And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
We have seen one unhappy difference among the brethren, which was of a public nature, brought to a good issue; but here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less men than Paul and Barnabas, not compromised indeed, yet ending well. I.
Commenting on Acts 15:36-41
And Paul chose Silas,.... To be his companion and assistant; this being the design of the Holy Ghost in influencing his, mind to stay longer at Antioch, after he, with Judas, was dismissed by the church to go to Jerusalem, Act 15:33. and departed; that is, from Antioch: being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God; See Gill on Act 13:26.
Verse 39. And the contention was so sharp. The word used here-- παροξυσμος--is that from which our word paroxysm is derived. It may denote any excitement of mind, and is used in a good sense in . It here means, evidently, a violent altercation that resulted in their separation for a time, and in their engaging in different spheres of labour.