Acts 15:39
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
was
G1096
ἐγένετο
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
παροξυσμὸς
so sharp between them
G3948
παροξυσμὸς
so sharp between them
Strong's:
G3948
Word #:
3 of 17
incitement (to good), or dispute (in anger)
ὥστε
that
G5620
ὥστε
that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
4 of 17
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀποχωρισθῆναι
they departed asunder
G673
ἀποχωρισθῆναι
they departed asunder
Strong's:
G673
Word #:
5 of 17
to rend apart; reflexively, to separate
αὐτοὺς
G846
αὐτοὺς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
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
ἀπ'
one from the other
G575
ἀπ'
one from the other
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τόν
G3588
τόν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
11 of 17
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
παραλαβόντα
took
G3880
παραλαβόντα
took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
12 of 17
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 4:10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Historical Context
This separation (circa AD 50) was painful but providential. Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas for Asia Minor and Europe, effectively doubling the missionary enterprise.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God use even conflicts among believers for His purposes?
- What does this teach about disagreements among godly people?
- How should we respond when we cannot resolve differences with other Christians?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder.' The Greek 'paroxysmos' (sharp disagreement) describes intense conflict. Even godly leaders can disagree strongly. Rather than force artificial unity, they separated into two missionary teams, doubling their gospel impact. God's sovereignty turns human conflict into kingdom advance.