Acts 15:37

KJV

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Barnabas {G921} determined {G1011} to take with them {G4838} John {G2491}, whose surname was {G2564} Mark {G3138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Bar-Nabba wanted to take with them Yochanan, the one called Mark.

Berean Standard Bible

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark.

American Standard Version

And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:37 records Barnabas's firm decision to include John Mark in the upcoming missionary journey, a choice that would immediately precipitate a significant disagreement with Paul. This seemingly simple statement sets the stage for a pivotal moment in early church history, highlighting themes of grace, mentorship, and the complexities of human relationships within divine service, ultimately leading to the expansion of the Gospel through divergent paths.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the momentous [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), where the apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, affirmed that Gentile converts did not need to be circumcised or adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Paul and Barnabas, having played a central role in this council, were now preparing for their second missionary journey, intending to revisit the churches they had previously established. The decision regarding John Mark, though seemingly a personnel matter, becomes the catalyst for a sharp division, directly preceding the separation of Paul and Barnabas in the very next verses [Acts 15:38-39](/acts/15-38-39 "Acts 15:38-39 - The Disagreement and Separation"). This internal conflict, while painful, ultimately served to expand the reach of the Gospel, as two distinct missionary teams were formed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was in a period of rapid expansion, moving beyond its Jewish roots into the wider Roman world. Missionary journeys were crucial for establishing new communities of believers. Travel was arduous and dangerous, requiring resilient and committed individuals. The practice of taking companions, often younger or less experienced, was common for both practical support and training. John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin"), had previously accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first journey but had [departed from them in Pamphylia](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark's Departure") and returned to Jerusalem. This earlier departure was clearly a significant event, viewed by Paul as a dereliction of duty, and it forms the historical backdrop to the disagreement in [Acts 15:37-39](/acts/15-37-39 "Acts 15:37-39 - The Dispute Over John Mark"). Dual names, like John (Hebrew) and Mark (Latin), were also common among Jews living in the Greco-Roman world, facilitating interaction across cultural lines.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 15:37 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and beyond. It underscores the theme of **Mentorship and Discipleship**, as Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement" [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement"), demonstrates a profound commitment to nurturing a younger minister, even one who had previously faltered. This highlights the importance of grace and second chances in spiritual formation. The verse also introduces the theme of **Disagreement Among Godly Leaders**, demonstrating that even Spirit-filled apostles can have honest and intense differences of opinion on matters of strategy and personnel. This conflict, though difficult, ultimately serves God's sovereign plan, leading to the **Expansion of the Gospel** through two separate missionary endeavors, thereby reaching more regions and people, as seen in the subsequent chapters of [Acts](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **determined (Greek, _bouleúō_):** From the root _boulē_ (counsel, will), this verb signifies to advise, deliberate, or resolve. Barnabas's decision was not a casual suggestion but a firm, settled purpose. It implies a considered judgment and a strong will to act, indicating his conviction regarding John Mark's inclusion. This word highlights the intentionality and resolve behind Barnabas's advocacy for Mark.
* **to take with them (Greek, _symparalambánō_):** This compound verb combines _syn_ (with) and _paralambánō_ (to take alongside, receive). It means "to take along in company," emphasizing the act of bringing someone into partnership or fellowship for a shared endeavor. Barnabas desired Mark to be an active participant and companion in the missionary work, not merely a passive observer or servant.
* **whose surname was (Greek, _kaléō_):** Akin to the idea of "calling," this verb is used here to denote the giving of a name or being named. It indicates that "Mark" was John's given surname or cognomen, a common practice for Jews in the Roman world to have both a Hebrew and a Roman name. This detail provides cultural context for John Mark's identity and background.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Barnabas determined":** This clause establishes Barnabas as the subject of the action, highlighting his agency and strong will in this decision. The use of "determined" (from _bouleúō_) indicates a firm resolve, not a casual suggestion, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict. Barnabas, known for his encouraging nature, here demonstrates a conviction rooted in his character.
* **"to take with them John":** This specifies Barnabas's intent: to include John in their missionary party. The phrase "to take with them" (from _symparalambánō_) implies a desire for John to be a full participant in the shared work, not just an assistant. This reveals Barnabas's commitment to mentorship and his belief in giving John a renewed opportunity.
* **"whose surname was Mark":** This final clause identifies "John" more fully as "John Mark." The dual naming convention (Hebrew "John," Roman "Mark") was common, indicating his background and potential for ministry in both Jewish and Gentile contexts. This detail is crucial for understanding the individual at the heart of the dispute and his later significance in New Testament history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Characterization** by immediately revealing Barnabas's nature as an encourager and one who believes in second chances, consistent with his earlier portrayal as the "Son of Encouragement" [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement"). There is also clear **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly simple decision sets the stage for the intense disagreement between Paul and Barnabas that immediately follows in the narrative [Acts 15:38-39](/acts/15-38-39 "Acts 15:38-39 - The Paul-Barnabas Split"). The narrative uses **Conciseness** to present a pivotal moment, allowing the reader to infer the underlying tension and the profound implications of Barnabas's resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 15:37 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of grace and the practical outworking of redemption in human relationships. Barnabas's determination to include John Mark, despite Mark's earlier abandonment of the mission, exemplifies a commitment to restoration and a belief in the potential for growth and renewed usefulness even after failure. This act of grace mirrors God's own character, who is always ready to forgive and restore those who stumble. It reminds us that God often uses imperfect people, and that our past mistakes do not necessarily disqualify us from future service. The subsequent disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, while painful, also highlights divine sovereignty, as God can use human differences to expand His kingdom in unforeseen ways, leading to two missionary teams instead of one.

* [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin")
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Request for Mark")
* [Philemon 1:24](/philemon/1-24 "Philemon 1:24 - Mark as Paul's Fellow Worker")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Barnabas's unwavering resolve to give John Mark a second chance offers a profound lesson in grace, mentorship, and the redemptive power of belief in others. In a world quick to dismiss those who have faltered, Barnabas embodies the spirit of an encourager, looking beyond past failures to see future potential. This challenges us to cultivate a similar heart in our own lives, both in personal relationships and within the church community. Are we quick to extend forgiveness and offer opportunities for restoration to those who have stumbled? Do we see the potential in others, even when their past performance has been less than ideal? This passage also reminds us that even deeply committed followers of Christ can experience significant disagreements, yet God can sovereignly use these very differences to further His purposes. Our focus should be on faithfully pursuing God's call, trusting that He can redeem even our relational tensions for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Barnabas's determination to include John Mark challenge my own willingness to extend grace and offer second chances to others, especially those who have disappointed me?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be called to act as an "encourager" like Barnabas, helping to restore or develop someone who has made mistakes?**
* **What lessons can I draw from the eventual reconciliation and renewed usefulness of John Mark for my own journey of growth and redemption?**

### FAQ

**Why was John Mark's inclusion a point of contention, and what was his previous history?**

Answer: John Mark's inclusion was a point of contention because he had previously abandoned Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey, returning to Jerusalem from Pamphylia [Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark's Departure"). Paul viewed this as a serious dereliction of duty, indicating a lack of commitment or steadfastness, and therefore strongly objected to taking him again [Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - Paul's Objection"). Barnabas, however, likely saw potential for growth and redemption in his cousin, John Mark, and was determined to give him another opportunity, reflecting his character as the "Son of Encouragement." This disagreement ultimately led to Paul and Barnabas separating and pursuing different missionary routes [Acts 15:39](/acts/15-39 "Acts 15:39 - The Separation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Barnabas's unwavering determination to give John Mark a second chance, despite past failure, beautifully foreshadows the boundless grace and restorative power found in Christ. Just as Barnabas believed in Mark's potential for renewed usefulness, so too does Christ extend radical forgiveness and new opportunities to those who have failed Him. Our Lord Jesus does not discard those who have stumbled or even denied Him, as seen in His restoration of Peter after his threefold denial [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"). He is the ultimate "Son of Encouragement," who takes our brokenness and redeems it for His glory, transforming past weaknesses into future strengths, as He did with Peter, and later, with John Mark, who became a valuable companion to Paul [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin") and a Gospel writer. Christ's mission is one of reconciliation and restoration, continually inviting us back into service and fellowship, demonstrating that His grace is always sufficient, even for those who have previously fallen short [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

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 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.

Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

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.

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Acts 12:25

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

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.