Acts 15:37

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

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

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

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark.

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

Commentary

Context

Acts 15:37 is a pivotal verse that sets the stage for a significant turn in the early Christian missionary efforts. Following the Jerusalem Council, where a crucial theological debate about Gentile converts and the Law was settled, Paul and Barnabas were planning their second major missionary journey. This verse highlights Barnabas's desire to bring along John Mark, who had previously accompanied them on their first journey but had departed from them in Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem. This decision, though seemingly minor, would lead to a sharp disagreement between two of the most influential apostles.

Key Themes

  • Mentorship and Second Chances: Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36), exemplifies a spirit of grace and restoration. His determination to take John Mark suggests a belief in giving a young minister a second chance, despite past failures. This highlights the importance of patient mentorship in spiritual development.
  • Disagreement in Ministry: This verse foreshadows the intense dispute between Paul and Barnabas that immediately follows (Acts 15:38), leading to their separation (Acts 15:39). It demonstrates that even godly leaders can have honest disagreements on matters of strategy and personnel, yet God can still use these differences for His greater purposes.
  • The Future Importance of Individuals: While John Mark's earlier departure was a point of contention, Barnabas's advocacy proved instrumental in his eventual restoration. John Mark would later become a valuable associate to Paul (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11) and is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Mark. This underscores how God can redeem past mistakes and use individuals powerfully after periods of growth.

Linguistic Insights

The name "John, whose surname was Mark" reflects a common practice among Jews in the Roman world. John (Greek: Ioannes) is a Hebrew name, while Mark (Latin: Marcus) is a Roman cognomen or surname. This dual naming convention helped individuals navigate both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, and is also seen with other biblical figures like Saul/Paul.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of giving second chances, especially to those who have stumbled in their service. Barnabas's example encourages us to be encouragers ourselves, looking beyond past failures to see potential. Furthermore, it illustrates that even in ministry, disagreements can occur, but they don't necessarily hinder God's work; rather, they can lead to new avenues and expanded reach for the Gospel.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 12:12 (7 votes)

    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 (3 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;)

  • Acts 13:5 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Philemon 1:24 (3 votes)

    Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

  • Acts 12:25 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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