Acts 15:38
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Cross-references
Acts 13:13
Historical context
Acts 13:13 records John Mark's departure in Pamphylia — the exact desertion Paul refers to.
Acts 14:24
Historical context
Acts 14:24 records Paul and Barnabas arriving in Pamphylia, the exact location where John Mark deserted them, directly referenced in the main verse.
Deuteronomy 20:8
Parallel
Deuteronomy 20:8 sends home the fearful to prevent discouragement — the same reasoning Paul likely used about John Mark.
2 Timothy 4:10
Parallel
2 Timothy 4:10 describes Demas deserting Paul—a parallel instance of abandonment that echoes Paul’s earlier experience with John Mark.