Background on Mark (a.k.a. John Mark)

History seems to agree that Mark was the writer for Peter in this Gospel. As Peter dictacted these stories and teachings, Mark wrote them down for the Chuch to read. All this was done under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Mark was a spiritual son of the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). He is the John Mark that we read about in the Book of Acts. He first appears in Acts 12:25, "And Barnabas and Saul (Paul) returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark." He was a family member of Barnabas and he traveled with Paul & Barnabas for awhile. Something happened on the first missionary journey and Mark left the missionary team to go back to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul was pretty upset over Mark's departure. Possibly, looking at this young man as weak and not ready to face the trials and troubles of ministry. Later, as Paul & Barnabas' prepared for a second missionary journey, Barnabas was determined to take Mark with them (Acts 15:37). But Paul must have considered Mark a liability and Paul refused. This argument between Paul & Barnabas was so severe, they broke up their missionary team and went separate ways. Barnabas & Mark went to Cyprus to minister and Paul & Silas went to encourage the believers in Syria, Cilicia, Asia Minor and Macedonia. Interesting to see how chosen, anointed men of God cannot always agree. But God uses all things, even negative things, for His glory. Now the Lord has two mission teams covering more ground. Nothing is said about Barnabas in the remainder of the Story. It is believed he continued to minister and proclaim Christ. Paul & Mark later are reconciled and Paul gives his commendation and approval of Mark to the believers in Colosse (Colossians 4:10). Somehow, Mark connects with Peter and he is discipled. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter greets the believers and states "and so does Mark, my son." Perhaps Peter could relate to Mark with a great deal of compassion, mercy and restoration. After all, Peter knew the pain of failure and quitting. But, Peter also knew the joy and path of restoration. This story of Mark is yet another testimony of how God rescues and restores. Where there was failure and division, God redeemed Mark for His purposes.