MARK 1-16

The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter. Early Christian writers, such as Papias of Hierapolis (around 120-130 AD), state that Mark acted as Peter's interpreter and recorded his accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.

John Mark appears several times in the New Testament:

* Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37-39:

* John Mark is first mentioned as the son of Mary, whose house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for early Christians (Acts 12:12).

* He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys but left them early on, which caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39). This disagreement led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus.

* Colossians 4:10:

* Paul refers to Mark as the cousin of Barnabas and indicates that he is with him, giving instructions to welcome Mark if he comes to them.

* Philemon 1:24:

* Mark is listed among Paul's fellow workers, showing that their relationship had been restored.

* 2 Timothy 4:11:

* Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark with him because he is helpful in his ministry, indicating Mark's continued significance in the early Christian community.

These references collectively portray John Mark as a significant figure in the early Christian movement, despite his initial departure from Paul's mission. His eventual reconciliation with Paul and continued missionary work highlight his dedication and contribution to the spread of Christianity.