A heated discussion developed [over this matter] so that Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways [over it], with Barnabas sailing for Cyprus and taking [John] Mark with him.
Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, sends you his greetings, along with Barnabas’ cousin [John] Mark. [See Acts 12:12]. (You have received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes to you).
For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also.
And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus.
Now during the days when the disciples were multiplying in number [in Jerusalem. See verse 7], some Greek-[speaking] Jews began to complain to the Hebrews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution [of food].
After Paul and Barnabas had a heated debate and argued with these men [over this issue], the brothers [of the Antioch church] decided that Paul and Barnabas, along with certain others, should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the question with the apostles and elders there.
After thinking about the matter [for awhile], he decided to go to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where a large gathering [of Christians] was praying.