Substance of an Address Delivered at Los Angeles January 2, 1956
I have it before me this afternoon to group the remarks I might make, around the life story of John Mark. In the Word of God we get instruction by precept, proverb, history, and example. In these manifold ways God seeks to make the path of faith plain. Thus we do well to heed every little shadow of truth, for the indirect shadows are designedly intended for our profit.
So now to John Mark. The first reference to this young man is in Acts 12:11, 1211And 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): "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. And 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."
Let us here note carefully the situation. Peter had been imprisoned. The purpose of King Herod was to kill him, as he had done to the Apostle James a short time before. But he reckoned without God. Though Peter was later to earn a martyr's crown, his time was not yet come. Until. God saw fit, there was no weapon forged that could take his life.
Delivered by angelic power and presence, Peter stands a lone figure on the street of the city. It is night. He stops to consider. I can see him there in deep thought. "What shall I do next?" Then he comes to his decision. "I will go to the home of John Mark's mother." Why did he choose that home? He knew the atmosphere of that home. He was no stranger there. He well knew they were consecrated to the interests of Christ. He had confidence they would be burdened for him in his prison experiences. Yes, he knew where to go.
Shall we stop here to ask ourselves a question? If someone finds himself in difficulty and says to himself, "I wonder where I can go to get a little spiritual help," would his decision be to come to your house? Is not that a searching question for us all?
Let us take a look into John Mark's home. How were they occupied? They were praying. The other day I was arrested by a motto I saw. It read, "The family that prays together, stays together." What a privilege to grow up in such a home. John Mark had an enviable background. He had a praying mother. Do you have a mother who taught you to pray? Does your life today answer to those prayers?
There is no mention here of Mark's father. Perhaps he was deceased. Be that as it may, the fact remains that it is the mother who is here singled out as the responsible one in this home. Are you a mother with the sole responsibility of bringing up your children for the Lord? Then take courage; remember John Mark's mother.
Another side light on this situation here is given to us in Peter's first epistle, written long after this night. He says in the last chapter, verse 13, "The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son." I would judge from this that John. Mark had made his confession of faith under the personal ministry of Peter. This leads to another thought. If you are ever used of God to lead anyone to Christ, as long as you both live there will be a special link between the two of you. You will never cease to be interested in his or her spiritual progress. No doubt John Mark's mother prayerfully brought her boy up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Peter's ministry led him to the definite confession of faith in Christ. So let none of us think when we lead someone to a confession of faith in Christ, that we can individually claim all the credit. In all probability others had labored before, and we entered into their labors. God alone knows, and He will give credit to whom credit belongs.
Let us turn now to the end of the 11th chapter of Acts, verses 29, 30. "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt at Judea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." Now the end of the 12th chapter, verses 24, 25. "But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark." Here we have our young man, Mark, again. We learn from another scripture that Barnabas was the uncle of this John Mark (Col. 4:1010Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) (Colossians 4:10)). From what we shall find in succeeding portions of the Word, I think we shall rightly judge that Mark was quite a favorite with his uncle Barnabas. This, of course, we can readily understand, as there was not only the natural bond, but also the spiritual.
Barnabas and Saul had gone to Jerusalem on this errand of mercy to the needy saints. Before returning they thought well to take Barnabas's nephew with them back to Antioch. Very probably they called at the mother's home where Peter had been so wonderfully prayed for. We can rest assured that John Mark's mother would feel thankful to the Lord that her brother and Saul had confidence enough in her son to ask his company on their journey.
John Mark's uncle Barnabas was a most remarkable man. I know of no other man in Scripture of whom it is said, "He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost." Acts 11:2424For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. (Acts 11:24).
This could not be said of every Christian. A Christian might be a faithful person, but yet not be termed "a good man." There is a special connotation in the expression that is easier to enjoy than to explain. You and I know some such men, and we love to think of them and speak of them.
In Acts 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4) we find these three men, Barnabas, Saul, and Mark, actively associated with the assembly of Antioch. John Mark must have profited by the abundant ministry that was there manifest in that gifted assembly. The meeting in Antioch was really the pivotal assembly of the Gentile testimony. At this particular moment it was divinely revealed that it was the mind of God for Barnabas and Saul to go forth on a special gospel mission. The better reading of verses 3 and 4 is, "Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid their hands on them, they let them go. They therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and thence sailed away to Cyprus" (J.N. D. Trans.). Gathered saints of the past century have felt free before the Lord to thus express their fellowship with brethren who were going forth on some special mission for the Lord. It was no question of official appointment, but rather of happy identification with the servants' work.
"They therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit." Do not miss that; it was the Holy Spirit who sent them—not the brethren. I remember a sister talking to me repeatedly about why the brethren would not send her to the foreign field. I told her she might wait the rest of her life for such a commission, but she would not receive it. We do not send forth servants. What authority have we from the Word to send anyone? It is God by the Holy Spirit who sends His laborers into the field. We can express our fellowship with them, but we do not send them.
Now the 5th verse. "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister." Let us not overrate this word, "minister." The word so translated in this verse comes from a Greek word that originally meant, "underrower." From this literal meaning it gradually came to signify any subordinate in service to another. So we find in J.N.D.'s translation the word is rendered, "attendant." Thus John Mark went along as a helper to Barnabas and Saul. I believe the most of those who have found their way into full-time ministry of the Word, had their start in some very humble way. Such early attempts were usually under the supervision or advice of older brothers. So here, John Mark was, as it were, serving an apprenticeship. And lovely company he had. Think of it: the opportunity to go about with a "good man, and full of the Holy Ghost," and with Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Thus was our John Mark highly favored. One of the sad things about our lives is that so often we fail to realize our high privileges. We do not always count our blessings. We do not always know the "day of [our] visitation." Perhaps even now we are sighing for the green pastures in the distance, and do not recognize that we are presently surrounded by the Lord's abundance.
The trio, Barnabas, Paul, and Mark, continue on their journey, taking their time along the way to sound out the gospel. It may have been that John Mark discovered there was more involved in being a missionary than he had at first reckoned on. He evidently had not first sat down and counted the cost. The thoughts of home and loved ones seemed too strong for his spirit to carry on in the work. The climax of his faintheartedness came at Perga in Pamphylia. We read: "Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem."
But this is not the end of the story. When God gives us the biography of a saint, He tells the whole story; He gives a true picture. This is for our profit and our instruction. As I have read my Bible, I have been thankful that God has been pleased to use poor failing instruments. This has encouraged me to continue in the path of faith. Have you not found it so? If we examine the history of the servants of God as recorded in His Word, we find that they all were flecked with some measure of failure. There was only one perfect Servant.
After poor Mark turned his face homeward, leaving Paul and Barnabas to continue on without him, they encountered violent opposition. Paul himself was viciously stoned and left by the wayside, supposedly dead. Yes, John Mark escaped a deal of trouble by turning back home, but what a badge of shame he carried with him! Nor was this all; it was to lead to sorry consequences later.
Turn now to Acts 15:35, 3635Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. (Acts 15:35‑36). "Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after, Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do." This was a wholesome decision, was it not? When you get people saved, your responsibility toward them does not cease. In the Word of God you find the opposite of this attitude. Paul and Barnabas decided to re-contact these converts, that they might see how they fared. It is a mark of a real shepherd that he desires to see how the sheep are getting on.
Now we come to a painful episode in the lives of these two dear men of God, Barnabas and Paul. As we seek to serve the Lord, we at times find ourselves in situations that we heartily dislike to face. We long for some escape from having to make a decision, but we find we cannot side-step the situation. When such occasions arise, we just have to face them. Here is Barnabas, a man of God, and here is Paul, the most devoted servant God ever had, yet we find them deadlocked over the advisability of taking John Mark with them on their tour of visitation. Let us read the account.
Acts 15:38-4038But 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. (Acts 15:38‑40). "But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God." Each man seemed determined to have his way. How sad! The account would warrant us in supposing an argument somewhat as follows: Barnabas contended, "We are taking my nephew with us." Paul countered, "We are not taking him with us; I know what he is like. He left us in the lurch when we needed him most. No, we do not desire his company." But Barnabas was adamant. "He is my nephew and he is going along." So the argument waxed hot. I cannot believe that either Barnabas or Paul said everything in a spirit of grace. But be this as it may, the sad fact remains that, as far as the record shows, these two devoted men never labored together again. Isn't that tragic? And yet the history of the Church of God presents many such parallels.
So Barnabas embarked with his nephew, but no mention is made of the prayers of the saints commending them. As we read about it, we feel a weight on our hearts; this dear man and his blunder! I would here make an observation which I feel to be timely and important. What caused Barnabas to err? It was blood relationship—the ties of nature. During the fifty years of my life among gathered saints, I have witnessed many troubles and frictions. No small part of such could be traced to this very thing—blood ties. The inability of a saint to view things objectively when his own flesh and blood is involved, is pathetic. Nor are any of us immune.
For an encouraging contrast in such an eventuality, let us turn to the Old Testament. I refer to Exodus, chapters 32 and 33. Moses had gone up into the mount to receive the law at the mouth of God. When he returned to the camp he found that Aaron, his brother, had led the camp into rebellion and idolatry. Under Aaron's leadership and encouragement they had made a golden calf, and worshiped it. Moses launched an impartial investigation and thus discovered that his own brother. was involved in the guilt. But this did not deter Moses from bold and decisive action for the glory of God. He issued the clarion call, "Who is on the LORD'S side?" The tribe of Levi joined him, and he gave them the stern commission, "Put every man his sword by his side,... slay every man his brother,... consecrate yourselves to-day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother." So they did. Blood relationship did not stop them.
If we now turn to Deut. 33, we shall find how highly God rated such prompt obedience. "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death." Now verse 8. "And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah." Here is a remarkable statement that the Lord has preserved as to this unselfish faithfulness. In verses 9-11 God personalizes the case even more closely: "Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren nor knew his own children: for they have observed Thy word, and kept Thy covenant. They shall teach Jacob Thy judgments, and Israel Thy law: they shall put incense before Thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon Thine altar. Bless, LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands." Is that not a remarkable memorial to Levi's single-eyed loyalty to the interests of God? How little they thought when they set aside the claims of natural relationship, that they would, as a result, become heirs to such a place of trust and responsibility before God.
May we not all learn a needed lesson from the foregoing incident. Oh, the sorrow that has been caused among gathered saints because of failure to set aside considerations of family relationship when weighing matters regarding assembly decisions. This weakness among us often hinders the carrying out of cases of needed discipline. Let us sum it all up this way: There are comparatively few true Levites among us.
Salvation is free, but we pay a price to be a disciple. Let us read Luke 14:26, 2726If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26‑27): "If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple." May we all learn from the sad blunder of poor Barnabas, and never put family relationship ahead of the Lord's mind for us in the path of faith.
Is it not significant that the Spirit has drawn a curtain of complete silence over the mission of Barnabas and his nephew. Acts 15:3939And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; (Acts 15:39): "Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus." This was the same route he had pursued before when he became fainthearted and turned back. In contrast with the silence as to any further movements of this pair, we read a very detailed account of the fruitful journey of Paul and his new companion, Silas. It is long years afterward before we find any mention of John Mark.
But now let us turn to the brighter side of the story. We will read Col. 4:1010Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) (Colossians 4:10). "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)." During the years that have elapsed since the last mention of John Mark, we may rest assured that he is by now a much more matured man, and wiser in his path of service. Paul himself is now an old man, nearing the end of his testimony for Christ. How gracious of the Spirit of God to let us know that the man who had turned his back on Paul, thus forfeiting his confidence, was at long last restored to his esteem. Paul specifically asks the Colossian saints to receive Mark if he came that way. Note, too, how careful the Spirit of God is to identify this "Marcus" lest we might jump to the conclusion that he was another by the same name. No, he is the same man, Barnabas's nephew, who is now in Paul's good graces. Paul was a man taught of God, and as soon as he discovered that a failing servant of the Lord had judged himself for his mistake, he was one of the first to forgive. What we have in the 10th verse of this 4th of Colossians virtually amounts to a letter of commendation of Mark, signed by the Apostle Paul himself.
But there is a letter yet to come, so let us turn to 2 Tim. 4:66For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (2 Timothy 4:6): "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." This was written at the time of Paul's second imprisonment, right at the end of his life. This makes it very touching; let us read verses 7-11: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." I have ventured to add the emphasis to this last sentence. How wonderful are the ways of God. He was faithful in seeing to it that this unqualified endorsement of John Mark as a faithful servant should go into the record of the Word. Is not that lovely? "He is profitable." It adds weight to this encomium to realize that it was almost the last line of inspired writ that was ever communicated by the Apostle Paul.
Dear saint of God, dear servant of the Lord, you and I have made mistakes, perhaps painful mistakes. Let, us not be discouraged; let us not give up; let us not think that God is through with us. What is the way of recovery? Just get low in His presence and humble ourselves, and tell Him all about our blunder or our sin. Let us not excuse ourselves, or attempt to let ourselves off easily. Simply own the truth, "I was ' wrong!" Own it all thus, and you will be amazed to discover how gracious and forgiving your brethren area I remember hearing an old brother get to his feet at the beginning of an assembly prayer meeting and make an unqualified acknowledgment of his wrong attitude in a certain matter which had grieved his brethren. He said, "I was wrong; my brethren were right." Then as the saints knelt in prayer there was not a prayer offered that did not betray a deep response to our brother's humble owning of his fault. It was an occasion long to be remembered.
We are ready now for the best part of our meditations on the life of John Mark. "He that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:1212And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:12). The first man to whom God ever entrusted the writing of an inspired life of the Lord Jesus was none other than this same John Mark. And all the more remarkable is the fact that his Gospel is the one which gives us the picture of our Lord as the perfect Servant. At the same time Mark gives us the Lord as the sin offering. Apart from the sin offering God could have accepted no man (save Christ) as His servant. Apart from the priestly advocacy of Christ we must all have been set aside long ago. How encouraging to know that "He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:33He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:3).
Shall we close our meditation with the last two verses of John Mark's Gospel:
"So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."