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Acts 15

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

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

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

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

What does Acts 15:38 mean?

Explanation

Acts 15:38 speaks about a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas regarding a young man named John Mark. John Mark had previously accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey but had left them and returned home when they were in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13).

This verse reveals that while Barnabas was willing to give John Mark another chance and take him along on their next journey, Paul disagreed with the idea, believing that someone who had previously abandoned the mission should not be included in their work.

The verse highlights themes of trust, forgiveness, and the accountability of those who are called to participate in ministry work.

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Historical Context

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and is often attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul.

Acts 15:38 falls within the narrative of the Council of Jerusalem, which addressed issues related to Gentile converts to Christianity.

During this period, the early Christian community was wrestling with its Jewish roots and the inclusion of Gentiles.

This was a time when missionary journeys were crucial to the spread of Christianity, and the reliability of team members was of great importance.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse showcases a tension between the need for grace and second chances (a point that might be argued from Barnabas' perspective) and the need for reliability and commitment in Christian ministry (a point Paul seems to stand by).

Different denominations may emphasize one aspect over the other.

Some may side with Paul, stressing the importance of dedication to one's calling, while others may align with Barnabas, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and restoration.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 15:38 involve considerations of leadership and teamwork in any collaborative or ministry setting.

This involves making decisions about when to offer second chances and how to manage people who have previously fallen short of expectations.

It also speaks to the importance of having clear standards for members of a team and the discernment necessary in leadership to make judgments about a person's readiness for involvement in a particular work.

Cross-References

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.]" This verse gives the context of John Mark's initial departure.
Acts 15:39-40 – "[And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.]" This passage describes the outcome of the disagreement.

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "thought not good" (Ancient Greek: οὐκ ἀξίωσεν), which implies Paul's strong opinion or judgment on the matter.

The word "departed" (ἀποχωρήσαντα) carries the connotation of withdrawing or retreating, emphasizing John Mark's previous action as a form of desertion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the time, reliability and commitment were highly valued traits, particularly in religious or philosophical communities.

Comparatively, in some Jewish and Greco-Roman philosophical schools, adherence to the group and the completion of assigned tasks or missions was pivotal.

Acts 15:38 showcases a similar concern within the early Christian community.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, particularly in psychology, the dynamics between Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark can be examined through the lens of group cohesion, trust, and team dynamics.

Understanding human behavior and group interactions can provide insights into the decision-making process and interpersonal relations reflected in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied perspectives on this verse.

Some, like John Calvin, focus on the sharpness of the disagreement and the impact on the early church, while others, like Matthew Henry, emphasize the lesson in prudent decision-making and determination for ministry work.

Many commentaries discuss the character traits of Paul and Barnabas, noting Paul's strict standards for ministry and Barnabas' inclination toward encouragement and mentoring.

Acts 15

Acts 15

What does Acts 15:38 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 15:38 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?