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Paul wants to return to Galatia and visit those who are born again. He also wants to see how
the churches that had been established on the first missionary journey are doing. Barnabas is
in favor of the journey.

DISPUTE OVER JOHN MARK

Act 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

And Barnabas determined (boulomai: had intended) to take with them John, whose surname
was Mark.

Evidently Barnabas has been waiting for Paul to bring up this subject because he wants to
return to Galatia. He also has been keeping up with Mark and knows Mark has recovered from
his mistake and wants another chance to prove himself in the ministry. When Barnabas brings
up the issue of Mark, Paul probably feels that Barnabas had been planning this for some time.
Paul resents this intrusion and will not want to take Mark with them on their journey.

Act 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from
Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Paul resists the idea, and the resistance becomes a full-blown argument. Paul does not feel
Mark is worthy to work in the ministry, and Barnabas is determined to give his cousin another
chance.

Paul later repents of his attitude toward Mark and calls him useful for the ministry (2 Timothy
4:11). Mark will also later accompany Peter to Rome (1 Peter 5:13).

PAUL AND BARNABAS SEPARATE

Act 15:39 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;

Paul and Barnabas have a shouting match between themselves. It is so loud that many in the
area probably hear them. Hopefully the people listening realized that ministers are human,
giving them an opportunity to walk in forgiveness toward both Paul and Barnabas.

Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus -- the first part of the previous missionary journey -- where
Mark had been a success. This would be familiar territory to Mark and not a reminder of his
failure.

When Paul and Barnabas separate, it is forever. They “parted asunder.” This is strong language
showing they did not minister together again. Paul’s mistake is being legalistic concerning
Mark. Mark does deserve another chance, and Barnabas made the right choice. The
circumstances of their separation is not good, but both Paul and Barnabas continue on in the
ministry. This mistake of Paul’s will later become larger, and bring him into a great act of
legalism in Jerusalem.