Acts 15:37 kjv
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 15:37 nkjv
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
Acts 15:37 niv
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,
Acts 15:37 esv
Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.
Acts 15:37 nlt
Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark.
Acts 15 37 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 13:13 | Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos... | Historical precedent of their previous journey |
| Acts 12:12, 25 | And when he had considered the matter, he went to the house of Mary... | John Mark's initial involvement with ministry |
| Acts 13:5 | So they, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia... | The commencement of their mission |
| Acts 13:13 | Then Paul and his party set sail from Perga... | John Mark's departure from the mission |
| 2 Tim 4:11 | Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. | Paul's later positive view of Mark |
| Phlm 1:24 | Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. | Mark's continued association with Paul |
| Col 4:10 | Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas... | Mark's relationship with Barnabas |
| 2 Tim 4:7 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race... | Paul's broader reflection on ministry faithfulness |
| John 15:5 | I am the vine, you are the branches... | The need for close fellowship for effective ministry |
| 1 Cor 3:9 | For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. | The nature of Christian co-workers |
| Gal 2:13 | And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him... | Earlier disagreements within the early church |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Prioritize one another in honor. | Principle of mutual honor and care |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | The attitude Barnabas displayed |
| Matt 18:15 | If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone... | Principle of personal reconciliation |
| Prov 17:17 | A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. | The steadfast nature of true friendship |
| John 6:37 | All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. | God's unceasing acceptance |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... | The empowerment for witness |
| 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God... | The source and expression of love |
| Ps 51:12 | Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. | The restoration of joy and purpose |
| Rom 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak... | The principle of bearing with one another |
Acts 15 verses
Acts 15 37 Meaning
The verse describes Barnabas's desire to take John, also called Mark, with them on their mission. This reflects Barnabas's compassionate and inclusive approach to ministry, seeing potential and offering another chance to someone who had previously faltered. It highlights the importance of relationships in Christian service.
Acts 15 37 Context
This verse occurs in Acts chapter 15, following the Jerusalem Council where the apostles and elders debated whether Gentile believers needed to follow Mosaic Law. The council concluded that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the law. Paul and Barnabas are now preparing for their next missionary journey. This verse specifically records a point of disagreement between Paul and Barnabas concerning Barnabas's desire to bring John Mark, who had previously left their mission in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13), whereas Paul did not consider him fit for the ministry at that time. This internal tension within the leadership of the early church is significant.
Acts 15 37 Word Analysis
- But (δὲ - de): A common conjunction, often used to introduce a contrast or to continue a narrative. Here, it signals a new development in their plans and a divergence of opinion.
- Barnabas (Βαρναβᾶς - Barnabas): Means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This epithet given by the apostles reflects his character and ministry.
- wished (ἐβούλετο - ebouleto): From βούλομαι (boulomai), meaning "to will, wish, desire, want, intend." It conveys a strong inclination or purpose.
- to take with them (παραλαβεῖν σὺν ἑαυτοῖς - paralabein sun heautois):
- παραλαβεῖν (paralabein): The aorist infinitive of παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō). It means "to take along," "to receive," or "to take aside." It implies taking someone into one's company for a shared purpose.
- σὺν (sun): A preposition meaning "with."
- ἑαυτοῖς (heautois): Reflexive pronoun, "themselves," referring back to Barnabas and Paul. The combination emphasizes their inclusion as part of the traveling team.
- John (Ἰωάννην - Ioannes): The Greek form of the Hebrew name "Johanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
- called (καλούμενον - kaloumenon): Present passive participle of καλέω (kaleō), meaning "to call." Indicates that this was a name by which he was known or identified.
- Mark (Μάρκον - Markon): A Roman cognomen. It's generally understood to be the same person as John Mark. This duality of names (a Hebrew and a Roman/Greek name) was common for Jews living in Roman territories.
Words-Group Analysis:
The phrase "Barnabas wished to take with them John, who was called Mark" encapsulates Barnabas's proactive desire to include Mark. The "wish" (ebouleto) shows a determined preference, and "to take with them" (paralabein sun heautois) indicates a clear intention to integrate him into their ministry team. This stands in contrast to Paul's apparent reluctance at this specific moment.
Acts 15 37 Bonus Section
This episode illustrates the reality of personal disagreements even among deeply spiritual leaders, demonstrating that shared mission does not always mean shared opinions. Barnabas’s act of encouragement can be seen as a demonstration of the very quality his name signifies. The resulting "sharp disagreement" (Acts 15:39) led to the diversification of the missionary effort, ultimately allowing the Word of God to spread more widely. This event, rather than ending their ministry, reshaped it. It also highlights the specific gifts and perspectives different individuals bring to the body of Christ, as Barnabas's strength was in encouragement and discipleship, while Paul's was in rigorous theological exposition and evangelism.
Acts 15 37 Commentary
Barnabas's resolve to bring Mark, despite his previous desertion, demonstrates a characteristic of true spiritual leadership: the ability to see potential and offer a second chance. Mark's earlier departure (Acts 13:13) likely stemmed from the rigors of the mission or perhaps apprehension. Barnabas, perhaps more seasoned in offering grace or understanding Mark's youth, believed in his capacity to grow and contribute. This is a model for how believers should view and treat those who have stumbled in their faith journey. This difference in opinion, though sharp, ultimately led to separate, fruitful ministries: Paul and Silas going one way, and Barnabas and Mark another, significantly expanding the reach of the Gospel. The historical consensus suggests that Mark's subsequent ministry proved Paul's later positive assessment of him (2 Tim 4:11) correct.