But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

ACTS 15:38KJV
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Acts 15:38 (KJV)

What does Acts 15:38 mean?

Acts 15:38 says that Paul did not think it was a good idea to take John Mark with them on their missionary journey, because John Mark had previously left them in Pamphylia and did not continue with them in their work. Paul’s decision is based on John Mark’s earlier departure, which Paul saw as abandoning the mission.

In this verse, the situation is a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about whether to bring John Mark along as they plan another journey to visit the churches they had started. Paul is speaking to Barnabas, and his concern is about reliability and commitment to the work. This moment sets the stage for a sharp disagreement and a split between Paul and Barnabas, showing the real human challenges faced by early Christian leaders.

The Greek behind Acts 15:38

  • The word "thought not good" comes from the Greek word κρίνω (krinō, here tagged as G515), which often means "to judge" or "to consider." In this context, it suggests that Paul made a careful judgment, not just a casual opinion.
  • The phrase "departed from them" uses the Greek word ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, tagged as G868), which means "to withdraw" or "to desert." This word can carry a strong sense of leaving someone behind, not just stepping away temporarily.
  • The word for "work" is ἔργον (ergon, G2041), which refers to the mission or labor they were doing. Paul saw their journey as serious work, not just travel or companionship.

Why Acts 15:38 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s concern was not personal dislike, but a judgment about John Mark’s previous reliability in ministry work.
  • Acts 15:38 highlights the seriousness with which Paul viewed the mission, emphasizing that commitment and perseverance were essential qualities for those involved.
  • This disagreement leads to a significant turning point in Acts, resulting in Paul and Barnabas going separate ways, which ultimately spreads their missionary efforts even further.

Where else these words appear

“take” Greek G4838 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

“Pamphylia” Greek G3828 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 14:24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

“thought” Greek G515 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

“departed” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  • Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.