Since scripture doesn’t relate the particular causes of Mark’s desertion at Perga, we can only conjecture possible reasons. However, since many of us have experienced such failures, we can approximately identify some factors.
For Instance, being considered only a helper, Acts 13:5, could have injured his pride. Being proved only a helper—close to servant—as the journey continued increased his pride while failing to convince the senior partners they may have been wrong in their original view. For Instance, the Romance of missionary work would have evaporated into inconvenience the longer their journey lasted. Paul enumerated in I Corinthians 4:9-13 and II Corinthians 11:23-29 the personal cost of being an apostle. It could have been too tough for a man of 25-30 accustomed to the privileges of wealth. For Instance, they experienced unrecorded difficulties, the leaders wouldn’t diminish by miraculous powers—with Mark always having servants to lessen his privations. For Instance, Paul’s assumption of leadership by confronting and condemning Bar Jesus. This could have irritated Mark since cousin Barnabas had made decisions prior to this. In addition, Barnabas’ willingness to have Paul assume leadership would have decreased Mark’s zeal and his respect for Barnabas. For Instance, while the trio sailed away to Perga, Mark and Barnabas could have wanted to remain on Cyprus. Remember…when the leaders parted ways, Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. For Instance, this may have been Mark’s first time away from home, mamma and a life of ease. Nothing is a sickness like home-sickness. End Part II The writer knows other reasons may exist. If readers have other ideas, please send them to me. V
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