Deserter!

Deserter!

Mark’s gospel is one of the four gospel (i.e. good news) accounts of the New Testament. The word “gospel” in biblical Greek is εὐαγγέλιον (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on). If you’re a research person you can look up “Strong’s Greek 2098” and find out more about that word. εὐαγγέλιον is where we get the term “evangelize,” the verbal derivative meaning to share/spread the gospel or “good news” of Jesus Christ.

Mark, the gospel writer, is historically recognized as John Mark, Paul’s traveling partner from Acts 12:25: “When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.”

Something happened along the way causing John Mark to abandon the group. We don’t know the specifics, but from Acts 13:13 we know he left abruptly: “From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.”

John Mark’s departure was not received well by Paul. We know this because later, when Barnabas wanted John Mark to rejoin their team, Paul refused. John Mark’s departure created a rift between Paul and Barnabas, which actually led to a split. Paul and Silas went one way, while Barnabas and John Mark went another. In Acts 15:37-40 we read:

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left...

What happened to John Mark between the time that he “deserted” his friends and became one of only four men whose gospel accounts were chosen by God to be included in the New Testament?

Tune in tomorrow…

Blessings,

Kevin M. Kelley

#KMKelley1968

amostunlikelydisciple.com