In brief
Mark, also called John Mark, is a young disciple from Jerusalem whose mother opened her home to believers. He accompanies Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, then leaves them at Perga. Later, Paul refuses to take him again, but Barnabas gives him a second chance. At the end of his life, Paul asks for Mark to be brought to him, because he is useful for ministry. Tradition attributes to him the Gospel of Mark.
What does the name Mark mean?
Mark is a Latin name, generally linked to Marcus, which the Bible does not define. Acts calls him John, surnamed Mark: John (Hebrew Yohanan) is his Jewish name, generally understood as the Lord is gracious, and Mark is his Roman name.
The story of Mark
His Mother's House in Jerusalem
Acts 12:12After his miraculous release from prison, Peter goes to the house of Mary, mother of John who was called Mark. Many people are gathered there and praying. Young Mark grows up in a home where the church gathers and where prayer is alive. This is how the text first presents him.
An Assistant for the Mission
Acts 12:25 and 13:5After their aid mission to Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch, bringing John, surnamed Mark. When the Holy Spirit sends them on mission, they reach the island of Cyprus and proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of Salamis. The text specifies that they had John to help them.
The Return to Jerusalem
Acts 13:13Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and arrive at Perga in Pamphylia. It is there that John leaves them and returns to Jerusalem. The text gives no reason for this departure. It simply shows that the young co-worker, at that point in the journey, did not continue on the road with them.
A Disagreement That Divides
Acts 15:36-39Barnabas wants to take John, surnamed Mark, on a new journey. Paul thinks they should not take the one who had left them in Pamphylia. The disagreement is so sharp that they part ways. Barnabas sails for Cyprus with Mark, and Paul chooses Silas. Mark thus receives a second chance.
Restored and Useful
Colossians 4:10 and 2 Timothy 4:11Later, Paul speaks of Mark, cousin of Barnabas, and asks the Colossians to welcome him if he comes. In his last letter, he writes to Timothy to take Mark and bring him along, because he is useful to him for ministry. The servant once set aside has become precious.
What Mark teaches us
- A failure does not have the last word on you: Mark left the mission, and later Paul would call him useful for ministry.
- Be a Barnabas for someone: give a second chance to one who has faltered.
- A home that prays and welcomes, like his mother's, shapes the servants of tomorrow.
- God uses imperfect people and restores them for his service.
Key verses
At Perga in Pamphylia, John leaves Paul and his companions and returns to Jerusalem. The Bible does not give the reasons for this separation. It does show, however, a start in ministry marked by failure.
Paul greets Mark, cousin of Barnabas, and notes that the churches have received instructions about him: if he comes, welcome him. Paul here gives him a testimony of trust.
Paul asks Timothy to take Mark and bring him along, because he is useful to him for ministry. A word of restoration for one who had failed at the start.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mark the author of the Gospel of Mark?
The Gospel does not give the name of its author. Ancient Christian tradition attributes it to Mark, the companion of Barnabas, of Paul and then of Peter, whom Peter calls his son in 1 Peter 5:13. This is the common understanding of the churches since the first centuries.
What does the name Mark mean?
Mark is a Latin name, generally linked to Marcus, which the Bible does not explain. In Acts he is also called John, a Hebrew name generally understood as the Lord is gracious. Mark was therefore a Roman name carried by a young Jew of Jerusalem.
Where can I find the story of Mark in the Bible?
It is found in Acts: his mother and her house (Acts 12), his departure with Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13), the disagreement (Acts 15). Paul then mentions him in Colossians 4:10, Philemon 24 and 2 Timothy 4:11, where he is recognized as useful for ministry.