Character Study Of Mark (John Mark) Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARK (JOHN MARK) – WRITER OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 12:12

"When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying."

Supporting Texts: 2 Timothy 4:11, 1 Peter 5:13, Colossians 4:10, Acts 13:13, Acts 15:36-40

INTRODUCTION

John Mark, commonly known as Mark, was a close associate of both Peter and Paul and the author of the Gospel of Mark. Though he initially struggled in ministry, he later became a valuable asset in the early church. His life is a testimony of second chances, spiritual growth, and perseverance in God's work.

1. MARK AS A YOUNG DISCIPLE IN THE EARLY CHURCH

a) He grew up in a Christian home (Acts 12:12)

His mother, Mary, hosted prayer meetings in their home.

b) He was a relative of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10)

Barnabas took a special interest in mentoring Mark.

c) He travelled with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:5)

He accompanied them as an assistant in ministry.

d) He was present during key moments in church history (Acts 12:25)

Mark witnessed the early growth of Christianity.

e) Biblical Example: Samuel being raised in God’s presence (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Like Samuel, Mark grew up surrounded by faith and prayer.

2. MARK’S FAILURE AND RESTORATION IN MINISTRY

a) He abandoned Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13)

Mark left them during their first missionary journey, possibly due to fear or immaturity.

b) Paul refused to take him on the next journey (Acts 15:38)

Paul saw him as unreliable because of his past failure.

c) Barnabas gave him a second chance (Acts 15:39-40)

Barnabas believed in Mark’s potential and took him to Cyprus.

d) He later regained Paul’s trust (2 Timothy 4:11)

Paul later acknowledged Mark’s usefulness in ministry.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus (John 21:15-17)

Like Peter, Mark was restored and continued serving in God’s work.

3. MARK AS A COMPANION OF PETER AND PAUL

a) He was a close disciple of Peter (1 Peter 5:13)

Peter referred to Mark as his “son,” showing their strong spiritual bond.

b) He learned from Peter’s eyewitness testimony (Mark 1:1; 1 Peter 5:13)

Mark’s Gospel was heavily influenced by Peter’s account of Jesus’ ministry.

c) He worked closely with Paul in later years (Philemon 1:24)

Mark eventually became a co-worker with Paul.

d) He was highly regarded in the early church (Colossians 4:10)

Paul encouraged the church to welcome and accept Mark.

e) Biblical Example: Joshua assisting Moses (Exodus 24:13)

Like Joshua, Mark faithfully served under great leaders before stepping into his own calling.

4. MARK AS THE WRITER OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK

a) He wrote for a Roman audience.

Mark’s Gospel is direct and action-oriented, suited for Roman readers.

b) He highlighted Jesus as the Servant (Mark 10:45)

His Gospel focuses on Jesus’ miracles and service rather than lengthy teachings.

c) He recorded Peter’s firsthand accounts.

Many scholars believe Mark’s Gospel reflects Peter’s testimony.

d) He wrote one of the earliest Gospels.

Mark’s Gospel likely served as a foundation for Matthew and Luke’s writings.

e) Biblical Example: Ezra documenting God’s law (Ezra 7:10)

Like Ezra, Mark carefully preserved God’s truth for future generations.

5. MARK’S CHARACTER AND QUALITIES

a) He was teachable and willing to grow.

Despite early failures, he matured into a great leader.

b) He was resilient despite setbacks.

Mark did not allow his past mistakes to define his future.

c) He was humble in his service.

He was content to support others rather than seek the spotlight.

d) He was faithful in ministry.

Over time, he became a trusted companion of both Peter and Paul.

e) Biblical Example: Timothy’s growth under Paul (1 Timothy 4:12)

Like Timothy, Mark grew spiritually under godly mentorship.

STRENGTHS OF MARK

a) He was a keen observer and recorder of events.

His Gospel is fast-paced and filled with eyewitness details.

b) He was open to correction and growth.

Mark’s transformation from an unreliable assistant to a faithful minister is inspiring.

c) He valued relationships and mentorship.

He learned from both Peter and Paul, benefiting from their wisdom.

d) He persevered in the faith.

Despite early struggles, he remained faithful to God’s work.

e) He was instrumental in spreading the Gospel.

His Gospel continues to impact lives today.

WEAKNESSES OF MARK

a) He struggled with fear and commitment initially (Acts 13:13)

Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas during their mission.

b) He caused division between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39)

His presence led to a sharp disagreement between these two great leaders.

c) He needed a mentor to restore him (Acts 15:39-40)

Barnabas had to encourage and train him before he could return to ministry.

d) He was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry