Acts 15:37-41 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Barnabas determined Greek, εβουλευσατο, counselled, or advised; to take with them As their minister; John His nephew, who had set out with them before. But Paul thought not good Thought it not proper; to take him who departed, &c. Who had shown such cowardice or fickleness as to desert them in Pamphylia; who had shrunk from the labour and danger of converting those whom they were now going to confirm. And the contention was so sharp Greek, εγενετο παρο, ξυσμος, there was a paroxysm. It is a medical term, signifying a fit of a fever; and here means, a sharp fit of anger; but nothing in the text implies that the sharpness was on both sides. It is far more probable that it was not; that Paul, who had had the right on his side, maintained it with love. The strife, however, between these good men, which certainly was to be lamented, was made the occasion of a more extensive spread of the gospel. For Barnabas sailed with Mark into Cyprus, to visit the churches which he and Paul had planted there in their former journey: and Paul, choosing Silas, who was himself a prophet, and a chief man among the brethren, departed to pursue the course which he had intended; being recommended by the brethren to the grace of God Which recommendation we do not find that Barnabas waited for. And he went through Syria and Cilicia Which was his native country, (as Cyprus was that of Barnabas,) confirming the churches Which had been planted in those parts, in their adherence to the Christian faith. These churches in Cilicia had been formed before the council held in Jerusalem, and probably by Paul. It appears, not only that Paul and Barnabas were afterward thoroughly reconciled, (1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:9,) but also that John was again admitted by Paul as a companion in his labours, Colossians 4:10; Phm 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11.