Pamphylia, a region located in the southern part of modern-day Turkey, holds a significant place in the early Christian narrative, particularly in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. This coastal province, bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, was known for its diverse population and cultural influences, making it a fertile ground for the spread of the Gospel.

One of the notable figures associated with Pamphylia is John, surnamed Mark, often referred to simply as Mark. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Mark and is a prominent figure in the Acts of the Apostles. Mark's connection to Pamphylia is primarily documented in the context of Paul's first missionary journey.

In Acts 13:13 , we read: "Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem." This passage marks a pivotal moment in the early missionary efforts. John Mark's departure from Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia has been a subject of much discussion and interpretation. While the reasons for his departure are not explicitly stated in the text, it is clear that this event led to a temporary rift between Paul and Barnabas, as noted later in Acts 15:37-39.

Despite this early setback, John Mark's story is one of redemption and reconciliation. Later in the New Testament, we find evidence of his restored relationship with Paul. In Colossians 4:10 , Paul writes, "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him." This indicates that Mark was once again a trusted companion and co-worker in the ministry.

Pamphylia, therefore, serves as a backdrop to a significant episode in the life of John Mark, illustrating themes of human frailty, forgiveness, and the enduring nature of Christian fellowship. The region's mention in the biblical narrative underscores its role as a crossroads of early Christian evangelism and the personal journeys of those who carried the message of Christ to the world.

In summary, Pamphylia is not only a geographical location but also a testament to the complexities and triumphs of early Christian missions. John Mark's experience in Pamphylia reminds believers of the importance of perseverance, the possibility of reconciliation, and the grace that underpins the Christian faith.Acts 13:13
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
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Acts 15:38
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Nave's Topical Index

The Apocalypse of John.
... For example, there is also another John, surnamed Mark, mentioned in ... is said, And
they had also John as their ... Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia and John ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv the apocalypse of john.htm

To the Regions Beyond
... and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John ... It
is noteworthy that only now is John Mark's name brought in as their attendant. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/to the regions beyond.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... They reached Pamphylia and Pisidia in Asia. John Mark left them in Pamphylia and
returned home. In the cities of Pisidia Paul was persecuted and opposed. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... Departing from Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas now set sail for Asia Minor, where they
landed at Perga in Pamphylia. Here John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, by whom ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

First Missionary Journey Scripture
... Perga in Pamphylia+"(Acts 13 ... John Mark, doubtless appalled by the difficulties which
had already been experienced and now that the journey seemed to promise ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study iii first missionary journey.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... whilst being really worldly (Acts 5:3); or in John Mark, who was disheartened at
the seeming difficulties before him, and turned back from Pamphylia (Acts 13:13 ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

From the Two Books on the Promises.
... Acts of the Apostles, with the surname Mark, whom Barnabas ... it is said: "And they
had also John to their ... from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/i from the two books on.htm

Marcus, My Son
... thought not good to take him with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and
went ... We do not hear that this John Mark ever tried to do any work in the way ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/marcus my son.htm

Judaism and Heathenism in Contact.
... in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt ...
deduced a doctrine of the Logos so strikingly like that of John's Gospel, that ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 13 judaism and heathenism.htm

The Gospel of Mark
... the house of Mary, the mother of John, whose surname ... out on their first missionary
journey, Mark accompanied them until they came to Pamphylia, when for ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of mark.htm

If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Who was John Mark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org

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