Acts 13:13
After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
After setting sail from Paphos
Paphos was a city on the southwest coast of Cyprus, known for its worship of the goddess Aphrodite. The phrase "setting sail" indicates a transition and movement in the missionary journey of Paul and his companions. The Greek word for "setting sail" (ἀναχθέντες, anachthentes) suggests a deliberate departure, emphasizing the missionary zeal and divine calling that propelled Paul and his team forward. This movement from a place associated with pagan worship to new territories symbolizes the spread of the Gospel into regions dominated by different cultural and religious influences.

Paul and his companions
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of early Christian missions. Paul, originally known as Saul, is now the prominent leader, reflecting his transformation and calling as an apostle to the Gentiles. The term "companions" (οἱ περὶ τὸν Παῦλον, hoi peri ton Paulon) indicates a group working together for a common purpose. This underscores the importance of fellowship and collaboration in ministry, a principle that remains vital in Christian service today.

came to Perga in Pamphylia
Perga was an ancient city in the region of Pamphylia, located in modern-day Turkey. The journey to Perga marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey into Asia Minor. Historically, Perga was known for its temple of Artemis and was a significant city in the Roman province. The mention of Pamphylia situates the narrative in a real geographical and cultural context, reminding readers of the tangible challenges and opportunities faced by early missionaries as they navigated diverse and often hostile environments.

where John left them
John, also known as John Mark, was a relative of Barnabas and an early Christian missionary. His departure from the group is a pivotal moment, as it later leads to a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). The Greek word for "left" (ἀποχωρήσας, apochōrēsas) implies a withdrawal or departure, which may suggest personal or theological reasons for his decision. This incident serves as a reminder of the human element in ministry, where differences and challenges can arise even among dedicated believers.

to return to Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the center of early Christianity and the location of the first Christian church. John's return to Jerusalem may indicate a need for spiritual renewal or a desire to reconnect with the apostolic community. The city represents the heart of the Christian faith, where the apostles gathered and the Holy Spirit was first poured out. This return highlights the importance of maintaining a connection with one's spiritual roots and the broader Christian community, even as the Gospel spreads to new regions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
Formerly known as Saul, Paul is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, he is leading a missionary journey.

2. Companions
This refers to those traveling with Paul, including Barnabas and John Mark, who are assisting in the missionary work.

3. Paphos
A city on the island of Cyprus, where Paul and his companions had previously been, known for its pagan worship and the conversion of the proconsul Sergius Paulus.

4. Perga
A city in the region of Pamphylia, located in modern-day Turkey. It is a significant stop in Paul's missionary journey.

5. John (John Mark)
A young disciple who accompanied Paul and Barnabas but decided to leave them at Perga and return to Jerusalem. His departure is noted as significant in the account of Acts.
Teaching Points
Commitment in Ministry
John Mark's departure from the mission team at Perga serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and perseverance in ministry. Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey, but faithfulness is crucial.

Handling Disagreements
The later conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark teaches us about handling disagreements within the church. It is important to seek reconciliation and recognize the potential for growth and change in others.

God's Sovereignty in Plans
Despite human decisions and failures, God's plans continue to unfold. The mission continued despite John Mark's departure, showing that God's work is not dependent on any one individual.

The Role of Mentorship
Paul and Barnabas' relationship with John Mark highlights the importance of mentorship in the faith. Encouraging and guiding younger believers is vital for their growth and the future of the church.
Bible Study Questions
1. What might have been some reasons for John Mark's decision to leave Paul and Barnabas at Perga, and how can we apply this understanding to our own challenges in ministry?

2. How does the later reconciliation between Paul and John Mark encourage us in dealing with conflicts and disagreements within our own church communities?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we remain committed to the tasks God has called us to, even when faced with difficulties or discouragement?

4. How can the example of Paul and Barnabas' mentorship of John Mark inspire us to invest in the spiritual growth of others around us?

5. Reflect on a time when a change in plans or a setback in your life ultimately led to a greater understanding of God's sovereignty. How can this perspective help you in current or future challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 12:25
This verse provides context about John Mark's involvement with Paul and Barnabas, as they returned from Jerusalem after completing their mission.

Acts 15:36-39
This passage describes the later disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, highlighting the impact of his departure from Perga.

Colossians 4:10
Paul later refers to Mark as a fellow worker, indicating reconciliation and Mark's continued importance in the early church.

2 Timothy 4:11
Paul requests Mark's presence, showing that Mark had become valuable to him in ministry.
A Place Found At Last for SaulH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:2-13
Barnabas and Paul Sent ForthA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
Blessing Sent to OthersActs 13:2-13
Bodily AbstinenceJ. Pulsford.Acts 13:2-13
Church Enterprises, How They Must Begin in Order to be BlessedK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Church OfficesRieger.Acts 13:2-13
Mission and CommissionBp. H. C. Potter.Acts 13:2-13
Missions, Home and ForeignActs 13:2-13
Obligation of Christians to Send Out MissionariesActs 13:2-13
The Best Travelling Attendance for a Departing MissionaryK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
The Completion of the ApostolateProf. Von Dollinger.Acts 13:2-13
The Duty of Sending the Gospel to the HeathenActs 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyT. Binney.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary Ordination At AntiochLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Messengers of the GospelLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Strength of Missionary WorkK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Work of MissionsR. Roberts.Acts 13:2-13
Forwardness and FrailtyW. Clarkson Acts 13:4-13
A Rapid Journey by Sea and LandR.A. Redford Acts 13:13-15
Abandonment of Missionary WorkW. Walters.Acts 13:13-52
Antioch in PisidiaW. Denton, M. A.Acts 13:13-52
I Will Make You Fishers of MenLisco.Acts 13:13-52
John MarkA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochR. A. Bertram.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochW. G. Sperry.Acts 13:13-52
Paul in His Introductory Discourse Already a Complete PaulK. Gerok.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First Reported SermonD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First, Recorded SpeechJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's Missionary Discourse At Antioch in PisidiaE. Johnson Acts 13:13-52
Perga in PamphyliaBp. Jacobson.Acts 13:13-52
The Continental MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:13-52
The Defection of MarkJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
The Departure of Mark and the Continuance of the ApostlesS. S. TimesActs 13:13-52
People
Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, Simeon
Places
Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Companions, Company, Departed, Departing, However, Jerusalem, John, Loosed, Pamphylia, Pamphyl'ia, Paphos, Party, Paul, Perga, Return, Returned, Sail, Sailed, Separated, Ship, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 13:13

     5517   seafaring
     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Acts 13:13-14

     5108   Paul, life of

Library
Easter Tuesday
Text: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

John Mark
'... John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.' --ACTS xiii. 13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears to have been the resort of the brethren as early as the period of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison. As the cousin of Barnabas he was naturally selected to be the attendant and secular factotum of Paul and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Unworthy of Life
'... Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiii. 46. So ended the first attempt on Paul's great missionary journey to preach to the Jews. It is described at great length and the sermon given in full because it is the first. A wonderful sermon it was; touching all keys of feeling, now pleading almost with tears, now flashing with indignation, now calmly dealing with Scripture prophecies, now glowing as it tells the story of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
'And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the circumstances of these disciples tended to make them sad. They had been but just won from heathenism, and they were raw, ignorant, unfit to stand alone. Paul and Barnabas, their only guides, had been hunted out of Antioch by a mob, and it would have been no wonder if these disciples had felt as if they had been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Why Saul Became Paul
'Saul (who also is called Paul)' ...--ACTS xiii. 9 Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he has been second to his friend Barnabas, henceforward he is first. In an earlier verse of the chapter we read that 'Barnabas and Saul' were separated for their missionary work, and again, that it was 'Barnabas and Saul' for whom the governor of Cyprus sent, to hear the word of the Lord. But in a subsequent verse of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

To the Regions Beyond
'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. A. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gospel Missions
I SHALL not confine myself to the text. It being an old custom to take texts when we preach, I have taken one, but I shall address you, at large, upon a subject which I am sure will occupy your attention, and has done for many days and years past--the subject of gospel missions. We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

His Own Funeral Sermon
* This sermon was preached on the Lord's-day evening after Mr. William Olney "fell on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it was selected for publication this week. Mrs. Spurgeon feels that her dear husband could not have delivered a more suitable discourse for "his own funeral sermon." She has, therefore, given it that title in the hope that many will be blessed by the message which "he, being dead, yet speaketh." Believing that many friends will wish to have this sermon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4). In the story
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In...
In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. We frequently read (they say) of the prayers of angels, and not only so, but the prayers of believers are said to be carried into the presence of God by their hands. But if they would compare saints who have departed this life with angels, it will be necessary to prove that saints are ministering spirits, to whom has been delegated the office of superintending our salvation, to whom has been assigned
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MR. MOODY.--Mr. Rainsford, how can one make room in their heart for Christ? Rev. M. Rainsford.--First, do we really want Christ to be in our hearts? If we do, the best thing will be to ask Him to come and make room for Himself. He will surely come and do so. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Without Me ye can do nothing." Mr. M.--Will Christ crowd out the world if He comes in? Mr. R.--He spake a parable to that effect. "When a strong man armed
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

The Man after God's Own Heart
"A man after mine own heart, who shall fulfil all my will."--ACTS xiii. 22. A BIBLE STUDY ON THE IDEAL OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE No man can be making much of his life who has not a very definite conception of what he is living for. And if you ask, at random, a dozen men what is the end of their life, you will be surprised to find how few have formed to themselves more than the most dim idea. The question of the summum bonum has ever been the most difficult for the human mind to grasp. What shall a man
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Via Dolorosa
We have finished the first part of our theme--the Trial of Jesus--and turn now to the second and more solemn part of it--His Death. The trial had been little better than a mockery of justice: on the part of the ecclesiastical authority it was a foregone conclusion, and on the part of the civil authority it was the surrender of a life acknowledged to be innocent to the ends of selfishness and policy. But at last it was over, and nothing remained but to carry the unjust sentence into execution.
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Paul's Missionary Labors.
The public life of Paul, from the third year after his conversion to his martyrdom, a.d. 40-64, embraces a quarter of a century, three great missionary campaigns with minor expeditions, five visits to Jerusalem, and at least four years of captivity in Caesarea and Rome. Some extend it to a.d. 67 or 68. It may be divided into five or six periods, as follows: 1. a.d. 40-44. The period of preparatory labors in Syria and his native Cilicia, partly alone, partly in connection with Barnabas, his senior
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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