Acts 15:36-41

J.B. Phillips New Testament

Paul and Barnabas flatly disagree, but the work prospers

³⁶ Some days later Paul spoke to Barnabas, “Now let us go back and visit the brothers in every city where we have proclaimed the Word of the Lord to see how they are.”

^37-41 Barnabas wanted to take John, surnamed Mark, as their companion. But Paul strongly disapproved of taking with them a man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and was not prepared to go on with them in their work. There was a sharp clash of opinion, so much so that they went their separate ways, Barnabas taking Mark and sailing to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and set out on his journey, commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers as he did so. He travelled through Syria and Cilicia and strengthened the churches.