Acts 13:13 Perga

Acts 13:1-3 Acts 13:4-12 Acts 13:13 Acts 13:14 Acts 13:15-41 Acts 13:42-52

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Level 3

From Promise to Proclamation
(Believers)

Embark on the road with Paul and Barnabas, leaving Cyprus's shores for Perga's mainland. From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia. There John left them to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). John Mark's exit—perhaps homesickness or disagreement—casts a shadow, but the duo presses to Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony teeming with Jews and Gentiles.

Level 3: Comprehensive Analysis
(Scholars / Pastors)

Journey to Pamphylia and John Mark's Departure (Acts 13:13-14a)

The missionary team embarks on the next leg of their journey: "Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem."

  • Geographical Progression: From Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12), they sail northwest to Perga, a significant city in the Roman province of Pamphylia on the southern coast of Asia Minor. This marks a new geographical frontier for The Great Commission.

  • John Mark's Departure: The brief but impactful note that "John left them and returned to Jerusalem" is crucial. Luke provides no explanation for his departure at this point, but it later becomes a contentious issue between Paul and Barnabas, leading to their separation (Acts 15:38). Scholarly theories for his departure include homesickness, fear of the arduous journey ahead (especially inland Pamphylia, known for bandits), or disagreement with the emerging Gentile focus of the mission. This early setback highlights the human challenges, disappointments, and interpersonal dynamics inherent in The Great Commission, even among a Spirit-led team. It implicitly reminds readers that mission is carried out by imperfect individuals facing real difficulties. From a missiological perspective, it underscores the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected changes in team composition.

  • Continuation Inland: "But they went on from Perga and came to Pisidian Antioch..." (Acts 13:14a). This detail is significant as Pamphylia was known for its malarial marshes, and the inland journey to Pisidian Antioch was difficult, reinforcing the dedication of the missionaries.John Mark's Departure: While a personal challenge, John Mark's departure (Acts 13:13) also subtly contributes to the narrative's realism, showcasing the human frailty within a divinely led mission. Its future impact on Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:38) underscores the complexities of team dynamics in The Great Commission and serves as a significant detail for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT. This early challenge might have refined Paul's and Barnabas's reliance on The Holy Spirit's Role for guidance.