Acts 13:13-16 Meaning: When a Helper Turns Back
13Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
14But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”
16Paul stood up, and gesturing with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
13Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
14But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:
13And those about Paul having set sail from Paphos, came to Perga of Pamphylia, and John having departed from them, did turn back to Jerusalem,
14and they having gone through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia, and having gone into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, they sat down,
15and after the reading of the law and of the prophets, the chief men of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, `Men, brethren, if there be a word in you of exhortation unto the people--say on.'
16And Paul having risen, and having beckoned with the hand, said, `Men, Israelites, and those fearing God, hearken:
13And having sailed from Paphos, Paul and his company came to Perga of Pamphylia; and John separated from them and returned to Jerusalem.
14But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath day they sat down.
15And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation to the people, speak.
16And Paul, rising up and making a sign with the hand, said, Israelites, and ye that fear God, hearken.
Meaning in one sentence
Why did John Mark leave Paul and Barnabas at Perga? Learn what this passage teaches about setbacks in ministry and God's unstoppable mission.
Context
This passage marks a turning point in the first missionary journey. After dramatic events in Cyprus, a sorcerer blinded, a Roman official coming to faith, the team lands on the mainland at Perga. There John Mark, who had served as their attendant, suddenly leaves. No reason is given, only the plain fact. From Perga they travel inland to Antioch of Pisidia, crossing rugged mountain passes. On the Sabbath they enter the synagogue and sit with the congregation, following their custom. The synagogue leaders, recognizing them as visiting teachers, invite them to speak. Paul then rises, gestures for attention, and addresses both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. This is the setting for his first recorded sermon in Acts, rooted in the Scriptures he knows well.
Key Words
Two Greek words carry weight here. When the synagogue leaders invite Paul to speak, they ask for 'a word of exhortation' (paraklēsis, παράκλησις). This word means both encouragement and a call to action. It is the same root as the title Jesus gives the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. They are not asking for a lecture. They want something that will strengthen the people and move them forward.
Second, Paul addresses 'you who fear God' (phoboumenoi, φοβούμενοι). This verb describes reverent awe, not terror. In first-century synagogues, it was the common label for Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel without fully converting. By including them in his greeting, Paul signals that the good news is for everyone in the room.
Notice also the quiet shift in how Luke writes. Earlier it was 'Barnabas and Saul.' Now Luke writes 'Paul and his company', literally 'those around Paul' (οἱ περὶ τὸν Παῦλον). A new leader has stepped forward, and the mission is taking shape around him.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators across traditions read this passage as a window into the real stress of missionary work. John Wesley (Methodist) suggested John Mark withdrew because he was 'tired with the fatigue, or shrinking from danger.' John Calvin (Reformed) noted that this departure later caused 'doleful disagreement' between Paul and Barnabas. Many see a lesson that even faithful servants can stumble on the journey. Other scholars, like those behind the Cambridge Bible, focus on the phrase 'those around Paul,' marking the shift in leadership from Barnabas to Paul.
The invitation by the synagogue rulers is also widely noted. Lutherans, Anglicans and others see here a picture of how the early church used the existing synagogue structure to share the gospel. The mixed audience of Jews and God-fearers anticipates the gospel going to all nations.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume John Mark’s departure proves he was a failure forever. The text does not give his reasons, so we cannot judge his motives. Later, Paul refused to take Mark on another journey because of this withdrawal (Acts 15:38). But even that was not the end. Church tradition credits Mark with writing one of the four Gospels. The departure was a setback, not a verdict.
Living This Out
This week, you might face a moment when someone you counted on steps back. A team member drops a project. A friend stops replying. The natural response is frustration. In this passage, Mark’s departure is recorded without drama. Paul and Barnabas do not stop. They continue the journey through rough country to another city, another synagogue.
You may also be the one who is invited to speak, like Paul. When an opportunity comes to share something encouraging, you do not need to be perfect. You only need to stand, gesture for attention, and begin from where your listeners are. The invitation is the open door. What you have to say does not have to be polished. It just has to be true.
Main takeaway: Even when a fellow worker turns back, God keeps His mission moving and opens new doors for His word.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
John Mark was a helper to Paul and Barnabas. He went home early. Paul and Barnabas kept traveling and telling people about Jesus. God was with them even when one helper left.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever started a big project and had someone quit? That happened to Paul and Barnabas. John Mark left them to go back to Jerusalem. The Bible doesn't say why, but it must have been disappointing. Still, Paul and Barnabas didn't give up. They walked all the way to another city and went to the synagogue. When the leaders invited them to speak, Paul stood up and told everyone about Jesus. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but God can still use you if you keep going. And years later, John Mark became a useful helper again.
Questions People Ask
Why did John Mark leave Paul and Barnabas?
The Bible does not give a reason. John Wesley suggested he was tired or afraid of danger. Later, Paul refused to take Mark on another journey because of this withdrawal (Acts 15:38), so Paul saw it as a serious failure. But the story does not end there. Church tradition holds that Mark later wrote a Gospel.
What does 'word of exhortation' mean in Acts 13:15?
The Greek word is paraklēsis, which means both encouragement and a call to action. It is the same word family as the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. The synagogue leaders were inviting Paul to say something that would comfort and challenge the people.
Who were the 'God-fearers' Paul addresses?
They were Gentiles who believed in the God of Israel and attended synagogue but had not fully converted to Judaism. They observed Jewish customs and worshiped the one true God. By including them, Paul shows that the gospel is for Jews and non-Jews alike.
Why did Paul gesture with his hand before speaking?
Gesturing with the hand was a common way to ask for silence and attention before a speech, especially in a synagogue setting. It shows Paul acting with respect and authority, preparing the congregation to listen carefully.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study