Who Was John Mark?

John Mark, often referred to simply as Mark, is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some key points about his story:

1. Early Ministry and Travels: John Mark first appears in the Book of Acts. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25, 13:5). However, he left them partway through the journey and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13), which caused some contention between Paul and Barnabas.

2. Separation from Paul: When planning a second missionary journey, Paul refused to take John Mark along because he had abandoned them previously. This led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in their separation. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his companion (Acts 15:36-41).

3. Reconciliation with Paul: Despite their earlier disagreement, Paul later acknowledged John Mark's usefulness in ministry. In his letters, Paul speaks positively about him. In Colossians 4:10, Paul refers to Mark as a valuable helper, and in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul requests Mark's presence, saying, "he is helpful to me in my ministry."

4. Association with Peter: John Mark is also closely associated with the Apostle Peter. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter refers to Mark as his "son," indicating a close mentor-mentee relationship. This connection is significant because it is traditionally believed that Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter's teachings and experiences.

5. Author of the Gospel of Mark: Mark is traditionally credited with writing the second Gospel in the New Testament. The Gospel of Mark is believed to be one of the earliest written accounts of Jesus' life and ministry and is noted for its concise and straightforward style.

Through these events, John Mark's story in the Bible is one of initial failure, subsequent growth, reconciliation, and significant contribution to the early Christian church.

Sabbath School Lesson 1: The Beginning of the Gospel

 

The Book of Mark

Sabbath School Lesson 1

The Beginning of the Gospel

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

------------------------------

> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.

---------------------- 

> Download  Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

------------------------------

>Why has sin gone on so long?

------------------------------

> Will we ever have to stand without Jesus in the last days?

------------------------------

Why Has Sin Gone on For So Long?

 

From a Christian standpoint, the question of why God has allowed sin to persist for so long is complex and has been the subject of theological reflection for centuries. Here are some key points that can help address this question:

 1. Free Will and Love

- Free Will: God created humans with free will, the ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom is essential for genuine love and moral growth. Without the possibility of choosing wrong, choosing right would be meaningless.

- Love: God’s desire for a loving relationship with His creation necessitates freedom. Love cannot be coerced; it must be freely given and received.

 2. God’s Patience and Redemption Plan

- Patience: The Bible portrays God as patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This extended time allows more people the opportunity to turn to God.

- Redemption Plan: Throughout history, God has been unfolding a redemptive plan culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This plan demonstrates God’s justice, mercy, and love.

 3. Temporal vs. Eternal Perspective

- Human Lifespan: A human lifetime, though it can involve suffering, is relatively short compared to the eternal perspective. Christians believe that earthly life is just the beginning and that eternity with God will be free from suffering and sin.

- Eternal Glory: Paul writes in Romans 8:18 that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” This eternal perspective can provide hope and comfort amidst suffering.

 4. Purpose of Suffering

- Character Development: Suffering can develop perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). It can draw people closer to God and shape them into the likeness of Christ.

- Greater Good: God can bring good out of suffering and evil, even when it is not immediately apparent. The story of Joseph in Genesis is an example, where what was intended for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).

 5. Mystery of God’s Ways

- God’s Wisdom: Humans have limited understanding compared to God’s infinite wisdom. The book of Job emphasizes that God’s ways are beyond human comprehension, yet He remains just and sovereign.

- Trust in God: Faith involves trusting that God is good, even when we do not understand why He allows certain things to happen.

 Perspective on Evil and Suffering

Considering the shortness of human life in comparison to the vast history of sin, we can derive several perspectives:

1. Limited Duration of Suffering: No human being suffers more than their own lifetime, which, in the scope of eternity, is brief.

2. Hope in Eternity: The promise of eternal life with God, free from suffering and sin, provides hope and a future to look forward to.

3. Present Comfort: Knowing that God is with us in our suffering and has a purpose for it can provide comfort and strength.

In summary, from a Christian perspective, the persistence of sin and suffering in the world can be understood in the context of free will, God’s patience, the eternal perspective, and the mysterious nature of God’s wisdom. This perspective helps believers to trust in God’s goodness and justice, even amid the existence of evil and suffering.