It is no longer “Barnabas and Saul” as it was stated at their commissioning. Now it is “Paul and his company.” Barnabas is probably recognizing that Paul is surpassing him in power and authority, and quite possibly there was an element of

jealousy growing in Barnabas. Jealousy is a problem that is always associated with being number one. If our motives are pure and we only desire God to be lifted up, why should we care who has the greater ministry? Unfortunately there will be a deterioration between Paul and Barnabas on this trip.

The fact that John Mark had deserted them in the middle of their journey added to the problem. You will notice that Mark did not return to Antioch, but went back home to Jerusalem. He was probably too young and inexperienced and the pressure was too much. When Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again on a second trip, it led to a heated argument that caused Barnabas to separate himself

from Paul and return home to Cyprus. Some theologians believe that John Mark was the first to write his Gospel, but this is very unlikely since he was so young and immature at this time.

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