Acts 15:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Paul {G3972} thought {G515} not {G3361} good {G515} to take {G4838} him {G5126} with them {G4838}, who {G3588} departed {G868} from {G575} them {G846} from {G575} Pamphylia {G3828}, and {G2532} went {G4905} not {G3361} with them {G846} to {G1519} the work {G2041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sha’ul thought it would be unwise to take this man with them, since he had gone off and left them in Pamphylia to do the work by themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.

American Standard Version

But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:38 records a pivotal moment of tension between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, two foundational figures in early Christian missions. Their disagreement centered on whether to include John Mark in their upcoming second missionary journey, with Paul vehemently opposing it due to Mark's previous abandonment of their work in Pamphylia. This verse sets the stage for a "sharp contention" that ultimately led to the separation of these esteemed colleagues, yet providentially resulted in the expansion of the Gospel through two distinct missionary teams.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the momentous Jerusalem Council described in [Acts 15:1-35](/acts/15-1-35 "The Jerusalem Council and its Decrees"), where the early church leaders affirmed salvation by grace through faith, not by adherence to Mosaic Law. With this doctrinal clarity established, Paul and Barnabas, having delivered the council's letter, planned to revisit the churches they had previously planted to strengthen the believers. The narrative in [Acts 15:36-41](/acts/15-36-41 "Paul and Barnabas's Sharp Disagreement and Separation") depicts the practical outworking of ministry, showing that even Spirit-filled leaders could encounter profound disagreements on strategy and personnel. Paul's objection to John Mark is the catalyst for the "sharp contention" mentioned in [Acts 15:39](/acts/15-39 "Paul and Barnabas's Separation"), leading to their separation and the formation of two missionary teams.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian missionary journeys were arduous and dangerous, requiring immense dedication, resilience, and trustworthiness from all participants. Travel often involved long, perilous treks through rugged terrain and over seas, facing opposition from hostile authorities, religious adversaries, and even natural elements. In such a demanding environment, a team member's reliability was paramount. John Mark's earlier departure from the first missionary journey in [Pamphylia](/acts/13-13 "John Mark's Departure from Pamphylia") (a Roman province in southern Asia Minor) was not merely an inconvenience but a significant setback, potentially jeopardizing the mission's integrity and the safety of the remaining team. Paul, as a strategic and results-oriented leader, prioritized unwavering commitment for the sake of the Gospel's advance, viewing past actions as a strong indicator of future reliability.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **disagreement within the body of Christ**, demonstrating that even deeply committed and Spirit-led individuals like Paul and Barnabas could have significant differences of opinion, yet God could use such conflict for His greater purposes, as seen in the subsequent expansion of missionary efforts. Secondly, it underscores the **importance of perseverance and reliability in ministry**, particularly in the face of demanding and dangerous work. Paul's stance reflects a high standard for those engaged in the "work" of the Gospel. Lastly, implicitly, it introduces the theme of **redemption and second chances**, which is later beautifully illustrated by John Mark's restoration and subsequent usefulness to Paul, as evidenced in later epistles like [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Paul's later commendation of John Mark") and [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "Paul's request for John Mark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thought (Greek, _axióō'_):** This word (G515) means "to deem entitled or fit; to desire, think good, count worthy." Paul's "thought not good" (οὐκ ἠξίου, _ouk ēxiou_) indicates a strong, deliberate judgment. It wasn't merely a preference but a conviction that John Mark was not "fit" or "worthy" to join them on this particular mission, based on his previous conduct. This reflects Paul's pragmatic assessment of the demands of the work and the need for reliable companions.
* **departed (Greek, _aphístēmi'_):** The term (G868) means "to remove, to desist, desert, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self." When applied to John Mark, it emphasizes his act of abandoning the missionary team. Paul viewed this as a significant withdrawal or desertion from the crucial "work," highlighting a lack of steadfastness that he believed made Mark unsuitable for the rigors of the second journey.
* **work (Greek, _érgon'_):** This word (G2041) refers to "toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act; deed, doing, labour, work." In this context, "the work" signifies the demanding, sacrificial, and often perilous missionary endeavor of spreading the Gospel. Paul's concern was not personal animosity but a commitment to the effectiveness and integrity of this sacred "work," which required absolute dedication from all participants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Paul thought not good to take him with them":** This clause reveals Paul's firm conviction and decisive judgment regarding John Mark. The Greek phrase "οὐκ ἠξίου" (ouk ēxiou), translated as "thought not good," conveys a strong sense of deeming someone unfit or unworthy for a particular task. Paul, a seasoned missionary, was unwilling to compromise on the reliability of his team members, given the arduous and often dangerous nature of their calling. His assessment was rooted in a pragmatic understanding of the demands of the mission.
* **"who departed from them from Pamphylia":** This part of the verse provides the specific reason for Paul's objection. It directly references John Mark's previous action during the first missionary journey, where he left Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia (specifically, Perga, as mentioned in [Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "John Mark's departure from Perga, Pamphylia")). The word "departed" (ἀποστάντα, _apostanta_) carries the connotation of withdrawing or deserting, implying a lack of commitment or perseverance at a critical juncture. This past failure weighed heavily on Paul's mind.
* **"and went not with them to the work":** This final clause clarifies the nature of John Mark's departure: he did not continue with them "to the work" (εἰς τὸ ἔργον, _eis to ergon_). This "work" refers to the arduous and vital task of evangelism and church planting. Mark's failure to proceed with them to the more challenging interior regions (like Pisidian Antioch) indicated a perceived lack of endurance or commitment to the demanding mission. For Paul, this past action was a disqualifier for future participation in such a crucial endeavor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices. **Characterization** is prominent, vividly portraying Paul's pragmatic, mission-focused leadership style in contrast to Barnabas's more gracious and perhaps nurturing approach. Paul's "thought not good" reveals his unwavering commitment to the efficiency and reliability required for the demanding "work." There is also a subtle **foreshadowing** of the subsequent "sharp contention" (Acts 15:39), as this initial disagreement sets the stage for the dramatic separation of Paul and Barnabas. Furthermore, the narrative contains **irony**, as this seemingly negative conflict ultimately leads to a positive outcome: the doubling of missionary efforts and the expansion of the Gospel's reach, demonstrating God's ability to work through human imperfections and disagreements for His sovereign purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while detailing a personal conflict, offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian ministry, leadership, and human relationships. It reminds us that even exemplary servants of God can experience sharp disagreements, underscoring the reality of human fallibility even among the Spirit-filled. Yet, it also powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, demonstrating how He can providentially use such conflicts, not to hinder, but to expand His kingdom work. The subsequent restoration of John Mark, who later became "profitable" to Paul, speaks volumes about the themes of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in an individual's life, highlighting that past failures do not necessarily define one's future usefulness in God's service. This narrative encourages a balanced perspective on accountability and restorative grace within the Christian community.

* [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Paul's later commendation of John Mark")
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "Paul's request for John Mark for ministry")
* [Proverbs 27:17](/proverbs/27-17 "Iron sharpens iron")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark serves as a powerful reminder that even deeply committed believers and spiritual leaders can have genuine, even "sharp," differences of opinion. This passage challenges us to consider how we navigate conflict within our own Christian communities and relationships. Rather than viewing disagreement as inherently negative, we can learn to seek God's hand in it, recognizing that sometimes, divergent paths can lead to a greater collective impact for the Kingdom. It also prompts us to reflect on the importance of perseverance in our own callings and ministries, understanding that "the work" of God often demands unwavering commitment. However, it equally calls us to extend grace and offer second chances, remembering John Mark's journey from perceived failure to invaluable service. We are invited to cultivate an environment where individuals can grow, learn from mistakes, and be restored to usefulness, just as Paul eventually recognized John Mark's renewed value.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I experience sharp disagreements with fellow believers or leaders?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I need to demonstrate greater perseverance and commitment to "the work"?**
* **Am I quick to write people off based on past failures, or do I actively seek opportunities to extend grace and facilitate restoration, as seen in John Mark's story?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul wrong to refuse John Mark, given that Mark later became useful?**

Answer: Paul's decision was based on a pragmatic assessment of the immediate needs of the mission and John Mark's past actions. At that moment, Paul prioritized the reliability and unwavering commitment required for the arduous "work" of evangelism. While hindsight, and later New Testament passages like [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Paul's commendation of Mark") and [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "Paul's request for Mark"), show John Mark's eventual maturity and usefulness, Paul's initial stance was not necessarily "wrong" but a judgment call made under specific circumstances. God, in His sovereignty, used this very disagreement to expand the missionary effort, demonstrating that even human conflict can serve divine purposes. It highlights the tension between grace and accountability in ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 15:38 details a human conflict, it implicitly points to the overarching grace and redemptive work found supremely in Christ. Paul's insistence on reliability for "the work" underscores the high cost of discipleship and the demands of following Jesus, who Himself called for absolute commitment (e.g., [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Jesus' call to take up the cross daily")). Yet, the subsequent narrative of John Mark's restoration beautifully foreshadows the boundless grace of Christ, who offers second chances and redeems those who falter. Just as John Mark was eventually deemed "profitable" for the ministry, so too does Christ take our past failures, weaknesses, and even desertions, and through His transforming power, makes us useful for His Kingdom. His ultimate "work" on the cross (e.g., [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "Jesus' cry 'It is finished'")) provides the foundation for all ministry, enabling imperfect people to participate in His perfect mission. The ability of God to use human disagreement for greater good in this passage reflects the divine wisdom that orchestrates all things for His glory, a wisdom perfectly embodied in Christ, the Head of the Church (e.g., [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 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.

Luke 14:27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:34

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

Proverbs 25:19

¶ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Psalms 78:9

¶ The children of Ephraim, [being] armed, [and] carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

Luke 9:61

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.