Devine Scripture

Acts 15:37

What does Acts 15:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 15:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 15:37 means

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark along. This reflects Barnabas’s character as an encourager, willing to invest in someone who had previously faltered. Family ties may also be in view, but Luke simply notes Barnabas’s intention. His desire suggests hope for restoration and usefulness after failure. In gospel ministry, people can grow; past shortcomings need not disqualify permanently. Yet, prudence also weighs past behavior when planning arduous work. Barnabas’s stance highlights mercy and the potential for second chances, without denying that the decision carries risk for the mission’s demands.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Barnabas had a desire to take with them John, named Mark.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Barnabas counselled to take with <FI>them<Fi> John called Mark,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Barnabas would have taken with them John also, that was surnamed Mark.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Barnabas proposed to take with [them] John also, called Mark;

Context

Paul and Barnabas are aligned on revisiting the churches, but they diverge on team composition. Barnabas’s proposal leads directly to Paul’s objection in the next verse. The tension will escalate into a sharp disagreement, showing that even faithful leaders can differ strongly over practical judgments while still loving Christ and His church.

v.36And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.

v.37This passage

v.38But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 12:25

    And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

  • Acts 12:12

    And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.

  • Acts 13:13

    Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.

  • Colossians 4:10

    Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

  • Philemon 1:24

    and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

  • Acts 13:5

    And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 15:37.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary