Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek name Μᾶρκος, as it is of Latin origin. However, the Hebrew name יוחנן (Yochanan), meaning "Yahweh is gracious," corresponds to the "John" part of John Mark's name.

Usage: The name Mark is used in the New Testament to refer to John Mark, a companion of Paul and Barnabas, and traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Mark.

Context: Mark, also known as John Mark, is a significant figure in the New Testament. He is first introduced in Acts 12:12, where his mother's house in Jerusalem serves as a meeting place for early Christians. Mark is closely associated with the Apostle Peter, who refers to him affectionately as "my son" in 1 Peter 5:13, indicating a close spiritual relationship and possibly suggesting that Mark was converted through Peter's ministry.

Mark's journey with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13:5. However, he later departs from them in Pamphylia, returning to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). This departure leads to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas when planning their next journey, resulting in Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus while Paul chooses Silas as his companion (Acts 15:36-39).

Despite this early conflict, Mark is later reconciled with Paul, as evidenced by Paul's request for Mark's presence during his imprisonment, acknowledging him as "helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11, BSB). This reconciliation highlights Mark's growth and maturity in his faith and ministry.

Traditionally, Mark is credited with authoring the Gospel of Mark, which is considered the earliest of the four Gospels. His Gospel is characterized by its succinct and action-oriented narrative, often focusing on the deeds of Jesus. Early church tradition holds that Mark's Gospel reflects the teachings and experiences of Peter, providing a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.