Topical Bible: Mary: Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas

◄ Mary: Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas ►

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Mary, the mother of John Mark, is a notable figure in the New Testament, primarily recognized for her role in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. She is mentioned in the Book of Acts, where her home served as a significant meeting place for the early believers.

Biblical References and Context

Mary is introduced in Acts 12:12, during the account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. The verse states: "When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying" . This passage highlights Mary's home as a central hub for prayer and fellowship among the early Christians, indicating her prominent role in the community.

Family Connections

Mary is identified as the mother of John Mark, who is often associated with the Gospel of Mark. John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys, as noted in Acts 12:25: "When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark" . This connection underscores the influence of Mary's household in the spread of the Gospel.

Additionally, Mary is traditionally considered to be the sister of Barnabas, a leading figure in the early Church. While the Bible does not explicitly state this relationship, early Christian writings and traditions have often linked Mary and Barnabas as siblings. This familial connection would further explain the close association between John Mark and Barnabas, as seen in their joint missionary efforts.

Role in the Early Church

Mary's home served as a sanctuary for believers during a time of persecution. The gathering of many people in her house for prayer, as described in Acts 12:12, suggests that she was a woman of means and influence, capable of hosting a large assembly. Her willingness to open her home for such gatherings reflects her deep commitment to the fledgling Christian movement and her support for its leaders.

The fact that Peter, upon his release from prison, instinctively went to Mary's house indicates that it was a well-known and trusted location for the early Church. This further emphasizes Mary's significant role in providing a safe haven for the apostles and other believers.

Legacy and Influence

Mary's legacy is primarily seen through her son, John Mark, who played a crucial role in the early Church and is traditionally credited with authoring the Gospel of Mark. Her support and hospitality likely contributed to the nurturing and development of his faith and ministry.

In summary, Mary, the mother of John Mark, is a pivotal figure in the New Testament, known for her hospitality, faith, and support of the early Christian community. Her home served as a vital meeting place for believers, and her family connections to Barnabas and John Mark highlight her influence in the spread of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 12:12
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.
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Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)
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Library

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... his mother and Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, the sister of Jesus' mother.
Matthew and Mark each name three women, whence it is thought that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

Acts XII
... (12) "When he understood the matter, he went to the house of Mary the mother of
John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... It must have been half an hour's journey from Mary's house to the tomb. ... among whom
I remember a daughter of Veronica and the mother of John Mark, coming to ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Rhoda
... If one might venture to indulge in a guess, it is not at all unlikely that her mistress,
Mary, John Mark's mother, Barnabas' sister, a well-to-do woman of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/rhoda.htm

Elucidations.
... Mark and the Blessed Virgin in these commemorations; while ... in commemorating him and
Monica his mother, "because it ... Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary," etc. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/elucidations.htm

The General Epistle of James
... 1:6 with Mark 11:23;"1:22 with Matt.7:24;"2:8 with Mark 12:31 ... (3) We repeatedly find
the brethren of the Lord in the company of Mary, the mother of Jesus ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... of Joseph, and may have married also a woman by the name of Mary (John 19 ... This man
[houtosnot this apostle] was consecrated from his mother's womb. ... 320] Mark 6:4 ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The Apostle of the Gentiles.
... the subject, Barnabas left him, and took Mark to Cyprus ... was a Greek, but whose Jewish
mother and grandmother ... asked the young Agrippa and his sister Bernice, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxii the apostle of.htm

Love's Triumph Over Sin
... words, has only 'tell His disciples.' Mark adds the ... his own home; or that weeping
mother whom he ... is 'separate from sinners,' appeared was 'Mary Magdalene, out ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/loves triumph over sin.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... John (Acts 13:5, 13), and Marcus or Mark (Acts 15 ... was cousin to Barnabas (Col.4:10,
not sister's son, as ... His mother Mary resided in Jerusalem, and it was to her ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm