Bible Strands
Acts 15:37
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul and Barnabas are coordinating a return visit to churches in previously evangelized towns. Barnabas proposes that John, also called Mark, accompany them on this next mission.
The words — The text emphasizes ἐβούλετο (ebouleto), meaning "was planning" or "wanted," and συμπαραλαβεῖν (sumparalabein), meaning "to take along." Barnabas actively intended to bring John Mark into their traveling party.
The thread — This verse points back to John Mark's earlier ministry travels with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:5) and his return to Jerusalem alongside them (Acts 12:25). His familial background is recorded separately in Acts 12:12.
Why it lands — The verse states a personnel proposal before Paul's refusal in the following line reveals a dispute over past reliability. It asks the reader to note how previous service and past failures create immediate friction in shared work.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Cross-references
- Acts 12:12 And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.
- Acts 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.
- Acts 13:5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.
- Colossians 4:10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
- Philemon 1:24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
- Acts 13:13 After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.