Acts 13:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:13 marks a significant geographical and relational turning point in Paul's First Missionary Journey. After a successful ministry on Cyprus, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark set sail from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia, signaling a strategic move to the mainland. However, upon their arrival, John Mark unexpectedly departed from the missionary team and returned to Jerusalem, an event that would later become a source of contention between Paul and Barnabas but ultimately did not derail the advance of the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Paul's ministry in Paphos, Cyprus, where he confronted the sorcerer Bar-Jesus (Elymas) and witnessed the conversion of the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus ([Acts 13:6-12](/acts/13-6-12 "Acts 13:6-12 - Paul and Elymas in Paphos")). The shift from Cyprus to Pamphylia marks the next phase of the missionary journey, moving from an island base to the mainland of Asia Minor. The abrupt departure of John Mark, though briefly stated here, sets the stage for a major conflict between Paul and Barnabas later in the book ([Acts 15:36-40](/acts/15-36-40 "Acts 15:36-40 - The Dispute over John Mark")). The narrative then continues to describe Paul's powerful sermon in Pisidian Antioch, the next stop after Perga ([Acts 13:14ff](/acts/13-14 "Acts 13:14ff - Paul's Sermon in Pisidian Antioch")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paphos was the capital of Cyprus, a Roman senatorial province, and a strategic starting point for missionary endeavors. Pamphylia was a Roman province on the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its coastal plains and the Taurus Mountains further inland. Perga, the destination, was an important city in Pamphylia, serving as a port and a significant center for trade and Roman administration. Travel by sea was common and efficient for long distances, while overland travel could be more arduous and dangerous. John Mark's decision to return to Jerusalem would have involved a journey back across the Mediterranean, highlighting the logistical challenges and personal sacrifices inherent in early Christian missions. His departure likely involved a return to his home church and family in Jerusalem, where his mother's house was a gathering place for believers ([Acts 12:12](/acts/12-12 "Acts 12:12 - Mary's House in Jerusalem")).
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:13 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Geographical Expansion of the Gospel**, as the apostles continue to push beyond established Jewish communities to new Gentile territories, fulfilling the mandate to be witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Challenges and Difficulties in Ministry**, highlighting that missionary work is not without personal trials and relational strains, even among committed believers. John Mark's departure, though unexplained at this point, foreshadows the reality that even the most dedicated teams can face internal disagreements and setbacks. Lastly, it subtly underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Mission**, demonstrating that despite human frailty or unforeseen obstacles, God's divine purpose for the spread of the gospel will ultimately prevail, as the journey continued without Mark.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **loosed (Greek, _anágō'_):** This term (G321) literally means "to lead up" or "to bring up," but in a nautical context, it signifies "to put to sea," "to set sail," or "to weigh anchor." It perfectly captures the action of commencing a sea voyage, indicating the deliberate and organized nature of the apostles' departure from Paphos.
* **departing (Greek, _apochōréō'_):** This word (G672) means "to go away," "to withdraw," or "to depart." While the term itself is neutral, simply denoting a physical separation, in this context, it carries significant narrative weight. It describes John Mark's unilateral decision to leave the missionary team, an action that would later be viewed by Paul as an abandonment of the "work" ([Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - John Mark's Departure")).
* **returned (Greek, _hypostréphō'_):** This term (G5290) means "to turn back," "to come back," or "to return." It emphasizes the direction of John Mark's journey—back to Jerusalem, the starting point of the mission. This word highlights the reversal of his previous commitment to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their outward journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos":** This clause establishes the setting and the primary actors. "Paul and his company" (literally "those around Paul," from G4012 _perí_) indicates Paul's emerging leadership role, as he is now consistently named first, even before Barnabas, who had initially been the primary leader. Their departure from Paphos signifies the completion of their ministry on Cyprus and the beginning of a new phase of their journey. The verb "loosed" denotes their setting sail by ship.
* **"they came to Perga in Pamphylia":** This identifies their destination, Perga, a significant city in the Roman province of Pamphylia on the southern coast of Asia Minor. This geographical transition marks a strategic move from island evangelism to mainland expansion, demonstrating the apostles' intent to spread the gospel further into the Roman world.
* **"and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem":** This final clause introduces the unexpected and pivotal event of John Mark's withdrawal. His "departing" is a decisive action, and his "returning to Jerusalem" indicates a complete reversal of his commitment to the missionary journey. The brevity of the statement here belies the profound impact this decision would have on the missionary team, leading to later conflict but also providing an opportunity for growth and reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Narrative Transition** is evident as the text swiftly moves the missionary team from Cyprus to the mainland, signaling a new phase of their journey. The terse statement about John Mark's departure functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at future conflict and character development without explicitly detailing the reasons or consequences, thereby building narrative tension. The geographical details—Paphos, Perga, Pamphylia, and Jerusalem—serve as **Geographical Markers**, anchoring the narrative in real-world locations and underscoring the vast distances covered by the early missionaries. The shift in naming "Paul and his company" highlights **Character Development**, subtly indicating Paul's rising prominence and leadership within the team.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:13, though seemingly a simple travelogue entry, is rich with theological implications for the nature of Christian mission and community. It underscores the reality that the spread of the gospel, while divinely ordained, is carried out by imperfect human beings who face real challenges, both external and internal. John Mark's departure reminds us that even within committed ministry teams, personal decisions, weaknesses, or differing convictions can lead to significant disruptions. Yet, the narrative demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His mission, as Paul and Barnabas continue their work despite this setback. This passage invites reflection on perseverance in the face of disappointment and the potential for reconciliation and restoration, even after relational rifts.

* [Acts 15:36-40](/acts/15-36-40 "Acts 15:36-40 - The Dispute over John Mark")
* [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Paul's Commendation of Mark")
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Request for Mark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:13 offers profound insights for contemporary believers engaged in ministry and service. It reminds us that the path of discipleship and mission is rarely smooth; it is often marked by unexpected turns, personal challenges, and even painful relational dynamics. John Mark's departure, while initially a source of disappointment and later conflict, ultimately became a testament to the transformative power of grace and the possibility of restoration. This verse encourages us to cultivate resilience in our spiritual journeys, understanding that God's purposes are not thwarted by human frailty. It also challenges us to extend grace and seek reconciliation when disagreements arise within the Christian community, recognizing that God can redeem even our failures and use them for His glory. Ultimately, it calls us to remain steadfast in our commitment to the Great Commission, trusting that God will equip and sustain us, even when the journey takes unexpected turns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when unexpected challenges or disappointments arise in your service to God?**
* **What lessons can be learned from John Mark's departure about perseverance and the importance of commitment in ministry?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to extend grace and seek reconciliation in your relationships within the church, even after disagreements?**

### FAQ
**Why did John Mark depart from Paul and Barnabas?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state John Mark's reasons for departing in Acts 13:13. However, later in [Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - The Dispute over John Mark"), Paul refers to his departure as "not going with them to the work," suggesting Paul viewed it as an abandonment or lack of commitment. Commentators have speculated various reasons, including homesickness, fear of the dangers ahead (Pamphylia was known for brigands), illness, or a disagreement over strategy (perhaps Mark felt the mission should focus more on Jewish communities rather than Gentiles, or he preferred to stay closer to Jerusalem). While his initial departure caused a rift, John Mark later reconciled with Paul and became a trusted companion, as evidenced in [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Paul's Commendation of Mark") and [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Request for Mark").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:13, while detailing a seemingly minor travel detail and a human setback, ultimately points to the Christ-centered nature of the apostolic mission. The entire missionary endeavor, from its inception in Jerusalem to its expansion into Asia Minor, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's command to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Paul and Barnabas's journey, even with John Mark's departure, demonstrates the unstoppable momentum of the gospel, empowered by the resurrected Christ, who promised to be with His followers always ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission's Promise")). The very spread of the message of salvation, which is the core of their "work," is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ—His atoning death, His glorious resurrection, and His reign as Lord ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). Even John Mark's later restoration and usefulness in ministry ([2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Request for Mark")) testifies to the redemptive grace of Christ, who forgives and restores, enabling His servants to continue in His service despite past failures. The mission is not about the perfection of the missionaries, but the power and faithfulness of the one who sends them, Jesus Christ, the head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.