Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 39. There was a dissension, [2] or dispute, with reasoning, and arguing upon the matter. Saint Paul represented to S. Barnabas, that he was not for having John Mark to be their companion, because he had before left them, but S. Barnabas was for having with them his kinsman Mark; and the dispute was such, that upon it Saint Paul and Barnabas separated; which gave occasion to the preaching of the gospel in more places. See Saint John Chrysostom hom. xxxiii.—The fault in this contention lay with S. Barnabas; ο Παυλος το δικαιον, ο Βαρναβας το φιλανθρωπον: Paul sought what was just; Barnabas what was pleasing to nature. The Greeks, moreover, remark, that this severity of Paul was of service in strengthening the too pliant character of Mark, and as such he is saluted by Paul. Colossians 4:10. They separated, as formerly Abraham and Lot, without prejudice to their friendship. Genesis 13:9. Mat. Polus synop. criticorum, fol. 4. p. 1528.