New Testament
Acts 15:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Paul did not think it wise to take him along, since he had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
Compare translations
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
What Acts 15:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Paul is hesitant to take John Mark on their next journey. This decision stems from a previous experience where John Mark left them during an important mission in Pamphylia. Paul feels that John Mark's earlier departure shows a lack of commitment, which makes him unfit for the demanding work ahead. This moment highlights the importance of reliability and trust in teamwork. Paul’s choice reflects a desire to ensure that their mission is successful and that everyone involved is fully dedicated. It also illustrates how past actions can influence future decisions, especially in leadership roles. This situation serves as a reminder that while second chances are valuable, they must be balanced with the need for accountability and dependability. Ultimately, this decision leads to a significant split between Paul and Barnabas, showing that even good intentions can lead to difficult choices in relationships and ministry. The story encourages us to consider how we evaluate others based on their past actions and how we can support growth and commitment in our teams.
How to apply Acts 15:38 to your life
When working with others, consider their past actions and how they align with your goals. It's important to balance giving second chances with the need for reliability. Reflect on how you can support others in becoming more dependable in their commitments. Trust is built over time, and accountability is key to successful teamwork. Be mindful of your own reliability as well, as it impacts those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Paul and Barnabas Part Ways (Acts 15:36–41)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 15:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 15:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 15:38 mean?
Acts 15:38 describes Paul's decision not to take John Mark on their next missionary journey due to John Mark's previous departure during an earlier mission. This highlights Paul's concern for reliability and commitment in their work.
What themes are present in Acts 15:38?
Acts 15:38 touches on themes such as teamwork, commitment, leadership, trust, and the balance between giving second chances and ensuring accountability.
What can we learn from Acts 15:38 about teamwork?
Acts 15:38 teaches that reliability is crucial in teamwork. It emphasizes the need to consider past actions when evaluating someone's readiness to contribute to a mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.