Scriptural Reference:
"So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname
was Mark, where many were gathered together praying."
Acts 12:12

"Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him,
because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had
such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,"
Acts 15:37-39

Reflection:

What do we know about Mark in the Bible?
Mark the Evangelist was an associate of St. Paul and a disciple of St. Peter, whose teachings the Gospel may reflect. It is the shortest and the earliest of the four Gospels, presumably written during the decade preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 ce.

What does the name Mark mean?
John Mark is a minor biblical figure who lived during the first century. He’s traditionally believed to also be Mark the Evangelist, the author of the Gospel of Mark. In the Book of Acts, John Mark was a companion of Paul and Barnabas. While the Bible doesn’t confirm or deny this, many believe he developed a close relationship with Peter, and that his gospel records Peter’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry.

What is the purpose of Mark in the Bible?
In summary, Mark's Gospel is a narrative proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, whose death and resurrection paid the penalty for our sins and achieved victory over Satan, sin, and death.

What is the main lesson of the Gospel of Mark?
Explain that one of the major themes in the Gospel of Mark is: As the Son of God, Jesus Christ came with power and authority. The first chapters of Mark help us recognise that the authority of Jesus Christ was evident from the beginning of His ministry.

How is Mark different from the other gospels?
Mark's Gospel is written more as a sermon that serves as a motivational call to action and conversion that appeals to common Greeks. Unlike the other three Gospels, Mark is not concerned with details, but centres on one's personal choice to act. Ultimately, Mark concludes with an implicit call to action.

What is unique about the Gospel of Mark?
One of the peculiar features of Mark's gospel in its presentation of Jesus is that, when Jesus teaches he often actually conceals the significance of his own words from the the popular audiences, and directs it only to his own disciples. Everyone will recognise that Jesus teaches in parables.

Who is the Gospel of Mark addressed to?
It was written in Greek, for a gentile audience, and probably in Rome, although Galilee, Antioch (third-largest city in the Roman Empire, located in northern Syria), and southern Syria have also been suggested.

What was Mark's relationship with Jesus?
Mark was also a follower of Jesus Christ but would likely have been in his teens when the Lord was in Jerusalem. He may have seen and listened to the Saviour on occasion. After the Resurrection, as the Saviours message was beginning to be spread, Mark travelled with the Apostle Paul.

How is Jesus described in Mark?
Jesus, in the Gospel of Mark is portrayed as more than a man. Mark, throughout the Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus was of flesh and skin but also tells us what attributes he had that set him apart from the other humans.

What can we learn from Mark 16?
The Gospel tells us to spread the God's teachings for all who believe will be saved. Believers can also be healers and exorcists, for Jesus is the one acting in them. Everything will be all right for people who trust in Him. Problems may come but it will just pass away.

What happened to Mark in the Bible?
When Mark returned to Alexandria, the pagans of the city resented his efforts to turn the Alexandrian's away from the worship of their traditional gods. In AD 68, they placed a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he was dead.

Prayer:
Lord,
May we seek to understand who Mark was,
How he can teach us how he shared the Gospel,
How he was a burning witness to your mission,
May we learn and emulate his zeal and compassion.

We pray this in your loving name,
Jesus the Christ.
Amen