Our faith tells us that names are the icon of the person. This means that our names reveal a core truth about our identity. Saint Mark the Evangelist’s name is derived from one that honors the Roman god of war, Mars. It indicates that the one bearing the name is “warlike,” with the spirit of a fighter. While most of us know him as the author of the second Gospel, there is much more about him that is worthy of note. We can see from the tradition and Scripture that he lived up to his name with his fighting and resilient spirit.
The Things You May Not Know
- Like many individuals at the time, Mark was not his only name. He was also known as John. In Scripture, he is referred to as both, and also as John Mark (see Acts 13:5, Acts 15:37, Acts 15:39).
- Mark probably knew Jesus. It’s possible he was one of the seventy-two disciples. Another possibility, some theologians say, is that Mark was the man carrying the jar of water in Luke 22:10. When instructing Peter and John to find a place to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus told them to look for a man carrying water. This was unusual as it was typically the work of a woman. Upon seeing the man, the two Apostles followed him to a house. This is where the Last Supper took place, and some in the tradition of the Church speculate that this was the family home of Mark.
- If this was Mark’s family’s home, it’s possible that Mark helped to serve the meal, and witnessed the Institution of the Eucharist and then followed Jesus and the Apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane.
- His Gospel contains a detail the rest don’t. After Jesus’ arrest, a man in a linen garment followed the guards. When they spotted him, they seized him, but he struggled and pulled away. Leaving his linen garment in the hands of the guard, the individual ran off naked (see Mark 14:51). Some Scripture scholars in the tradition hold that this was Mark himself, and he added that detail to show he was an eye-witness.
- Likely, it was this same house to which the Apostles ran and hid during Jesus’ Passion. We know it is where they were hiding on Easter Sunday as Scripture tells us they were in the Upper Room. This is also where the 120 followers of Jesus stayed and prayed for the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost—and where the Holy Spirit descended. And, whether it was his home or not, it is probable that Mark was present in the house for all these things.
- In Acts 12, Saint Peter is imprisoned and condemned to death by King Herod. When an angel helps him escape, our first pontiff’s safe haven and hiding place is referred to as the “house of Mary, the mother of John who is called Mark” (Acts 12:12), also known as Saint Mary of Jerusalem. This is where the tradition draws the connection to her home possibly being that containing the Upper Room.
- Mark’s cousin Saint Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10) was the first Christian in Jerusalem to believe the Pharisee Saul when he said he had converted (see Acts 9:27). It was Barnabas who took the risk and the time to get to know if Saul’s conversion was genuine. Upon realizing it was, Barnabas brought Saul, who became Saint Paul, to Peter and the Apostles.
- When Paul and Barnabas set off on their first missionary journey, they bring Mark along as a disciple (see Acts 13:5). Shortly into the trip, however, Mark leaves and returns home. Scripture does not provide an explanation as to why, but Paul is unhappy about it (see Acts 13:13).
- Years later, when Paul is ready to leave for his second journey, Mark desires to accompany him and Barnabas. Paul refuses to bring him along, and the two part ways and go on separate missions. Barnabas allows Mark to accompany him. (See Acts 15:36-41.)
- Mark eventually becomes a disciple of Peter, which is why most of his Gospel seems to be written from Peter’s perspective. It is also why his intended audience are the Roman Christians. He was serving the people in Rome alongside Peter. Mark has grown and matured and done so much good for the Church that Peter refers to him as a beloved son in his first epistle (see 1 Peter 5:13).
Saint Mark’s story is good news for us. Even though Mark failed in his mission a couple of times—running away naked, abandoning his mission with Paul, being rejected by one of the most prominent figures in the early Church—God was able to use him for so much good. Mark used his resilience and fighting spirit to unite himself to God’s will and overcome his own weaknesses. He continued to come back to God and try again—as many times as he had to.
His story is one of immense hope and mercy. We can all be assured that even if we mess up, God’s great plans for our lives are not yet over.
To experience the fruit of his work, try reading his Gospel along with our newly released Catholic Bible study.
Saint Mark the Evangelist, pray for us!
Grace Bellon is a wife, mom, and high school theology teacher who has spent years walking with young people as they wrestle with faith, identity, and the ache for something more. She writes from the heart of a classroom, the hustle of family life, and the quiet corners where the Lord speaks most tenderly. She believes in miracles, mercy, and the delicate art of balancing home-cooked meals with takeout nights. Her sweetest joys are found in the company of one man who keeps her coffee cup full, her children who keep her laundry baskets fuller, and the Eucharist which fills her heart and soul.
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