Acts 15:30-41

30So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and after assembling the congregation, they delivered the letter.

31And when they had read it, the people rejoiced greatly at the encouragement and comfort [it brought them].

32Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (divinely inspired spokesmen), encouraged and strengthened the believers with many words.

33After spending some time there, they were sent back by the brothers with [the greeting of] peace to those who had sent them.

34[However, Silas decided to stay there.]

35But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and with many others also continued teaching and proclaiming the good news, the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ].

36After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers and sisters (believers) in every city where we preached the message of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”

37Now Barnabas wanted to take [his cousin] John, who was called Mark, along with them.

38But Paul kept insisting that they should not take along with them the one who had quit and deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.

39And it became such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took [John] Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

40But Paul chose Silas [who was again in Antioch] and set out [on his second journey], commended by the brothers to the grace and favor of the Lord.

41And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.