The contention of Paul and Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41 the contention of Paul and Barnabas over John Mark

Verse 36: “Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord” Paul and Barnabas agree on an initial plan, before coming to disagree. They would return again to the places of Acts 13 and 14, see how they do, and further establish them in faith and practice.

Verses 37-38: Despite initial agreement, Barnabas and Paul come to different conclusions on how to proceed. Barnabas, a man of consolation, encouragement (Acts 4:36), desires to take Mark again, giving him a second chance. Paul finds Mark’s departure from the previous work troublesome. There is not here a moral or spiritual issue between Barnabas and Paul. Each have a different perspective and judgment on Mark’s fitness for the work. Both dig in their heels.

Verses 39: “the contention was so sharp between them” In Jerusalem a controversy has been settled and a rift avoided. In Antioch a controversy erupts and the rift cannot be avoided. John Gill writes:

[that they departed asunder one from another] thus as soon almost as peace was made in the church, a difference arises among the ministers of the word, who are men of like passions with others; and though it is not easy to say which was to blame most in this contention; perhaps there were faults on both sides, for the best men are not without their failings; yet this affair was overruled by the providence of God, for the spread of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his interest; for when these two great and good men parted from one another, they went to different places, preaching the word of God:[1]

Unable to agree on Mark as a travel companion, the contention is adjusted by dividing into two preaching parties instead of one. “Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed…”

Verse 40: “Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.” Viewing this statement in the light of New Testament events that follow, it is problematic to interpret the statement as the church at Antioch taking Paul’s side and endorsing him only. Rather, Antioch recommends Paul with Silas because Silas is a new addition to the men sent from Antioch. Paul, Barnabas, (and by extension, Mark), had previously been “recommended” and sent out by the church at Antioch. Silas had not. Another reason for this focus is that the history that follows will not be about Barnabas and Mark, but about Paul and Silas. Concerning commending and upholding those going forth to preach the gospel, compare III John, verses 5-8.

Both Mark and Barnabas are favorably mentioned in the Scriptures after this split (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:6; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13).

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[1] John Gill’s Exposition, online. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/acts-15-39.html | “The occurrence was overruled for good, by divine providence, in setting on foot two evangelical tours, instead of one.” Ripley, The Acts of the Apostles, p .211.