John Mark, Who Made Good

ACTS 12:12, 25

WHILE the “Mark” of our lesson is generally believed to be the one who wrote the Gospel of Mark, he is first mentioned in the historical record of the Early Church in connection with Peter’s visit to his mother’s home, when miraculously released from prison in response to the prayers of the church, or ecclesia, which evidently gathered for meetings at this address. The Scriptures do not reveal the details of Mark’s conversion, but it seems likely that he was influenced to become a disciple by the ministry of Peter, either in connection with this visit, or before, for the apostle refers to him as his “son.”—I Peter 5:13

Since he is not mentioned earlier, it is thought by some that he did not write his synopsis of Jesus’ life upon the basis of his own personal observation and experience, but probably under the direction of Peter. This, of course, is conjecture, but certainly the book which bears Mark’s name reveals an intimate association with the Master, either by the one who penned it, or by someone who furnished the writer with the information which it contains.

Not a great deal is said in the Bible to indicate the nature of Mark’s service in the church. He was selected by Paul and Barnabas to accompany them on a missionary tour. He was a cousin of Barnabas, and this probably had some bearing upon his being selected to accompany them.

ACTS 13:4, 5, 13; 15:36-40

John Mark was with Paul and Barnabas when they went to Cyprus, and in that city “preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.” The account says that here they had “John to their minister.” However, the word “their” has been supplied by the translators, and without it the text would simply say that they also had John to minister. The thought may be that he ministered the Word of God in somewhat the same manner as they, although we cannot be sure of this. It may be, as the translators have indicated, that Mark’s service was in rendering aid to Paul and Barnabas, perhaps as a secretary, or helper along other lines.

For some unexplained reason, when the trio reached Perga of Pamphylia, Mark left the other two and returned to Jerusalem. We cannot surmise what the cause for this may have been, unless it was that on account of his newness in the truth he lacked the necessary quality of endurance to continue in the field of active service. Missionary work in those early days of the age was difficult, requiring courage and patient endurance; and it may be that Mark’s “first love” enthusiasm did not stand up under the heat of trial and persecution.

Whatever Mark’s reason was for abandoning Paul and Barnabas, Paul did not consider it a valid one, and later was not willing that he should join them again. We can understand why Barnabas, being a cousin of Mark, would be inclined to overlook his previous lack of fidelity; so the two disagreed to the point of a “contention” which separated them, Paul thenceforth taking Silas with him, while Barnabas and Mark worked together.

This does not mean, however, that Paul disfellowshiped Mark. Far from it! Much later than this, and during the time of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, Mark is mentioned by the apostle as one of three fellow workers who, during that time of severe trial, had been a comfort to him. Regardless of the reason for which Mark may have left Paul and Barnabas in earlier years, Paul now recognized him as a stalwart in the faith, and as one of a very few who had the courage to stand by him when to do so meant the hazarding of his life.

And Mark continued to be faithful to the Lord and to Paul, for during the time of his second imprisonment, the apostle sent for Mark, who at the time was apparently serving in association with Timothy. Paul wrote to Timothy, saying, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” (II Tim. 4:11) A little later in the same chapter of this epistle, Paul asks Timothy to bring certain parchments with him also, and it is possible that in sending for both Mark and the parchment he was planning to use him to do some writing for him.

The main point for consideration is, of course, that Mark, having wavered in his earlier Christian life, had now made good, and that the great Apostle Paul, who formerly had refused to have this wavering one accompany him, now recognized his growth in grace, appreciated his faithful service, and was sending for him that he might have him as a helper during the last hours of his earthly ministry. Yes, it can truly be said that John Mark “made good.”

QUESTIONS

Who was John Mark, and what is the first record we have of him in the Bible?

Why was Mark selected to be a fellow worker with Paul and Barnabas; and after leaving them, why did Paul refuse to have him join them again?

Explain Paul’s later association with Mark, and the manner in which the latter had evidently “made good.”

| Home Page | Table of Contents |