Mark
“A common Roman praenomen”
Summary
John Mark was the author of the second Gospel, cousin of Barnabas, companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, and later an associate of both Paul and Peter in their ministries.
☩Family and Early Life
Mark's Hebrew name was John ('the grace of God'), while Mark (Marcus) was his Latin surname that gradually superseded the former in Church usage. He was the son of Mary, a woman of some means who owned a house in Jerusalem where the early Christians gathered for prayer. When Peter was delivered from prison, he went directly to this house as 'a familiar haunt.' Mark was the cousin (not nephew, as sometimes translated) of Barnabas of Cyprus. Peter likely converted him to Christ, calling him 'Marcus my son.'
☩Ministry with Paul and Barnabas
Mark first appears accompanying Paul and Barnabas on their return from Jerusalem to Antioch after the famine relief mission. He then joined them as their 'minister' (assistant) on the first missionary journey, serving in practical matters like arranging travel, lodging, and logistics. At Perga in Pamphylia, however, Mark withdrew from the mission and returned to Jerusalem. Whatever his reasons—whether fear of the dangerous journey ahead, theological disagreements about Gentile inclusion, or other matters—Paul viewed his departure unfavorably.
☩The Sharp Contention
Before the second missionary journey, Barnabas wished to take Mark along again, but Paul refused because of his earlier desertion. The disagreement was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas parted company—Barnabas sailing to Cyprus with Mark, while Paul chose Silas as his companion. Despite this painful separation, Mark's ministry continued, and the breach with Paul was eventually healed.
☩Later Ministry and Reconciliation
Years later, during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, Mark was by his side as a 'fellow-labourer' who brought the apostle comfort. Paul commended him to the Colossians and asked Timothy to bring Mark to him, declaring 'he is profitable to me for the ministry.' Mark also served with Peter, who called him 'my son' and whose preaching Mark is said to have recorded in his Gospel. According to tradition, Mark founded the church at Alexandria and served as its first bishop.
Related Verses8 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mark," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Mark (John)," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Mark," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Mark," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).