John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem … Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them to Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work … so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Acts 13:13, 15:37–39 NKJV
Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV
The story of John Mark is one of the many accounts in Scripture showing God’s patience in training His servants, and how He uses various people and incidents to achieve His purposes of grace. Give God thanks He still works similarly in our lives today!
John Mark was Barnabas’s cousin, a son of the Mary at whose home many were praying for Peter who was imprisoned. Young man, the Lord would love to hear you praying at the prayer meeting today! Soon afterward Mark accompanies Barnabas and Saul as they return to Antioch. Later he goes with them to help them on their first missionary expedition. But when things get difficult, he leaves, sailing for home. Faithfulness is not an easy lesson to learn!
Whether or not to take Mark along on a second trip causes strong dissension. Paul and Barnabas part company, Barnabas taking Mark with him. Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles is in focus from this point on. The Bible says nothing more about Barnabas’s service. We assume that he went on mentoring Mark. Helping believers grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ is a quiet vital ministry. The Lord will reward you for doing this for Him.
Peter mentions “Mark my son” in 1 Peter 5:13. We infer from this that the Lord used him too to help Mark grow. Paul wished to see Mark and spoke of Mark’s usefulness in ministry (2 Tim. 4:11). Finally, Mark’s writing the Gospel presenting God’s True Servant shows us God’s purpose in Mark’s life wonderfully accomplished.