Acts 15:39

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G3767} the contention {G3948} was {G1096} so sharp {G3948} between them {G846}, that {G5620} they departed asunder {G673} one from the other {G575}{G240}: and so {G5037} Barnabas {G921} took {G3880} Mark {G3138}, and sailed {G1602} unto {G1519} Cyprus {G2954};

Complete Jewish Bible

There was such sharp disagreement over this that they separated from each other, with Bar-Nabba taking Mark and sailing off to Cyprus.

Berean Standard Bible

Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

American Standard Version

And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 15:39 recounts the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, leading to their separation and the formation of two distinct missionary teams. This pivotal moment, immediately following the Jerusalem Council, highlights the human element within divine ministry, demonstrating how even profound disagreements among faithful servants can, by God's sovereign design, lead to an unexpected expansion of the Gospel message. Barnabas, extending grace, took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and embarked on a new journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 15:39 is situated immediately after the pivotal [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15-1-35 "The Jerusalem Council on Gentile Inclusion"), where the early church leaders debated and resolved the issue of Gentile inclusion and the necessity of circumcision for salvation. Following this theological resolution, Paul and Barnabas, having completed their first missionary journey and reported its successes, planned to revisit the new believers in the cities where they had previously preached ([Acts 15:36](/acts/15-36 "Paul and Barnabas Plan to Revisit Churches")). It is in the preparation for this next phase of mission that the personal conflict arises, setting the stage for a significant shift in the apostolic teams and the geographical reach of the Gospel. The verse thus serves as a narrative pivot, transitioning from a doctrinal dispute to a relational one, yet both ultimately serve the overarching purpose of spreading the Good News.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was a nascent movement, rapidly expanding into diverse cultural and geographical regions. Missionaries like Paul and Barnabas operated without established institutional structures, relying on personal relationships, divine guidance, and the support of local churches. Travel was arduous and dangerous, requiring immense commitment and resilience. The concept of "apostolic teams" was crucial for support, accountability, and shared labor. In this context, a reliable and committed team member was paramount. John Mark's earlier departure from the first missionary journey in Pamphylia ([Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "John Mark's Departure from Paul and Barnabas")) would have been viewed by Paul as a serious breach of commitment, potentially endangering the mission. Barnabas, however, being Mark's cousin and known as the "Son of Encouragement" ([Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Barnabas, Son of Encouragement")), likely saw potential for growth and redemption, reflecting a different cultural value of familial loyalty and second chances.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **humanity of the apostles**, revealing that even spiritual giants like Paul and Barnabas were not immune to intense disagreements and personal conflicts. Their "sharp contention" demonstrates that godly people can have sincere, yet opposing, convictions. Secondly, it highlights **divine sovereignty amidst human conflict**. Despite the division, God uses this human failing to achieve a greater purpose: the doubling of missionary efforts and the broader dissemination of the Gospel. Instead of one team, there were now two, expanding the reach into Cyprus and Asia Minor simultaneously ([Acts 15:40-41](/acts/15-40-41 "Paul and Silas Depart, Barnabas and Mark Sail to Cyprus")). Thirdly, the passage introduces the theme of **grace and second chances**, particularly through Barnabas's advocacy for John Mark. This foreshadows Mark's later restoration and usefulness in ministry, even to Paul himself ([Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "John Mark's Later Ministry") and [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "Mark is Profitable to Paul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contention (Greek, _paroxysmós'_):** This word (G3948) is derived from a verb meaning "to sharpen" or "to provoke." It signifies not merely a mild disagreement, but a strong, sharp irritation, a fierce dispute, or an exacerbation of feelings. It implies an intense, heated argument that led to a significant rupture, highlighting the depth of the differing convictions between Paul and Barnabas.
* **Departed asunder (Greek, _apochōrízō'_):** This verb (G673) means "to rend apart" or "to separate." Used reflexively here, it emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas actively separated themselves from each other due to the intensity of their disagreement. It underscores the finality and decisiveness of their parting of ways at this moment, indicating that reconciliation was not immediately possible.
* **Sailed (Greek, _ekpléō'_):** This verb (G1602) specifically means "to depart by ship." Its use here indicates the immediate action Barnabas took after the separation, emphasizing his resolve to proceed with the mission, albeit with a different companion and destination. It highlights the practical and immediate consequence of the "contention" and "separation."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the contention was so sharp between them,"**: This clause immediately establishes the nature and intensity of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. The word "contention" (paroxysmos) conveys a strong, heated argument, indicating that their differing views on John Mark's inclusion were not minor but deeply felt and passionately expressed.
* **"that they departed asunder one from the other:"**: This phrase describes the direct and severe consequence of their sharp contention. The verb "departed asunder" (apochōrízō) emphasizes a decisive and complete separation, indicating that their disagreement was so profound that it led to the dissolution of their established missionary partnership.
* **"and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"**: This final clause details the immediate action taken by Barnabas following the separation. It shows his commitment to giving John Mark a second chance, reflecting his character as an encourager. Their departure by ship to Cyprus, Barnabas's home island, marks the beginning of a new missionary journey, distinct from Paul's, demonstrating how the conflict, though painful, ultimately resulted in an expansion of the Gospel's reach.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Conflict** is the most prominent, starkly portraying the human frailty even within spiritual giants. This intense disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is not glossed over but explicitly described as "sharp contention," leading to their separation. This serves as a realistic portrayal of the challenges inherent in ministry and human relationships. There is also an element of **Juxtaposition** in the differing approaches of Paul and Barnabas: Paul's pragmatic, results-oriented stance regarding Mark's past failure is contrasted with Barnabas's grace-filled, restorative approach. Finally, the narrative exhibits subtle **Foreshadowing**. While the immediate outcome is a painful separation, the subsequent narrative in Acts and Paul's later epistles reveals that this division ultimately led to a doubling of missionary efforts and John Mark's eventual restoration and usefulness in ministry, even to Paul himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates that God's sovereign plan can unfold even amidst human conflict and imperfection. The "sharp contention" between Paul and Barnabas, though painful and divisive, did not derail the mission of God but rather diversified and expanded it. It underscores that God is not limited by our failings or disagreements; instead, He can redeem and repurpose them for His greater glory. This event serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, even when those "things" are difficult interpersonal conflicts. It also highlights the importance of grace and restoration within the Christian community, exemplified by Barnabas's belief in Mark's potential.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "The Gospel is Proclaimed")
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "Mark is Profitable to Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 15:39 offers a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the realities of Christian life and ministry. It reminds us that even among deeply committed believers, disagreements can arise, sometimes with painful and lasting consequences. The "sharp contention" between Paul and Barnabas, two pillars of the early church, challenges any naive assumption that spiritual maturity eliminates conflict. Instead, it teaches us that conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, even within the church. The key is not the absence of conflict, but how we navigate it and trust God to work through it. This passage encourages humility, recognizing that our perspectives, however sincere, may not be the only valid ones. It also highlights the importance of grace, as seen in Barnabas's willingness to invest in Mark despite past failures, a principle vital for fostering growth and restoration in others. Ultimately, it calls us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, believing that He can use even our brokenness and divisions to advance His kingdom in ways we might not foresee.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when faced with sharp disagreements, especially with fellow believers?**
* **In what ways can a "separation of paths" sometimes be a healthy outcome for ministry or relationships?**
* **When have you seen God redeem a difficult situation or conflict for a greater good, even if it was painful at the time?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of grace and a willingness to offer second chances, as Barnabas did with John Mark?**

### FAQ

**Was the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas a sin?**

Answer: The text describes the "contention" (Greek: _paroxysmos_) as "sharp," indicating an intense and heated argument. While the immediate outcome was a separation, the Bible does not explicitly label their disagreement as sin. Rather, it portrays a very human conflict arising from differing convictions about how best to advance the Gospel. Paul, driven by a concern for reliability and the mission's integrity, was unwilling to take Mark who had previously deserted them ([Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "John Mark's Departure")). Barnabas, known for his encouraging nature, believed in giving Mark a second chance. Both likely acted from sincere, though opposing, motivations. The outcome, though a division, ultimately led to the expansion of the Gospel through two teams instead of one, suggesting that God sovereignly used even this human friction for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 15:39 describes a very human conflict, it implicitly points to the redemptive work of Christ and the nature of His body, the Church. The "sharp contention" between Paul and Barnabas, leading to their separation, stands in stark contrast to the perfect unity and self-sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, consistently sought unity among His disciples, praying for their oneness "that the world may believe" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "Jesus Prays for Unity")). Yet, even in this moment of human failure and division, the ultimate mission—the spread of the Gospel—was not thwarted but expanded. This reflects the sovereign power of Christ, who builds His church even through the imperfections of His servants ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Christ Builds His Church")). Furthermore, Barnabas's willingness to extend grace and a second chance to John Mark foreshadows the boundless grace found in Christ, who continually offers forgiveness and restoration to those who stumble ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "God's Rich Mercy and Grace")). Just as Mark was later redeemed and became useful to Paul, so too does Christ redeem and use all who come to Him, transforming their past failures into opportunities for future service and demonstrating His power to reconcile and unify even the most fractured relationships within His body ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Bear with Each Other and Forgive")).

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

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;)

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:21

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Acts 13:4

¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.