Evangelists and missionarie · People associated with book · New Testament
The Story of John Mark
Also called Mark. Not John the apostle.
Also: Mark, Marko (Kiswahili), Yohana Marko (Kiswahili)
Believer from Jerusalem who travelled with Barnabas and Paul and later with Peter; traditionally the author of Mark's Gospel.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
John Mark's mother Mary had a house in Jerusalem where believers prayed. He went with Barnabas and Saul on their first journey but turned back at Perga. Acts 12:12Acts 12:25Acts 13:13
Paul and Barnabas separated over him. Later Paul calls him useful, and 1 Peter calls him 'my son'. Acts 15:37–392 Timothy 4:111 Peter 5:13
Told in: Acts · Colossians · 2 Timothy
Life at a glance
- Mother
- Mary, whose house in Jerusalem was a place of prayer Acts 12:12
- Relative
- Cousin of Barnabas Colossians 4:10
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of John Mark
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
His mother's house
Freed from prison, Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many are praying.
More about this event
People: Simon Peter
On the first journey, then turns back
Acts 12:25 · Acts 13:5 · Acts 13:13
Mark assists Barnabas and Saul in Cyprus, then leaves them at Perga and returns to Jerusalem.
The cause of a separation
Paul refuses to take Mark again; Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus.
Useful for ministry
Colossians 4:10 · 2 Timothy 4:11
Paul sends greetings from Mark and asks Timothy to bring him, for he is useful.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret John Mark. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
- 1 Peter 5:13 — Mark my son.
Family and relationships
- BarnabasCousinColossians 4:10
- PaulCo-workerPhilemon 24
- Simon PeterPeter calls him 'my son'1 Peter 5:13
Books associated with John Mark
- Mark Traditionally attributed author
The Gospel names no author. Early church tradition attributes it to Mark, linked to Peter's preaching.
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Restoration
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