Unleavened Faith

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. ¹²And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 12:11-12

Mark was a young man living in Jerusalem. It seems that he and his family were disciples and witnesses of all that had happened concerning Christ Jesus. When things settled a bit and Paul came on the seen, Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary venture.

Acts 12:25 KJV And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Mark did not do well at this time, leaving Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 13:13 KJV Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Mark was young and not well-established in the faith.

Sometime later, Paul and Barnabas made ready another missionary trip, but were divided over whether to take Mark or not.

Mark had obviously grown stronger in the faith, but Paul was not as forgiving as he should have been, or the Lord directed the matter to suit His will. Mark went with Barnabas.

Acts 15:37-40 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. ³⁸But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ³⁹And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; ⁴⁰And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

However, Mark grew in faith and understanding and became a welcome addition to Paul’s efforts. Most importantly, he matured into an author of one of the gospels.

2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

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