Definition: But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 15:38. It’s a really important part of understanding Paul's leadership and his priorities. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul was worried about going with a group of people who left Pamphylia. Pamphylia: This was a region in Turkey where people practiced a specific type of healing – often through bloodletting. It was a place where there were some practices that Paul found morally problematic. Departed from them: These people left the group of people Paul and his team were traveling with. Went not with them to the work: This is the key part! They didn’t join in on the mission or activity they were meant to be doing. What does this tell us about Paul? It shows that Paul was deeply concerned about the spirit of his ministry – about its ethical and moral direction. He wasn't comfortable with people who weren't fully committed to following God’s will and working for good. Why is this important? This verse highlights a few things: Paul’s Integrity: It shows that Paul was fiercely devoted to his mission and believed in doing what was right, even when it meant making difficult choices. His Focus on the Core Message: It emphasizes that Paul wasn't interested in just being with people; he wanted to be actively involved in spreading the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). In short, this verse speaks to Paul’s strong moral compass and his commitment to a purposeful and righteous ministry. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?