What a transformation in the man since we first knew him. Once he had fled from the face of merely anticipated dangers at Pamphylia, now he is standing beside a despised prisoner of the Cross, defying the terrors of Caesar and Imperial Rome herself. Paul writes of him to the Colossians as one of his three staunch Jewish friends who, despite all the terrors of his situation, were fearlessly standing by him as fellow workers, and were a comfort unto him. It also appears that Mark was at the time contemplating a missionary journey to Asia Minor in the near future and might visit Colossae; and that Paul had already by letter or messenger commended him to their hospitality.

Two or three years later at the time of Paul's second Roman imprisonment and just before his death, which he already foresaw as imminent, he wrote to Timothy, who was probably at Ephesus, summoning him to come to Rome with all possible speed and to pick up Mark on the way and bring him along also for he "was profitable unto him for the ministry." Only Luke was with Paul at the time. In his dying hour the old warrior wanted Mark with his other two warmest friends, Luke and Timothy, to be with him and give him comfort. This request of Timothy indicates that he and Mark were in touch with each other's movements; that Mark had carried out his intended missionary journey referred to by Paul in his letter to the Colossians; that both were working under the general direction or supervision of Paul; that Mark had given

such proof of his courage by his presence with Paul during his first imprisonment that the Apostle knew no terrors of death would now keep him from hastening to his side in the extremity of his peril; and, above all else, it shows the tenderness of the bonds that now knit their hearts together.

Though we have no means of knowing, there can be little doubt that Timothy and Mark hastened to Rome and were with Paul in his last days, even unto his dying hour.

V

Mark and St. Peter

We have already seen how Mark's childhood home at Jerusalem was a center for Christian influence and gatherings; and that Peter when released from prison, at once turned his steps thitherward. Some years later Mark's relation to this Apostle was renewed for the blessing of all mankind. Just when this occurred is uncertain; but probably it took place at the close of Mark's second journey to Cyprus in the company of Barnabas, perhaps the call came to him while still in the island. At all events it was probably before his reconciliation with St. Paul.

Peter was at the time laboring in Rome. He sorely needed an assistant and amanuensis. None could better fill the position than his spiritual son, John Mark, child of the godly home of Mary, one already trained in missionary service by such men as Paul and Barnabas. Peter sent his summons

across the seas. Mark heard the West acalling. Barnabas had trusted him, Peter trusts him, he now knew and trusted himself, and eagerly he responded, hastening to Peter's side. Peril and persecution and hardship had lost all terror for him forevermore. He arrived at the Imperial City and there labored with St. Peter. For how many years, is entirely unknown.

Peter's first letter was undoubtedly written from Rome. It is addressed to "the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia," and contains the saluations of Mark who was with Peter in Rome at the time of its writing. These greetings from Mark would seem to imply, though they do not conclusively prove, that he was personally known to those addressed and, therefore, must at some time have labored among them.

But the greatest fruit of Mark's association with Peter and his supreme service to Christianity and to the world, was his writing of the second Gospel. second in the order of the books, first in order of composition. This was unquestionably written at Rome, probably almost immediately after the martyrdom of St. Peter, and preserves to all time the portrait of the Master which remained most vivid in Peter's mind, and records the incidents of his life which Peter constantly preached and retold. The book is certainly our oldest Gospel, presents the simplest and least adorned picture of Christ, portraying him as the man of action and kindly deeds; and not so much as the preacher, or the divine Son

of God. So perfectly is the book believed to reflect the mind and preaching of Peter that it is sometimes called "The Memoirs of Peter."

VI

Brief Summary of the Services Rendered to Christianity by Paul's Friend John Mark

The manifold services of this great and accomplishing friend of St. Paul, can best be grouped under four general divisions.

First, his missionary labors: These include his first journey through Cyrus in company with Paul and Barnabas; a second mission to Cyprus with Barnabas alone; then an extensive journey in Asia Minor, perhaps entirely alone, the evidence for which is found in Peter's first epistle, and in Paul's letter to the Colossians and his second to Timothy. Besides these three known missionary journeys, tradition affirms several others and gives considerable weighty evidence to substantiate its assertions.

Second, the eminent men with whom Mark was associated as intimate companion and fellow missionary in the city of Rome. Among whom were Paul, Peter, Luke, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Justus, Epaphras, and Demas.

Third, his authorship of the second Gospel.

Fourth, the service he rendered to his own age and all time by showing us a man who had the courage to face his own past and live it down, and win and enjoy the friendship and confidence of such men as Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. He is a living

example of the power of Christ to make a mighty and fearless warrior of one who has once failed and fled from the face of battle. He is the living proof that Christ trusts such again, and commits to them the holiest services and mightiest tasks.

VII

What Paul and the Man Who Once Forfeited and Afterwards Regained His Friendship Mutually Owed Each Other

It is undoubtedly true that Mark owed far more to Barnabas and Peter than he did to Paul. But if he owned nothing else to Paul, he most assuredly owed this-the inspiration which comes from the example of uncompromising loyalty to a work once undertaken, and fearless obedience to one's life mission whatever the perils and cost to self. This lesson Mark once sorely needed, and doubtless it had a steadying power on his after life which must have influenced him though less appreciably yet as surely as did Barnabas's trusting friendship in the crisis of his career.

On the other hand Paul certainly owed much to his friend Mark, probably more than Mark to him. Mark's complete retrieving of his one mistake must have taught the Apostle to the Gentiles the need of a broader and kindlier judgment of his fellowmen; that he should condone their weaknesses and believe in the final triumph and victory of their better nature; that one failure does not spoil a life, and that there may be divine material in the most un