Acts 15 37

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 verses

Acts 15 37 Meaning

Acts 15:37 details Barnabas's strong intention to include John, also known as Mark, in the upcoming missionary journey with Paul. This desire initiated a significant disagreement with Paul, as Mark had previously deserted them during their first missionary journey, leaving the work in Pamphylia. The verse highlights Barnabas's character as an encourager and his willingness to offer a second chance to someone who had previously failed in a crucial aspect of ministry.

Acts 15 37 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the pivotal Jerusalem Council, which addressed the critical issue of Gentile salvation—whether converts needed to be circumcised and follow Mosaic law. The council, involving apostles and elders, confirmed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, without requiring the Law. After delivering the council's decision, Paul and Barnabas spent time in Antioch, encouraging the church. Verse 36 details Paul's proposal for a second missionary journey to revisit the churches they had previously established. Acts 15:37 then immediately introduces the disagreement concerning John Mark, a conflict arising precisely as preparations for this significant evangelistic endeavor begin. Historically, the early church was growing rapidly, requiring careful logistical and personnel planning for its expanding missionary efforts. This verse shows that even prominent spiritual leaders faced practical human challenges and differences in judgment concerning mission strategy.

Acts 15 37 Word analysis

• Barnabas (Βαρναβᾶς - Barnabas): His name, given by the apostles, means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This background is significant here, aligning with his desire to give Mark another chance, emphasizing grace and restoration. His character contrasts sharply with Paul's pragmatic, results-oriented approach at this specific juncture.
• wanted (ἠβούλετο - ēbouleto): The imperfect tense of boulomai (to want, intend, purpose) implies a strong, deliberate will or desire, not merely a casual wish. It signifies a settled determination and conviction on Barnabas's part regarding Mark's inclusion. It indicates an intention that was in the process of being acted upon or expressed.
• to take with them (συμπαραλαβεῖν - symparalabein): A compound verb (syn- "with" + paralambanō "to take along"). It specifically means to take along as an associate or companion for an enterprise, emphasizing a partnership. It indicates that Barnabas saw Mark as a fellow worker who belonged on the team, suggesting an integrated role rather than just a casual accompaniment.
• John called Mark (Ἰωάννην τὸν καλούμενον Μάρκον - Ioannēn ton kaloumenon Markon): This specific dual naming recalls his earlier role in Acts 13:5, where he was a "helper" (hypēretēs) on the first journey, and in Acts 13:13, where he departed from them in Pamphylia. The full designation serves to identify the person whose past actions were the cause of contention, invoking his specific history.
• "Barnabas wanted to take with them": This phrase highlights Barnabas's leadership initiative in proposing personnel for the missionary endeavor, aligning with his previous role as Paul's senior partner in the first journey (Acts 13:2, 43). His "want" was a leadership decision, not just a personal preference.
• "John called Mark": The inclusion of Mark's full name points to his established identity within the early Christian community, particularly to an audience familiar with his previous involvement and departure. It foregrounds the subject of contention—a specific individual with a known history.

Acts 15 37 Bonus section

The seemingly negative outcome of the sharp disagreement in Acts 15:39 actually yielded positive results, demonstrating how God can use even human conflicts for His purposes. By separating, Paul and Silas journeyed into Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches, while Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, his home country. This meant the Gospel message was simultaneously advanced in two distinct regions. The later reconciliation between Paul and Mark (Col 4:10, 2 Tim 4:11, Phlm 1:24) serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming grace of God and the possibility of spiritual growth and redemption for those who stumble in their service. Mark's eventual utility in ministry to Paul underscores the wisdom in Barnabas's initial advocacy and provides a biblical model for valuing restorative grace in leadership.

Acts 15 37 Commentary

Acts 15:37, though brief, sets the stage for one of the most poignant and instructive disagreements in early church history. It reveals a clash of values between two deeply committed apostles: Barnabas, the "Son of Encouragement," emphasizing restoration and a second chance for John Mark despite his previous failure, and Paul, who valued dependability and perseverance in arduous mission work, as explained in the subsequent verse. Barnabas's conviction to include Mark demonstrates his characteristic grace and faith in people's potential for redemption and growth. While this disagreement appears as a human flaw in leadership, it ultimately served to expand the reach of the Gospel, leading to two separate missionary teams. It underscores that sincere, devoted leaders can hold differing views on strategy without necessarily compromising their core faith.