paul's concern for faithfulness, highlighting how personal relationships and past actions profoundly shape ministry decisions.
c. AD 47
First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Paul embark on their first major missionary journey, taking John Mark with them as their assistant.
c. AD 48
John Mark Departs Mission
During the journey in Pamphylia, John Mark leaves Barnabas and Paul and returns to Jerusalem, much to Paul's dismay.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem Convenes
A crucial Jerusalem council addresses whether Gentile converts need to follow Mosaic Law. Its decisions impact the direction of the church and future missionary efforts.
c. AD 50— this verse
Disagreement Over John Mark
Barnabas, who is Mark's relative, wants to take him on a new mission. Paul objects strongly due to Mark's previous departure.
c. AD 50
Apostolic Split
The disagreement leads to a sharp, permanent split between Paul and Barnabas, who go their separate ways to minister.
c. AD 51-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Silas, undertakes his second missionary journey, strengthening churches across Asia Minor and into Europe.
c. AD 60-62
Mark's Ministry with Paul
Years later, John Mark is with Paul in Rome, indicating reconciliation and continued ministry together, even writing his Gospel.
This passage introduces John Mark's earlier departure from the mission field, setting the stage for the conflict in Acts 15 as Barnabas seeks to give him another chance while Paul remembers his desertion.
Colossians 4:10This verse reveals that Mark is Barnabas's cousin, highlighting the familial connection that likely influenced Barnabas's desire to include him, adding a layer to the tension with Paul.
2 Timothy 4:11This later passage shows Paul reconciled with Mark and valuing his presence, illustrating how the disagreement in Acts 15 was eventually resolved and Mark's ministry continued.
Philippians 2:4While not a direct parallel, this verse's call for believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, provides a broader principle that Paul might have felt Barnabas was overlooking in his strong inclination towards his nephew.
ellicottActs 15:37: "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark."
(37) Barnabas determined. —The Greek verb is hardly so strong, better, was minded. The ties of relationship led the uncle, or cousin, to wish to make another trial of his kinsman’s fitness ( Colossians 4:10 ). He saw extenuating circumstances which St. Paul could not recognise, and which half-excused his turning back when he had set his hand to the plough. (See Note on Acts 13:13 .) To St. Paul one who had so…
pooleActs 15:37: "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark."
This John, or Mark, was sister’s son to Barnabas, as Colossians 4:10 .
Barnabas wanted to take John Mark along, not just out of natural affection as his relative, but because he saw extenuating circumstances for Mark’s earlier departure that Paul overlooked. This reveals a tension between close personal ties and the stringent standards Paul applied to those called to ministry.
Following the crucial Jerusalem Council decision regarding Gentiles, Paul proposes to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they established on their first missionary journey to check on the believers. Barnabas, however, has a different idea: he wants to bring along John Mark, his nephew, who had previously abandoned them during their first trip, leading to a sharp disagreement between the two apostles.
Following the crucial Jerusalem Council decision regarding Gentiles, Paul proposes to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they established on their first missionary journey to check on the believers. Barnabas, however, has a different idea: he wants to bring along John Mark, his nephew, who had previously abandoned them during their first trip, leading to a sharp disagreement between the two apostles.
"Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they sep…" — Barnabas wanted to take John Mark along, not just out of natural affection as his relative, but because he saw extenuating circumstances for Mark’s earlier departure that Paul overlooked. This reveal…
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Last reviewed October 2026
