Perga in the Bible
The city in Pamphylia where John Mark departed from Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey.
Perga was the capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia in southern Asia Minor. It is notable as the place where John Mark departed from Paul and Barnabas during the first missionary journey — a departure that later caused a sharp disagreement between the two apostles.
Modern Location
Near Antalya, southern Turkey
Key Biblical Events
- 1Paul and team arrive from Cyprus (Acts 13:13)
- 2John Mark departs and returns to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13)
- 3Paul preaches in Perga on the return journey (Acts 14:25)
- 4Mark's departure causes Paul-Barnabas split (Acts 15:37–39)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem."
"And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia."
Spiritual Significance
Perga reminds us that setbacks in ministry — like Mark's departure — are not final. Mark later proved himself faithful, and Paul himself would write, 'Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me' (2 Timothy 4:11).
Why Perga Matters
Perga holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands in the regions where the early church spread the gospel across the Roman world. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Paul, Barnabas, John Mark linked to its story — Perga is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Perga gains its primary significance in the New Testament era, where 2 key scriptures illuminate its role in the unfolding story of Christ and the early church. Perga reminds us that setbacks in ministry — like Mark's departure — are not final. Mark later proved himself faithful, and Paul himself would write, 'Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me' (2 Timothy 4:11).
For today's believer, studying Perga is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Perga, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Paul encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did John Mark leave at Perga?
Scripture doesn't specify, but possible reasons include homesickness, fear of the dangerous inland journey, or disagreement with the mission's direction. Whatever the cause, Paul initially viewed it as desertion.
What happened because of Mark's departure?
When planning the second journey, Paul refused to take Mark again. Barnabas disagreed, leading to their separation. Yet God used this to create two missionary teams, doubling the reach.
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