Mark
Israelite / Jew Jewish, of Jerusalem · Early Church · New Testament
- Also called
- John Mark, John, Marcus
- Role
- Missionary helper; traditionally the writer of the Gospel of Mark
- When
- c. AD 44-60s
What they did
The church prayed in his mother's house; he went with Paul and Barnabas but turned back, which divided them, yet later Paul called him profitable for the ministry and Peter called him 'my son'.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His restoration to useful service shows God's grace to those who stumble; the Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to him.
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 (KJV)
Bible references
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. Acts 12:12 (KJV)
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Acts 12:25 (KJV)
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; Acts 15:37-39 (KJV)
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) Colossians 4:10 (KJV)
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 (KJV)
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 1 Peter 5:13 (KJV)
Family
- Mother
- Mary (Acts 12:12)
Called the 'sister's son' of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10, KJV; 'cousin' in many versions).