Acts 15 38

Acts 15:38 kjv

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Acts 15:38 nkjv

But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.

Acts 15:38 niv

but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

Acts 15:38 esv

But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

Acts 15:38 nlt

But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 38 Meaning

Acts 15:38 describes Paul's disagreement with Barnabas regarding John Mark's participation in the upcoming missionary journey. Paul deemed it inappropriate to include Mark because Mark had previously abandoned them in Pamphylia during their first missionary journey, failing to continue with them in the challenging work. Paul's stance was rooted in a practical concern for the demanding nature of ministry and a need for reliable, committed co-workers, especially given Mark's past unreliability in a critical moment.

Acts 15 38 Context

Acts 15:38 occurs immediately after the pivotal Jerusalem Council, which addressed the salvation of Gentiles without Mosaic law. Paul and Barnabas, key figures in the Gentile mission, had returned from Antioch where they had previously concluded their first arduous missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Acts 15:36 states that Paul suggested a second visit to the churches they had founded. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for the Second Missionary Journey. The dispute over John Mark (Acts 15:38-39) serves as a stark human interlude following a divine pronouncement (Jerusalem Council) and highlights the practical challenges and interpersonal dynamics within the early apostolic leadership. Historically, the demanding travel, spiritual warfare, and physical hardships of missionary work (as recounted in Acts 13-14, and further detailed in 2 Cor 11:23-28) required unwavering commitment and reliability from team members. John Mark's earlier departure in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13) was a significant act of wavering in this high-stakes context.

Acts 15 38 Word analysis

• But Paul: (Greek: Παῦλος δὲ - Paulos de) "But Paul" highlights a contrasting opinion, signaling the commencement of a differing perspective from Barnabas. Paul's leadership and strategic thinking are emphasized.
• thought: (Greek: ἠξίου - ēxiou) From axioō, meaning "to consider worthy, fit, or proper," or "to demand, expect." It's not just a passing thought, but a judgment or a determined belief that something is "not fitting." Paul made a principled stand, judging Mark unsuitable based on past behavior.
• it not good: (Greek: μὴ συναπολαβεῖν - mē synapolabein) Literally "not to take along." The Greek negative particle mē emphasizes the strong refusal or disapproval. Paul believed it was fundamentally "not fitting" or "improper" to include Mark. This indicates a high standard for team members in demanding ministry.
• to take him with them: (Greek: συναπολαβεῖν αὐτόν - synapolabein auton) Implies joint participation and companionship in the specific mission. The emphasis is on active participation in the "work" (ministry).
• who departed from them: (Greek: τὸν ἀποστάντα ἀπ’ αὐτῶν - ton apostanta ap' autōn) "The one having stood away from them" or "deserted them." From apostatēs, the root of "apostate," signifying a desertion or abandonment. This term carries strong connotations of breaking away or falling away. It was a significant failure of commitment.
• from Pamphylia: A region on the south coast of Asia Minor where Perga (Acts 13:13) was located. This geographical detail specifies the precise location of Mark's desertion, making the memory of his past failure very concrete. It represents a challenging period in their journey (swampy, malarial area).
• and went not: (Greek: μὴ συνελθόντα - mē synelthonta) Reinforces Mark's inaction. He chose not to continue or "go with them."
• with them: Highlights that the "work" was a collaborative effort, requiring unified commitment.
• to the work: (Greek: εἰς τὸ ἔργον - eis to ergon) Refers to the demanding, sacrificial work of missionary evangelism. This "work" encompassed teaching, healing, enduring persecution, and traveling extensively. Paul viewed commitment to this work as paramount.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But Paul thought it not good to take him with them": This phrase encapsulates Paul's decisive and reasoned objection. His "thought" (ἠξίου) carries weight, indicating a judgment based on what was proper and necessary for the integrity and effectiveness of the missionary endeavor. It reveals Paul's pragmatic, results-oriented leadership.
• "who departed from them from Pamphylia": This vividly recalls Mark's previous defection (Acts 13:13). The memory of his abandonment during a critical and potentially dangerous phase of the first journey deeply influenced Paul's judgment. Pamphylia represents a tangible location where trust was broken.
• "and went not with them to the work": This reinforces the active choice Mark made to cease participating in the mission. The term "work" (ἔργον) is crucial, indicating that missionary service was not a leisure activity but a serious, demanding, and Spirit-led undertaking requiring unwavering dedication. Paul believed anyone unable or unwilling to endure its rigors was a liability. This highlights the high stakes of gospel ministry.

Acts 15 38 Bonus section

The intense disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark underscores several important truths for Christian leadership and fellowship. First, even deeply committed and Spirit-filled leaders can have sincere, principled differences in judgment. Paul’s focus was on mission effectiveness and team reliability, while Barnabas (whose name means "Son of Encouragement") likely leaned towards compassion and a belief in second chances. Both perspectives have merit, yet they clashed here.

Second, God often uses human conflict for His greater purposes. While initially disruptive, the dispute resulted in two effective missionary teams covering more ground, reaching more people. Paul went with Silas to Syria and Cilicia, and Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus. This demonstrated that God's work can advance even through the imperfections and disagreements of His servants.

Third, the incident highlights the significant personal and spiritual growth of John Mark. His initial failure (desertion) taught him invaluable lessons, enabling him to mature into a trusted and "useful" (2 Tim 4:11) servant of the Gospel, even collaborating with Peter and Paul later in life. This stands as a powerful testimony to redemptive grace and the transforming power of perseverance.

Acts 15 38 Commentary

Acts 15:38 is a revealing moment showcasing the very human challenges within divine ministry. Paul, known for his relentless commitment, prioritized the demands of the "work" over potential sentimentality or the value of second chances in this specific context. His objection was rooted in Mark's previous departure from Pamphylia (Acts 13:13), an act seen as unreliability and a failure of resolve crucial for pioneering missionary efforts. The demanding nature of their spiritual work, often fraught with danger and physical hardship, necessitated companions of unwavering dedication. Paul likely feared that another lapse by Mark could jeopardize the entire mission.

While this verse describes Paul's firm stance, it is crucial to understand that it set up a famous dispute (Acts 15:39) which, providentially, led to two distinct missionary teams. More importantly, it highlights a crucial point of Mark's character development and eventual redemption. This disagreement was not an indictment of Mark's ultimate worth but a severe assessment of his readiness at that particular moment for a specific, demanding task. The later mentions of John Mark in Paul's letters (Col 4:10, 2 Tim 4:11, Philem 1:24) beautifully illustrate forgiveness, spiritual growth, and reconciliation, confirming that Paul eventually valued Mark's usefulness for ministry. This narrative encourages believers to uphold high standards in service while also embracing the power of grace and growth in others, understanding that a past failure does not necessarily define future potential.