We
learn from the Epistle to the Colossians that Mark was a kinsman of
Barnabas, who was a Levite, which presupposes that Mark was also of a
Levitical family.
We read of Mark accompanying Paul and Barnabas
on their apostolic missions, assisting them in Cyprus (Acts 13:5) and
journeying with them to Perga in Pamphylia, from whence he returned on
his own to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). The Apostle to the Gentiles seems to
have construed this last action on Mark's part as displaying a certain
disloyalty. Later, when preparing to visit Cilicia and Asia Minor, a
heated argument ensued with Paul refusing to include Mark, while
Barnabas defended his cousin, "so that they separated from each other;
Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose
Silas and departed" (Acts 15, 37-40).
It is this same Mark who is
later imprisoned with Paul in Rome. As proof of how much his personal
opinion concerning Mark had changed during their joint captivity, the
Apostle to the Gentiles afterwards writes to Timothy in Ephesus, “…take
Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me in the
ministry.”
Tradition
strongly affirms that Mark, the author of the second gospel, was more
closely associated with St. Peter. Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus and
Papias speak of Mark as being Peter's interpreter. Writing from Rome,
Peter refers to “my son, Mark” (1 Peter 5, 13) who apparently was there
with him. This is undoubtedly Mark the Evangelist.
Ancient tradition relates that Mark lived for some years in Alexandria as bishop of that city, and there suffered martyrdom.
The
city of Venice claims to possess the remains of St. Mark the
Evangelist, brought there from Alexandria in the ninth century.
Preserved by the Venetians for centuries, their authenticity has not
gone unchallenged. From time immemorial, however, St. Mark – Apostle and
Evangelist – symbolized by the lion, has always been honored as patron
of this "Queen of the Adriatic."
Photo by: Bolo77/Stefano Bolognini
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