On the first missionary journey, the early labours of Barnabas and Saul were throughout the island of Cyprus. This was the home country of Barnabas and also, possibly, familiar territory to his nephew John Mark.
The Defection. This incident in Acts 13. 14, has no detail or explanation. First there was the journey from Cyprus to Perga, then John departed ‘from them’ and ‘returned to Jerusalem’; he did not go back to Antioch, he went home. Paul and Barnabas continued on the journey, next arriving at Antioch in Pisidia and on to many places.
The Dissension. About seven years had elapsed, and this sad episode began through the desire of Paul to revisit the places where they had already preached, and to see their progress. ‘Barnabas determined to take with them John … But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed … from Pamphylia, and went not … to the work’. The contention was sharp and a most fruitful partnership was broken. We cannot judge the issues, although we should note that Barnabas and John went to Cyprus with no mention of commendation. Paul chose Silas and they were commended. The record of the book continues with Paul, and there is no further mention of Barnabas.
The Declaration. Nineteen years had now passed since the original incident, and Paul was writing to Colosse during his first imprisonment in Rome. It seems that John Mark is at Rome also and Paul includes his greetings. Something has been written about him previously; Paul’s clear word is, if he comes ‘receive him’.
The Desire. It is now 22 yearson and Paul is in his second and final imprisonment at Rome. He is lonely and needing help and refreshment. Only Luke is there, and Paul wants Timothy to come, and then utters these precious words of desire, ‘Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry’. There has been a full recovery!
The Document. There is every support to the claim that this servant who once failed for a time was used of God to depict the Perfect Servant in the Gospel of Mark. What a tribute God paid to his full recovery.
