After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. 39 The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers commending him to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:36-41, NRSV)
 
Paul and Barnabas were great friends; they had just completed a great work on a missionary journey where many came to know Jesus. Now Paul wanted to go back and encourage those who were new to the faith. Paul’s refusal to take John Mark with them creates a great enough tension between the friends that they split and go their separate ways. Click here to read more...