Mark the Evangelist, widely known in the Scriptures as John Mark, has a very prominent role in the early history of Christ’s church in several respects. It is noteworthy that we are introduced to Mark’s household when an angel of the Lord frees Peter from prison in Acts 12. Upon his release, the apostle immediately “went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying” (Acts 12:12, ESV). Mark’s family must have had significance among the early Christians in Jerusalem for Peter to have known where praying believers were gathered. Though little more is known of his early life, we see that Mark likely made a connection with Peter at this time that would prove quite significant later on.
The first recording of Mark’s ministry is “assisting” Paul and Barnabas as they proclaimed the Gospel in Salamis (Acts 13:5). Though his specific duties are not described, scholars largely believe Mark was acting as their business manager and also recording events of their journey and their preaching. However, when the gospel cohort arrived in Perga, it is noted that Mark left the group and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Scholars don’t know for certain why Mark left, but the Apostle Paul considered it a desertion. When he and Barnabas planned to visit the churches after the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), a “sharp disagreement” arose between them as to whether Mark should accompany them, a dispute so severe that the duo decided to part ways over the matter (Acts 15:36-40). Mark’s name does not appear in the Biblical record for the next eleven years, but there was an obvious reconciliation between Paul and Mark. Paul instructs the Colossian church to welcome Mark (Col. 4:10) if he comes to them, refers to him as a “fellow worker” (Philemon 24) and instructs Timothy to “get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim 4:11, ESV). What a beautiful testament of the Lord’s power in renewing and reconciling relationships!
In Peter’s first epistle the apostle sends Mark’s greeting (5:13) indicating a close relationship between Peter and Mark. The Early Church Fathers attest this relationship involved Mark recording Peter’s teachings about Jesus using them to write his gospel. Mark’s gospel account is considered the earliest gospel, written sometime between 55-65 AD. It is quite evidently written for a Gentile audience with his high use of Latinisms and explanations of Jewish customs. It has been greatly used for centuries to strengthen and edify the body of Christ. It is fitting for us to give thanks to the Lord for the life and ministry of Mark the Evangelist
Collect (Prayer) of the Day
Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ: We thank you for his witness, and pray that you will give us grace to know the truth, and not to be carried about by every wind of false doctrine, that we may know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (taken from the ACNA Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Bible Reading
Mark 16:15-16 (ESV)
And [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Photo Credit Unsplash.com
Like the content you see on Reading For The Glory? Consider subscribing to our newsletter to receive updates on new articles, reviews, and podcast episodes. To learn more about the good news of Jesus Christ, please click here.
We also invite you to consider supporting the ongoing ministry of RFTG.
Discover more from Reading For The Glory
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
