Acts 15 39

Acts 15:39 kjv

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Acts 15:39 nkjv

Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;

Acts 15:39 niv

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

Acts 15:39 esv

And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

Acts 15:39 nlt

Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.

Acts 15 verses

Acts 15 39 Meaning

Acts 15:39 details the intense disagreement between Paul and Barnabas regarding John Mark's participation in their proposed second missionary journey, which resulted in their temporary separation. This sharp contention led to two distinct missionary teams being formed, one led by Barnabas and Mark sailing to Cyprus, and the other by Paul and Silas journeying through Syria and Cilicia. Despite the human frailty displayed in the dispute, God's sovereign plan worked through it to expand the gospel's reach to more regions.

Acts 15 39 Context

Acts chapter 15 records the Jerusalem Council, a pivotal event in early Church history. Paul and Barnabas had traveled from Antioch to consult with the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about the requirement of circumcision for Gentile converts. The council's decision (Acts 15:19-20) affirmed salvation by grace through faith, without requiring adherence to Mosaic ceremonial law for Gentiles, though they were encouraged to abstain from specific pagan practices.

Following this council, in Acts 15:36, Paul proposes to Barnabas that they revisit the cities where they had previously preached the Word of God to strengthen the disciples. This initiative to begin a second missionary journey immediately led to the dispute concerning John Mark (Acts 15:37-38). John Mark had previously joined Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5), but unexpectedly deserted them in Perga of Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Barnabas, being Mark's cousin (Col 4:10) and known as a "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36), wanted to give Mark a second chance. Paul, however, deemed Mark's previous defection a serious abandonment and believed he should not be taken again. This fundamental disagreement on how to handle John Mark's past failure directly leads to the "sharp contention" described in Acts 15:39.

Acts 15 39 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction, signaling a continuation and consequence of the previous discussion. It connects the proposal for the second journey and the dispute over Mark directly to its outcome.

• the contention: From Greek paroxysmos (παροξυσμος). It signifies a sharp stimulation, a paroxysm, or an outburst of passion. This isn't just a minor disagreement but an intense, highly charged argument, a "fit" of mutual irritation or excitement. It suggests a high level of emotion and strong conviction on both sides.

• was so sharp: Emphasizes the severity and intensity of the paroxysmos. It denotes that the dispute reached an acute, perhaps painful, level of confrontation, reflecting the strong wills and deeply held principles of these spiritual giants.

• that they parted asunder: From Greek apochōristhēnai (αποχωρισθηναι), meaning to separate from, withdraw from, or part. This verb describes the decisive physical and relational split that occurred. It implies a mutual separation rather than one forcing the other away.

• one from the other: Reaffirms the complete and distinct separation of their previous ministry partnership. This was not a minor temporary break but a redirection of their immediate joint endeavors.

• and so Barnabas: Introduces the action taken by Barnabas after the split. Barnabas, historically the initial leader of their first missionary team and Paul's early patron, now takes his own course. His character as an encourager aligns with his decision to support Mark.

• took Mark: Highlights Barnabas's unwavering commitment to giving Mark another opportunity, valuing reconciliation and mentorship over Paul's emphasis on reliability and consistency in ministry partnership. This decision validates Mark.

• and sailed: Specifies the mode of travel, consistent with missionary journeys in that region.

• unto Cyprus: Indicates their specific destination. Cyprus was Barnabas's home island (Acts 4:36) and the starting point of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). This return to familiar ground suggests Barnabas intended to continue his evangelistic work.

• "the contention was so sharp": This phrase dramatically portrays the gravity of the disagreement. It demonstrates that even godly leaders can have deeply felt, even passionate, differences that lead to significant breaks in relationships. This was not a lighthearted dispute but one where both Paul and Barnabas felt strongly convicted, making it irreconcilable for their immediate partnership.

• "parted asunder one from the other": This phrase describes the unfortunate but resolute outcome of the conflict. It's a pragmatic separation that allowed both individuals to continue ministry, albeit in different directions. It reflects the practical reality of leadership differences and how they can lead to organizational or team changes.

• "Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus": This phrase outlines Barnabas's immediate, alternative plan. It shows his commitment to his conviction regarding Mark, his readiness to establish a new mission team, and his continuation of gospel work. It sets up the two separate missionary endeavors that result from the dispute.

Acts 15 39 Bonus section

• The term paroxysmos (contention) can also mean "a stimulus" or "an incitement." While intense, it could have been a catalyst that ultimately refined both men and pushed them into different, yet equally fruitful, ministries, as seen in Paul's later endorsement of Mark.
• The incident underscores that even those chosen and empowered by God are not exempt from personal differences or human failings. It offers a realistic picture of the early Church, validating that sincere disagreements can arise without necessarily indicating a lack of faith or an absence of God's Spirit.
• This separation indirectly allowed for the rise of Silas, who became a crucial partner to Paul, contributing to a wider geographic spread of the gospel than one team could have achieved. It's an example of God using imperfect human choices to perfectly fulfill His perfect will.
• Barnabas's faith in Mark was ultimately vindicated. Mark went on to be a useful servant, contributing a Gospel account, and becoming an essential companion to Peter (1 Pet 5:13) and later Paul. This demonstrates the long-term impact of investing in others and believing in their potential for growth and restoration.

Acts 15 39 Commentary

Acts 15:39 is a stark yet insightful portrayal of human imperfection even among the most Spirit-filled believers and pivotal leaders in early Christianity. The "sharp contention" between Paul, the zealous apostle to the Gentiles, and Barnabas, the "Son of Encouragement," was a significant dispute born from different perspectives on grace and reliability in ministry. Paul prioritized accountability and demonstrated concern for the arduous demands of missionary work, whereas Barnabas, true to his character, favored extending grace and providing a second chance to John Mark.

The outcome, their parting "asunder," reveals that even the most dedicated servants of God can experience irreconcilable differences, leading to a temporary separation of ministry paths. However, the divine sovereignty is evident: what seemed like a regrettable human failure became a strategic expansion of gospel reach. Instead of one missionary team, two emerged. Barnabas, accompanied by Mark, revisited Cyprus, strengthening that island, while Paul, with Silas, launched a new phase of ministry across Asia Minor and eventually into Europe. This dual outcome allowed more areas to be evangelized and more believers to be discipled, highlighting that God can orchestrate His purposes even through human conflicts and divergent views. The later reconciliation between Paul and Mark (Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11) also provides a powerful example of forgiveness, redemption, and growth. It underscores that this "sharp contention" was not a permanent personal estrangement but a functional disagreement ultimately used for God's glory.