Will you back down?
John-Mark, one of the writers of the four gospels of Jesus Christ, faced a moment in his life that could have kept him from writing what is one of the most important texts ever penned. In a way, Mark is the cause of the first "church-split" in Biblical history.
Let me give a back history of who John-Mark was. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10), the spiritual son of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and the author of the gospel of Mark(attributed by numerous early church historians). He is mentioned in several books of the Bible. He served directly under Barnabas and as time passed he was described by Paul as a "fellow-worker" of the gospel. High praise from one of the most prominent New Testament figures. He is described as the interpreter for Peter and recorded many of his sermons and letters.
However, it was not always like this. Mark faced adversity. Mark was a young man (younger than the apostles) and had his share of mistakes. Scripture tells of Mark as traveling with with Paul (Saul) and Barnabas. He then, for reasons unknown, leaves Paul and Barnabas at Perga. From that point we start to see some contention between Paul and Mark. I referenced it earlier so lets turn to Acts 15.
Acts 15:37-40
"Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."
And here we witness the first "church-split". Have no worries, as all parties amend in the future and work together as one. The highlight of this section of Mark's life is that as a young man he showed that he made mistakes, but he did not give up.
What would have happened if Mark had become so downtrodden and lost faith in Christ because those around him lost faith in him? We would have lose many of Peter's writings and teachings, not to mention what is considered by most to be the first gospel written. Mark's gospel also focuses on the gentile Romans and not the Jewish populace like Matthew's gospel. Without Mark's perseverance and refusal to backdown, facing his mistakes and becoming a strong steward of the gospel, Rome came to know Christ. Mark is credited with starting numerous churches (Church at Alexandria for example) and for years continued to toil in the work of the Lord.
Mark didn't give up, he faced adversity and served God to greatest ability he could. He worked with the Holy Spirit to not only reach the lost, but to reach himself. Its something we should all take in and realize. Man, these were real people, equipped with the Holy Spirit, who changed not only the world, but themselves, but God's incredible love and power.
Don't back down.
God bless!
~Deuce
1/14/2014
John-Mark, one of the writers of the four gospels of Jesus Christ, faced a moment in his life that could have kept him from writing what is one of the most important texts ever penned. In a way, Mark is the cause of the first "church-split" in Biblical history.
Let me give a back history of who John-Mark was. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10), the spiritual son of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and the author of the gospel of Mark(attributed by numerous early church historians). He is mentioned in several books of the Bible. He served directly under Barnabas and as time passed he was described by Paul as a "fellow-worker" of the gospel. High praise from one of the most prominent New Testament figures. He is described as the interpreter for Peter and recorded many of his sermons and letters.
However, it was not always like this. Mark faced adversity. Mark was a young man (younger than the apostles) and had his share of mistakes. Scripture tells of Mark as traveling with with Paul (Saul) and Barnabas. He then, for reasons unknown, leaves Paul and Barnabas at Perga. From that point we start to see some contention between Paul and Mark. I referenced it earlier so lets turn to Acts 15.
Acts 15:37-40
"Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."
And here we witness the first "church-split". Have no worries, as all parties amend in the future and work together as one. The highlight of this section of Mark's life is that as a young man he showed that he made mistakes, but he did not give up.
What would have happened if Mark had become so downtrodden and lost faith in Christ because those around him lost faith in him? We would have lose many of Peter's writings and teachings, not to mention what is considered by most to be the first gospel written. Mark's gospel also focuses on the gentile Romans and not the Jewish populace like Matthew's gospel. Without Mark's perseverance and refusal to backdown, facing his mistakes and becoming a strong steward of the gospel, Rome came to know Christ. Mark is credited with starting numerous churches (Church at Alexandria for example) and for years continued to toil in the work of the Lord.
Mark didn't give up, he faced adversity and served God to greatest ability he could. He worked with the Holy Spirit to not only reach the lost, but to reach himself. Its something we should all take in and realize. Man, these were real people, equipped with the Holy Spirit, who changed not only the world, but themselves, but God's incredible love and power.
Don't back down.
God bless!
~Deuce
1/14/2014