Who Was Mark?

John Mark wrote the Gospel in the New Testament that we commonly refer to as Mark. While he is mentioned in the New Testament in a few spots, what do we really know about the man who wrote what was probably the first Gospel written?

Who Was Mark?

1. Disciple of Jesus - He wasn't included as one of the original twelve, but he is a part of the few hundred disciples at large.  He was close enough to Jesus that he was unsuccessfully grabbed by the Roman guard on the night Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52).
2. Scribe of Peter - Most of Mark's insider information on the life of Jesus is believed to have come from Peter.  The perspective is so close that only someone with constant access to Jesus during his most intimate and pivotal moments could have provided.  What is interesting about that is that Mark has no problem putting Peter into a negative light on those occasions when Peter stuck his foot in his mouth.
3. Cousin of Barnabas - Barnabas was an early church leader and missionary (Acts 4:36; Acts 14:14).  Mark was his cousin and got to journey with him on many missionary trips (Col. 4:10; Acts 15:39).
4. Companion of Paul - Even though Paul grew weary of Mark's wishy-washiness (Acts 15:38), he later was a comfort to him and a helpful resource in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:11).  At the end of Paul's life, they were reconciled.
5. Picture of Us - I think my most favorite thing about Mark is that he reminds me of me.  In Jesus' ministry, when the times got tough, Mark got going.  In Paul's ministry, when the times got tough, Mark got going.  Mark wasn't perfect.  He wasn't a major player in his early days.  He was inconsistent.  And so his perspective into the life of the only perfect person who sought out imperfect people is amazing to read.

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