Acts 15:38
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Original Language Analysis
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
1 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τὸ
who
G3588
τὸ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστάντα
departed from
G868
ἀποστάντα
departed from
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
5 of 19
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Παμφυλίας
Pamphylia
G3828
Παμφυλίας
Pamphylia
Strong's:
G3828
Word #:
9 of 19
every-tribal, i.e., heterogeneous (g5561 being implied); pamphylia, a region of asia minor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
συνελθόντα
went
G4905
συνελθόντα
went
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
12 of 19
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
who
G3588
τὸ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
16 of 19
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Mark's earlier departure had left Paul and Barnabas without needed assistance at a crucial time. Paul's hesitation reflects the seriousness of missionary commitment in hostile environments.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we balance grace with accountability in ministry?
- What standards should apply to those in Christian leadership?
- When is it wise to entrust responsibility to someone who previously failed?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul 'thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.' Paul's concern was mission effectiveness - Mark had proven unreliable. While Barnabas emphasized grace and restoration, Paul prioritized faithfulness and perseverance. Both perspectives have biblical merit.