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STUDIES IN
ACTS 
14. JOHN MARK - a successful
failure
"When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from
Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark" (Acts 12:25).
Introduction
John Mark was the son of Mary, who hosted a believers' meeting in her
home (Acts 12:12).
Consider the person
Mark was Mary's son and the nephew of Barnabas, the missionary
companion of Paul (Col.4:10). Peter may have led him to the Lord as he
calls him his 'son' (1 Pet.5:13). Barnabas and Paul brought him to
Antioch from Jerusalem after they had delivered the famine relief fund
to the apostles (Acts 12:25). Mark accompanied Barnabas and Paul on
their first missionary journey as their assistant (Acts 13:5). He was
probably responsible for the party's travel and lodging arrangements.
For some reason he disserted the missionary group at Perga and returned
home (Acts 13:13). Whatever the reason, Paul felt that his action
disqualified him for future service (Acts 15:38). At that time Mark was
a failure!
Study the Scriptures
About ten years Paul changed his mind about Mark, and recommended him
to the Colossian church (Col.4:10-11). He included him among his
fellow-workers (Phlm.24). At the end of his life, as Paul anticipated
martyrdom, he called for Mark saying, "He is helpful to me in my
ministry" (2 Tim.4:11). Mark had worked his way through failure and
gained the apostle's respect. Mark is the traditional evangelist of the
second Gospel. This is another mark of his successful recovery. He
obviously had Peter's confidence, as his knowledge of the words and
work of Jesus came from the apostle.
Ask questions
1. How did John Mark overcome his failure? No doubt uncle
Barnabas played a large part in his restoration to ministry (remember
his character: Acts11:23,24). But he may have proved himself on the
second missionary journey intimated by Acts 15:36-39.
2. Some scholars suggest the young man who fled naked from
Gethsemane was John Mark (see Mk.14:51-52). Does Mark the evangelist
admit another failure here? If so, this confession could be part of the
restoration process in his life.
3. Compare Mark with Demas the deserter (Col.4:14; Phlm.24; 2
Tim.4:10).
4. Peter failed his Lord (Lk.22:54-62). How would he encourage
Mark? See Lk.22:31,32.
Apply some thoughts
1. Talk and pray with those in your fellowship who see
themselves as failures.
2. Pray for the restoration of backslidden Christians. Apply
Hos.14:1-4.
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