Abstract
The stories of John Mark and Timothy illuminate key principles of youth development in early Christian ministry. Through biblical accounts spanning Acts, epistles, and Peter’s writings, we see how different mentoring approaches by Paul and Barnabas shaped these young ministers. The narrative particularly focuses on John Mark’s journey from early failure to eventual restoration, contrasted with Timothy’s steady growth under Paul’s guidance. Their parallel stories demonstrate how mentorship, perseverance, and divine grace transform promising but unprepared youth into effective ministers.
The Initial Conflict Over John Mark
A sharp disagreement between two prominent apostles reveals a deeper story about mentoring young ministers:
- And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
- 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;
John Mark’s Background and Early Church Connection
We first meet John Mark in a significant moment of early church history, showing his family’s dedication to the 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.
- 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.
The Beginning of Mark’s Ministry Journey
Mark’s journey in ministry began with a promising start, joining two experienced apostles:
- And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
The Divine Call to Mission Work
The Holy Spirit specifically set apart these men for missionary work, with Mark serving alongside them:
- Now 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.
- As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
- 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.
Mark’s Early Failure
However, faced with the challenges of missionary work, Mark made a decision that would have long-lasting consequences:
- Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
The Sharp Contention and Split
When the opportunity for a second missionary journey arose, Mark’s earlier departure became a point of serious contention:
- 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.
- And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
- But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed [aphistēmi/apostasia] 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.
- And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Understanding Barnabas: The Encourager
To understand why Barnabas stood by Mark, we need to look at his character and history:
- And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
- Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Barnabas’s Pattern of Supporting Others
This wasn’t the first time Barnabas had stood by someone others rejected. He had done the same for Paul:
- And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
- But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
His Proven Track Record of Ministry
Barnabas had a history of successful ministry and nurturing others:
- Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
- Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
- For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
- Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Paul’s New Protégé: Timothy
While Barnabas mentored Mark, Paul found another young minister to train:
- Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
- Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
- Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
The Cost of Ministry: Timothy’s Perspective
Timothy had witnessed firsthand the price of following Christ through Paul’s experiences:
- And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
- Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Paul’s Mentorship Principles
Paul’s approach to mentoring Timothy was comprehensive and demanding:
- But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
- Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
- Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
- But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
- But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
- And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
- That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith.” 1 Timothy 1:2. The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister. {EGW; AA 204.2; 1911}
Mark’s Restoration and Growth
Over time, Mark proved himself faithful, as evidenced by Paul’s later writings:
- Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
- And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas
The Greek manuscript says ‘anepsios’ which means cousin. John Mark was Barnabas cousin. Which might be that Mary (John Mark’s mother - see Acts 12:12, could be Barnabas sister).
- There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
- Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
The Final Validation
Perhaps most telling is Paul’s complete change of heart regarding Mark:
- … Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Mark’s Relationship with Peter
Mark’s growth extended beyond Paul’s circle, as he became close to Peter as well:
- The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
John Mark's impact on Christianity
The Gospel of Mark was the result of John Mark’s work. It is believed that his account was based on what was told to him by Peter; therefore, some even refer to it as the Gospel according to Peter.
The Promise of Growth Through Trials
Peter offers a fitting perspective on the journey of growth through challenges:
- But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Conclusion
The parallel stories of John Mark and Timothy reveal several key principles about developing young ministers:
- Early setbacks don’t determine final outcomes
- Different mentoring styles (Barnabas’s patience vs. Paul’s rigor) can be equally effective
- The importance of second chances and persistent guidance
- Growth often comes through challenges and trials
- God’s grace, combined with faithful mentorship, can transform promising but unprepared youth into powerful workers for Christ
Through these biblical accounts, we see how patient mentorship, divine grace, and personal determination can overcome initial failures and lead to extraordinary ministry success.