Acts 13:13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Now {G1161} when Paul {G3972} and his company {G4012} loosed {G321} from {G575} Paphos {G3974}, they came {G2064} to {G1519} Perga {G4011} in Pamphylia {G3828}: and {G1161} John {G2491} departing {G672} from {G575} them {G846} returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}.

Having set sail from Paphos, Sha’ul and his companions arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. There Yochanan left them and returned to Yerushalayim,

After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.

Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 13:13 records a pivotal moment in the early stages of Paul's First Missionary Journey, marking both a geographical transition and a significant personnel change within the apostolic team.

Context

This verse follows Paul's successful ministry in Paphos, the capital of Cyprus, where the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus became a believer. Having completed their work on the island, Paul (now consistently named first, indicating his growing prominence), Barnabas, and John Mark set sail from Paphos. Their destination was Perga, a city in the Roman province of Pamphylia, located on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey. This move signified a strategic shift from island evangelism to mainland expansion of the gospel. However, upon their arrival in Perga, John Mark, for reasons not explicitly stated here, decided to leave the missionary party and return to Jerusalem. This departure would later become a point of contention between Paul and Barnabas.

Key Themes

  • Geographical Progression of the Gospel: The journey from Cyprus to Pamphylia illustrates the apostles' commitment to spreading the message of Christ across new territories, fulfilling the Great Commission to be witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth".
  • Challenges in Ministry: John Mark's departure highlights the personal and logistical difficulties inherent in missionary work. While the Bible does not explicitly state his reasons at this point, his withdrawal created a significant issue that would later lead to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:38). This reminds us that even dedicated servants of God can face moments of weakness or differing perspectives.
  • Divine Purpose Amidst Human Frailty: Despite this setback, the missionary journey did not halt. The work of God continued to advance, demonstrating that God's plans are not ultimately derailed by human decisions or disappointments.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "loosed from Paphos" (ἀνάγω - anagō in Greek) is a common nautical term meaning "to put to sea" or "to set sail," indicating the commencement of their voyage. John Mark's "departing" (ἀποχωρέω - apochōreō) simply means to withdraw or go away. While the word itself is neutral, the subsequent narrative in Acts 15 assigns a negative connotation to his action in Paul's eyes, because Mark "departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."

Significance and Application

Acts 13:13 serves as a valuable lesson for all who engage in Christian service. It underscores that:

  • Ministry is not always easy: Disagreements, fatigue, and personal challenges are part of the journey.
  • Perseverance is crucial: Despite setbacks, the mission to spread the gospel must continue. Paul and Barnabas pressed on, even after John Mark's departure.
  • Grace and Reconciliation are possible: Although John Mark's actions caused a rift, he later became a trusted companion and minister, even being commended by Paul in later epistles (Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11). This highlights the possibility of restoration and forgiveness within the Christian community.

This verse encourages believers to remain committed to God's calling, understanding that both success and challenges are part of the journey, and that God can use all circumstances for His ultimate glory.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 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.

  • Acts 27:5

    And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia.

  • Acts 14:24

    And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

  • Acts 14:25

    And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

  • Acts 12:12

    And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

  • Acts 2:10

    Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

  • Acts 13:5

    And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to [their] minister.

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