Paul's Story
A painting of Paul and Barnabas going separate ways from Antioch

Paul's Story · Event 15 of 42

Paul and Barnabas Part Ways

The Council in Jerusalem · Antioch in Syria

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Acts 15:36–41

36After some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas was determined to take along John, who was called Mark. 38But 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. 39The disagreement became so sharp that they parted from one another. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, 40while Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Read Acts 15
Up nextTimothy Joins PaulActs 16:1–5

About this event

What happened?

Paul wanted to go back and visit the believers in every town where they had preached. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul did not, because Mark had left them in Pamphylia. They disagreed so sharply that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Who is here?

  • Barnabas
  • John Mark
  • Silas

Where did this happen?

Antioch in Syria

A large city in Syria, north of Israel, where the disciples were first called Christians.

Where this fits

Event 3 of 3 in The Council in Jerusalem: The apostles and elders decide that Gentile believers need not be circumcised, and Paul and Barnabas part ways.

Good to know

Acts 15:34 in the KJV says Silas decided to stay in Antioch. Many newer Bibles leave this verse out.

Keep exploring

Before thisPaul Opposes Peter at AntiochGalatians 2:11–14After thisTimothy Joins PaulActs 16:1–5

Paul's Story