Paul and Barnabas Part over Mark

After some days in Antioch, Paul proposed to Barnabas that they return and visit the brothers in every city where they had proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they were doing (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to take with them John, called Mark, but Paul thought it best not to take him because he had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work (Acts 15:37-38). The text does not say what Mark's specific reasons were for his earlier departure.

A sharp disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in them parting company from one another (Acts 15:39). Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. The text does not say how long the disagreement lasted or what words were exchanged during the argument. Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:40).

Paul traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:41). The text does not say which specific cities he visited during this portion of the journey, nor does it record the details of Silas’s interactions with the believers at this stage. This transition marked the beginning of separate mission efforts for the two original partners in Antioch.