Lesson 9; John Mark, Silas, Luke, James Introduction: John Mark, Silas, Luke and James are given to us as examples of faithful men who sacrificed their lives in service to God. They understood the importance of spiritual matters. They obeyed and served after the pattern of the prophets of the Old Testament, often suffering imprisonment, shipwreck, and persecutions. I. John Mark A. First mentioned in Acts 12:12 where saints had gathered in the home of John Mark's mother. They were praying for Peter who had been imprisoned by Herod. B. Peter was released miraculously and Herod died soon thereafter (Acts 12:18-23). C. John Mark saw the power of God in the defeat of Herod and the spread of the Church (Acts 12:24-25). He Joined Barnabas and Saul in their ministry. D. He was present at the conversion of the proconsul in Salamis and the defeat of Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:4-12). E. John went with Paul as far as Pamphylia, but then left the group to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). F. Later, Paul and Barnabas disagreed over whether to take John Mark with them (Acts 15:36-41). Mark went with Barnabas to Cyprus. G. However, Paul tells the Church at Colossae to welcome John Mark (Col. 4:10). H. John Mark became a useful worker for the Lord (2 Tim. 4:11; Phile. 24; 1 Pet. 5:13). He is the author of the book of Mark. Principles: 1. Preaching the gospel is hard work. It requires faith, boldness, and zeal. It takes a lot of time and sacrifice (Lk. 14:26-33). 2. Other Christians depend upon us. Our attitudes and willingness to work will add or detract from the effectiveness of God's workers. 3. Serving the Lord draws us closer together. If you work for the Lord, you will be welcomed by your brethren. II. Silas A. Silas is first seen as a messenger for the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-35). He and Judas were prophets and they stayed to strengthen the saints in Antioch. He was also a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37). B. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed over John Mark, Paul took Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:37-41). C. Paul and Silas stayed with Lydia in Phillipi where Silas was arrested along with Paul (Acts 16:11-40). They preached to the Phillipian Jailer and his family. D. Silas went with Paul to Thessalonica where there was trouble with the envious Jews (Acts 17:1-9). They were sent away by night to Berea. When the Jews followed them to stir up trouble, Silas and Timothy stayed while Paul went on to Athens (Acts 17:10-15). Silas and Timothy caught up with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5). E. Silas continued to serve the Lord and the apostles (2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thes. 1:1; 2 Thes. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12). Principles: 1. A chance to visit another congregation is a chance to strengthen them. 2. Silas was not only a messenger to the church in Antioch, but also a great help to Paul in preaching the word (Rom. 10:15). 3. It is a great privilege to teach others about Jesus Christ. III. Luke A. Luke appears to have been with Jesus during His ministry (Lk. 1:1-4). He wrote the books of Luke and Acts. B. Luke records the travels of Paul as an eyewitness. He was with Paul on the trip to Macedonia (Acts 16:10-13). C. Luke was also with Paul on his return to Troas (Acts 20:5-12). He accompanied Paul to Miletus and on to Jerusalem (Acts 20:13-21:18). D. Luke traveled with Paul to Rome and suffered through the same shipwreck (Acts 27 and 28). E. He remained in Rome while Paul was in prison. For a time he was Paul's only companion (2 Tim. 4:11; Phile. 24). F. Luke was a physician (Col. 4:14). He was also an excellent writer and historian. Principles: 1. All abilities are gifts from God, and therefore, should be used to glorify God. Conversely, to not use our talents or to use them for purposes other than serving God is selfish and sinful. 2. We need to run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb. 12:1-2). IV. James A. James is best known as the brother of John. He and John were called the Sons of Thunder. He was a fisherman who left all to follow Christ. He became one of Christ's most beloved apostles (Mat. 4:21-22; 10:2). B. He was present at the transfiguration (Mat. 17:1). His mother asked that he be given a place of power in Christ's kingdom (Mat. 20:20-23). He went with Christ to the garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion (Mat. 26:37). He was present at CChrist's death (Mat. 27:56). Jesus allowed only Peter, John, and James to be present at the healing of Jarius' daughter (Lk. 8:51). He and John wanted fire from heaven to punish the Samaritans (Lk. 9:54). C. James was one of the first to give his life for Christ (Acts 12:2). Principles: 1. Fellowship with Christ involves service (Mat. 7:21; 18:1-4). 2. Discipleship may require our physical lives. We must serve whether we die of old age or of torture (Jn. 12:25-26; Mat. 10:27-28; Rev. 2:10). Questions: 1. The church was gathered in the home of John Mark's mother specifically for the purpose of prayer. What does this teach us about the role of prayer among saints? Should we gather in homes simply to pray? 2. Why did John Mark abandon Paul's company? What effect did this have on Paul? on Barnabas? on the church in Colossi? What effect do we have on our brethren if we abandon them, or refuse to assist them in doing the Lord's work? Is all the work to be done by the preacher or the elders? 3. How did Silas encourage his brethren (Acts 15:31-32)? How can we accomplish the same thing? Comment on Hebrews 10:24. How does visiting other congregations help them? Us? Our families? 4. Jesus gave us many examples of the humility required in true discipleship. Comment on the following passages in relation to the men of this lesson: Mat. 18:1-4; Phil. 2:1-4; Mat. 5:3; Mk. 10:43-44; Eph. 3:8-9; Phil. 4:12. Have you ever acted out of pride? What can a Christian do to overcome pride? 5. Both Paul and Luke were highly educated men. Comment of the following passages: Mat. 11:25; 1 Cor. 1:25-29; 1 Cor. 3:18-20. Is an education sinful in God's eyes? Do these passages imply that the lack of an education is a noble thing? How can an education be helpful to a Christian (Eccl. 7:11-12)? 6. Luke was a gifted writer and historian. What talents do you have? Are you using the abilities that God gave you? Does everyone have the same abilities? See 1 Cor. 12:12-31. How does one develop skills to preach, teach others, to pray, to sing, etc...? 7. Comment on Hebrews 12:1-2. 8. We know that James gave his life in service to God, and traditional writings hold that the other men also died a martyr's death. Are you prepared to make the same sacrifice if necessary? Make a list of the things for which you are prepared to die. 9. What should our attitude be towards the lost? What should our attitude be towards teaching the lost (1 Cor 1:21)? Is teaching a duty? A privilege? The job of the preacher (Rom. 10:15)?