Acts 15:39

Contention. Gr. paroxusmos, “irritation,” “sharp anger.” From this word comes the English “paroxysm,” which may intimate a temporary, although severe, division, rather than a long-lasting one. The warmth of a long-standing friendship sealed by Barnabas’ help to Paul when he stood most in need of a human friend (see on ch. 9:27), as well as the mutual prosecution of a great work, and the successful securing of a great decision, made the breach between Barnabas and Paul the more painful. This is the last mention in Acts of either Barnabas or Mark. For the church, the result was that two missionary journeys were undertaken instead of one. Though the apostles differed as to who was worthy to join in such work, there was no division between them as to what work ought to be done in the gospel. Barnabas’ name occurs in Paul’s epistles in 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9, 13; and Col. 4:10. In writing to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:6), the apostle named Barnabas as setting the same noble example as he, in laboring with his own hands and receiving no support from the churches where he labored in the gospel. Col. 4:10 reveals that Paul once more received John Mark as a fellow worker (Philemon 24), and Paul learned to recognize in John Mark one who was “profitable” to him “for the ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). After working with Barnabas in Cyprus, Mark apparently returned to Peter, and was with him in Rome (1 Peter 5:13). It may have been in connection with this stay at Rome that Mark labored once more with Paul.

Sailed unto Cyprus. This was the homeland of Barnabas. It was natural for him and Mark to begin their labors here.