In the New Testament, John Mark was the son of Mary, who lived in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12); he may also have been the cousin (or nephew) of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). He went with Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem on their first missionary journey and left them at Perga (Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13). Later he accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus (Acts 15:37–39). He was with Paul at Rome (Col. 4:10; Philem. 1:24), and he was with Peter at Babylon (probably at Rome) (1 Pet. 5:13). Finally, he was with Timothy at Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:11).
The second book in the New Testament. Mark’s gospel was possibly written under Peter’s direction. His object is to describe the Lord as the Son of God living and acting among men. Mark describes, with energy and humility, the impression Jesus made upon bystanders. Tradition states that after Peter’s death, Mark visited Egypt, organized the Church in Alexandria, and died by martyrdom.
For a list of events in the Savior’s life described in the Gospel of Mark, see Harmony of the Gospels in the appendix.