Acts 15:39

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;

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};

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

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

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

Context of Acts 15:39

Acts 15:39 describes a pivotal moment in the early church's missionary efforts, immediately following the significant Jerusalem Council. Paul and Barnabas, who had successfully completed their first missionary journey, planned to revisit the cities where they had preached the Gospel (Acts 15:36). However, a sharp disagreement arose concerning John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. Mark had previously departed from them during their first journey in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13), a move Paul evidently viewed as an abandonment of their mission. Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36), wished to give Mark another chance, while Paul was adamant against it (Acts 15:38).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humanity of Apostles: This verse starkly reveals that even spiritual giants like Paul and Barnabas, deeply committed to God's work, were subject to human disagreements and strong emotions. Their "contention" was not a minor squabble but a serious dispute that led to a parting of ways.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Conflict: While the immediate outcome was a separation, this division ultimately led to the expansion of the Gospel. Instead of one missionary team, there were now two. Paul took Silas and continued his work (Acts 15:40), while Barnabas and Mark sailed to Cyprus, Barnabas's home island. God used this human conflict to double the reach of the apostolic mission.
  • Grace and Second Chances: Barnabas's insistence on taking Mark highlights the theme of grace and giving individuals a second opportunity for service. His faith in Mark's potential proved vital, as Mark later became useful to Paul himself (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "contention," which in the original Greek is paroxysmos (ฯ€ฮฑฯฮฟฮพฯ…ฯƒฮผฯŒฯ‚). This word denotes a sharp irritation, a fierce dispute, or an exacerbation. It's not merely a mild disagreement but an intense, heated argument that led to a clear break. This emphasizes the depth of their differing convictions and the strength of their personalities.

Practical Application

Acts 15:39 offers several important lessons for believers today:

  • Disagreements are Inevitable: Even in Christian ministry, differing opinions and strong personalities can lead to conflict. This verse reminds us that conflict doesn't necessarily mean a lack of faith or commitment to God.
  • Handling Conflict: Sometimes, a temporary or permanent separation of paths may be the healthiest outcome for continued ministry, allowing both parties to serve effectively without ongoing friction.
  • The Power of Restoration: Barnabas's actions with Mark serve as a powerful example of believing in and investing in others, even after they have stumbled. It underscores the importance of grace, mentorship, and providing opportunities for restoration and growth within the Body of Christ. Ultimately, God can redeem even broken relationships and use them for His greater purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Colossians 4:10 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Romans 7:18 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 13:4 (1 votes)

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