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John Mark Becomes Profitable - Acts 13:5
John Mark Becomes Profitable - Acts 13:5
As Paul and Barnabas begin their preaching journey into ‘the whole world’, they took a young man with them – John Mark. Here in Acts 13:5 he is simply called ‘John’, but most people today know him as Mark.
First, notice the History of our knowledge of Mark:
In Acts 12 we learn that the brethren used the house of John’s mother (Mary) to meet in. He would have been acquainted with the apostles and 1st brethren. When Paul and Barnabas took the collection for the needy saints to Jerusalem, they brought Mark with them back to Antioch. Then, as they went out on the first journey of preaching, they too Mark along as a helper to them (Acts 13:2-5). Mark then left them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). When Paul and Barnabas made plans for their 2nd journey, they had a sharp disagreement about taking Mark with them this time. Barnabas wanted to take him and Paul did not want to take him. They decided to go their own ways and Barnabas took Mark with him (Acts 15:36-39).
Some 10 years later, Paul has Mark with him as he writes the letter to the Colossians (Col. 4:10) and the letter to Philemon (Philemon 1:23-24). He would even later state that ‘Mark is useful to me for service’ (2Tim. 4:11). Add to this, Peter refers to Mark as ‘my son’, indicating a close and personal relationship with him. Mark has grown and matured in his service and ability.
Observations concerning Mark:
Sometimes disciples fail and disappoint others.
Sometimes SOME are willing to encourage and give another opportunity as does Barnabas the ‘encourager’.
OTHERS (i.e., Paul), see the difficulty facing such service and are unwilling to put this kind of pressure and reliance upon such disciples. THIS is not to be taken as condemnation or rejection of them as a brother, but an unwillingness to put them in a position that is difficult.
Brethren can disagree about their plans and people’s strengths and yet remain brothers.
Disciples CAN grow and become profitable!
Are you growing like Mark? Have disappointed people? Have you tried again? You can do it!
Hugh DeLong
