Acts 15:36-40 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:39

The contention was so sharp between them - For all this sentence, there is only in the Greek text εγενετο ουν παροξυσμος ; there was therefore a paroxysm, an incitement, a stirring up, from παροξυνω , compounded of παρα , intensive, and οξυνω , to whet, or sharpen: there was a sharp contention. But does this imply anger or ill-will on either side? Certainly not. Here, these two apostles differed, and were strenuous, each in support of the part he had adopted. "Paul," as an ancient... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:40

Being recommended - unto the grace of God - Much stress has been laid upon this, to show that Barnabas was in the wrong, and Paul in the right, because "the brethren recommended Paul and Silas to the grace of God; but they did not recommend Barnabas and John Mark: this proves that the Church condemned the conduct of Barnabas, but approved that of Paul." Now, there is no proof that the Church did not recommend Barnabas to the grace of God, as well as Paul; but, as St. Luke had for the present... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:36

Verse 36− 36.Let us visit our brethren. In this history we must first note how careful Paul was for the churches which he had ordained. He laboreth, indeed, at Antioch profitably, but because he remembered that he was an apostle ordained of God, and not the pastor of one particular place, he keepeth the course of his calling. Secondly, as it did not become him to be tied to one place, so he thinketh with himself, that he was bound to all whom he begat in the Lord; therefore, he will not suffer... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:37

Verse 37− 37.And Barnabas gave counsel. Luke doth here set down that doleful disagreement which ought to make all the godly afraid for just causes. The society of Paul and Barnabas was consecrated by the heavenly oracle. They had long time labored, being of one mind, under this yoke whereunto the Lord had tied them; they had, by many experiences, tried [felt] the excellent favor of God, yea, that wonderful success mentioned heretofore by Luke was a manifest blessing of God. Though they had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36

After some days for some days after, A.V. ; return now for go again, A.V. ; the brethren for our brethren, A.V. and T.R.; wherein we proclaimed for where we have preached, A.V.; fare for do, A.V. After some days is hardly equivalent to μετά τινας ἡμέρας . The expression in Greek is quite indefinite as to time, and may cover months as well as days. That it does cover a considerable length of time we gather from the expression in Acts 15:33 , that Judas and Silas... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The paroxysm. The proposal of two friends whose fast friendship was of many years' standing; of two brethren loving and beloved; of two apostles of Jesus Christ, who had long labored together to win souls to Christ and to advance the kingdom of God, and who had achieved together the most signal triumphs over the powers of darkness, who had suffered together, who had undergone the most appalling dangers together, who had stuck by one another under every circumstance of trial and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Apostles at fault. When a grave and critical juncture had been safely passed without damage done to any, there arose a quarrel about an unimportant and insignificant matter, which had regrettable, not to say deplorable, results. The heart of the earnest and affectionate Paul yearned to know how their converts fared in "every city where they had preached the Word of the Lord" ( Acts 15:36 ). Barnabas immediately acquiesced in Paul's proposal to visit them; everything promised another... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Beginning of the second missionary journey. The dissension of Paul and Barnabas, painful in itself, may yield useful matter of reflection. HUMAN INFIRMITY IS MATURE CHRISTIANS . 1. The fact of it. Paul judged severely of Mark on moral grounds. His desertion of him and Barnabas ( Acts 13:13 ) on a former occasion was to his mind a strong proof of inconstancy. But Mark had fallen away from them, not from Christ. And Barnabas would lean to the side of leniency and clemency... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

Contention amongst brethren. Importance of the record as showing: 1. The sincerity and simplicity of the Christian writers. An impostor would never have inserted such a fact. 2. The overruling grace of God. The treasure in earthen vessels. Infirmities in the agents magnifies him who, notwithstanding, accomplishes his proposes. Notice— I. THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF CHRISTIAN WORK . Constant watchfulness and inspection. "See how they fare;" for encouragement and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:37

Was minded for determined, A.V. and T.R.; John also for John, A.V. and T.R.; who was called for whose surname was, A.V. Was minded . It is doubtful which is the true reading, ἐβουλεύσατο or ἐβούλετο . The difference of meaning is small. The first means "took council with himself," i . e. planned, thought, to take Barnabas; the second, "wished," i . e. his deliberate will was to take Barnabas. Singularly enough, Alford, who rejects ἐβούλετο , which is the... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:39

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:40

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:36

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 15:37

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:36-41

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 15:37

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