Who is Saint Mark?

Saint Mark, or Mark the Evangelist, is credited with writing the second book of the New Testament.  Often times, we think the writers of the Bible to be quite different than your average Christian.  However, many times this is simply not the case.  After looking into the life of Saint Mark, we discover he was a normal teen in need of encouragement and a chance to develop leadership skills.

Mark, known also as John Mark, first comes on the scene in Acts 13 when Paul and Barnabas take him on a missionary journey.  He goes along with the two ministers in order to help them in their efforts to reach others for the cause of Christ.  The text does not give us a reason, but John Mark abandons the missionary journey in Pamphylia.  Later in Acts 15, there is a “sharp” argument between Paul and Barnabas due to Barnabas’ desire to bring John Mark along on another missionary journey.  Paul venomously disagrees due to John Mark’s decision to ditch them in Pamphylia.  The story goes that Barnabas and Paul split ways and Barnabas takes young John Mark under his wing.

Further, in 2nd Timothy 4:11, we discover that John Mark has finally won over Paul’s approval when the great Apostle requests Mark's presence. Paul actually states that Mark is “helpful” to him in ministry.  Wow!  What a contrast to his earlier feelings about John Mark.  The story of John Mark shows us that teenagers are extremely useful for God in his Kingdom purposes, and that they have the ability to develop into extraordinary leaders.

Saint Mark’s Academy desires to develop teens into leaders by offering this type of encouragement.  Many times it simply takes that extra push or second chance to give students the confidence they need to believe in themselves and achieve God’s best for their life.  What would have happened if Barnabas also walked away from young John Mark?  Our teens, like Mark, deserve our loving patience and a chance to change their world!