Acts 12:25

KJV

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Barnabas {G921} and {G2532} Saul {G4569} returned {G5290} from {G1537} Jerusalem {G2419}, when they had fulfilled {G4137} their ministry {G1248}, and {G2532} took with them {G4838} John {G2491}, whose surname was {G1941} Mark {G3138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul, having completed their errand, returned from Yerushalayim, bringing with them Yochanan, surnamed Mark.

Berean Standard Bible

When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.

American Standard Version

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Barnabas and Saul, having completed their mission of delivering famine relief to the believers in Jerusalem, departed the city and returned to Antioch, bringing with them a new companion, John, also known as Mark. This verse serves as a pivotal transition in the Book of Acts, marking the conclusion of a period focused on Peter's ministry and the Jerusalem church's immediate challenges, while simultaneously setting the stage for the expansive Gentile missionary endeavors led by Barnabas and Saul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 12:25 serves as a crucial narrative bridge, concluding the preceding dramatic events and setting the stage for the next major phase of the early church's expansion. The chapter begins with Herod Agrippa I's persecution, leading to the martyrdom of James, the brother of John, and the miraculous imprisonment and deliverance of Peter from prison. While the church in Jerusalem was enduring severe trials, Barnabas and Saul had arrived from Antioch, bringing financial aid to alleviate the famine-stricken believers, a mission detailed in [Acts 11:29-30](/acts/11-29-30 "Acts 11:29-30 - Famine Relief from Antioch"). Their departure from Jerusalem in Acts 12:25 signifies the successful completion of this specific humanitarian task, effectively closing the chapter on the Jerusalem-centric narratives of persecution and Peter's prominent role, and pivoting the focus decisively towards the burgeoning missionary movement to the Gentiles, which will be the primary subject of the subsequent chapters, beginning with [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - The First Missionary Journey Begins").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 12 unfold against the backdrop of significant political and social tension in Judea. King Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from A.D. 41-44. His persecution of Christians, including the execution of James and the arrest of Peter, was likely an attempt to gain favor with the Jewish populace, who largely opposed the burgeoning Christian movement. The famine mentioned in [Acts 11:28](/acts/11-28 "Acts 11:28 - Prophecy of Famine") was a historical reality, corroborated by extra-biblical sources, affecting the region around A.D. 46-48. The act of bringing financial relief from Antioch to Jerusalem reflects a deep sense of communal responsibility and solidarity within the early Christian church, transcending geographical and cultural divides. This practice of mutual aid was a hallmark of early Christian communities, demonstrating their commitment to caring for one another, especially those suffering from poverty or disaster. The journey from Antioch to Jerusalem and back was a significant undertaking, often involving weeks of travel by foot, highlighting the dedication of Barnabas and Saul.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Protection**, as Barnabas and Saul return safely from a Jerusalem that had just witnessed intense persecution and miraculous deliverance. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Practical Ministry and Service**, demonstrating that "ministry" extends beyond preaching to include tangible acts of compassion and support, as seen in their famine relief efforts. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Transition and Expansion of the Gospel**, acting as a narrative hinge that shifts the geographical and thematic focus of Acts from Jerusalem and Jewish-Christian leadership (Peter) to the broader Gentile mission spearheaded by Barnabas and Saul, preparing the reader for the extensive missionary journeys detailed in subsequent chapters. Finally, the introduction of John Mark foreshadows the theme of **Mentorship and Discipleship** within the early church, even though his journey with Paul would later face challenges, as noted in [Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark's Departure").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This term (G4137) means "to make replete," "to cram," "to level up," or "to furnish," but also "to satisfy," "to execute (an office)," "to finish (a period or task)," or "to accomplish." In this context, it signifies the successful completion of a specific task or mission. Barnabas and Saul had brought the collection from Antioch to Jerusalem, thereby fully carrying out the charge given to them. This emphasizes their diligence and faithfulness in stewardship.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** Derived from _diakonos_ (G1248), meaning "servant," this word refers to "attendance," "aid," or "service," especially in an official capacity within the Christian context. While it can refer to spiritual preaching or teaching, here it specifically denotes their practical service of delivering financial relief to the Jerusalem church during the famine. This highlights the broad scope of Christian service, encompassing both spiritual proclamation and tangible acts of compassion and support.
* **took with them (Greek, _symparalambánō'_):** This compound verb (G4838), formed from _syn_ ("with") and _paralambanō_ ("to take along"), means "to take along in company." It indicates that John Mark was not merely accompanying them coincidentally but was actively invited and included in their return journey and, by implication, in their future endeavors. This deliberate act underscores the importance of mentorship and bringing younger, less experienced individuals into the work of ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the primary subjects and their action. Barnabas and Saul, having previously traveled to Jerusalem, are now departing, signifying the conclusion of their specific errand in the city. Their return journey is not just geographical but also narrative, marking a shift in the book's focus.
* **"when they had fulfilled their ministry,"**: This phrase clarifies the purpose and completion of their time in Jerusalem. Their "ministry" refers specifically to the delivery of the famine relief from Antioch, as described in [Acts 11:29-30](/acts/11-29-30 "Acts 11:29-30 - The Famine Relief"). The word "fulfilled" emphasizes that they completed their assigned task faithfully and thoroughly, highlighting their commitment and diligence.
* **"and took with them John, whose surname was Mark."**: This final clause introduces a new character who will play a significant role in future events. John Mark is intentionally brought along by Barnabas and Saul, indicating a deliberate decision to include him in their company. This act foreshadows his involvement in the upcoming missionary journeys and introduces a figure who would eventually become a key author in the New Testament.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** and **Transition** as primary literary devices. Luke, as the author, succinctly summarizes the conclusion of one narrative arc (the Jerusalem famine relief and Peter's deliverance) and immediately pivots to the introduction of a new character and the impending missionary thrust. The phrase "when they had fulfilled their ministry" acts as a **Summary Statement**, efficiently conveying the successful completion of their task without needing extensive detail. The inclusion of "John, whose surname was Mark" is a form of **Character Introduction**, strategically placing him at the threshold of the next major phase of the narrative, preparing the reader for his future involvement and the dynamics he will bring to the missionary team. This concise transition allows for a seamless shift in the book's geographical and theological focus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:25 serves as a theological bridge, connecting the early church's foundational experiences in Jerusalem with its burgeoning global mission. It underscores the divine orchestration of events, where practical acts of charity (like famine relief) are integral to God's broader redemptive plan, preparing the way for the spread of the Gospel. The verse implicitly teaches about the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling assigned tasks, no matter how mundane they might seem, as well as the strategic necessity of equipping and incorporating new laborers into the harvest. The inclusion of John Mark highlights the early church's commitment to mentorship and the development of future leaders, even if those relationships would face challenges. This commitment to both practical service and intentional discipleship forms a robust model for Christian ministry.

* [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas' Cousin")
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Later Request for Mark")
* [Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark's Departure from Pamphylia")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:25, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that Christian ministry is multifaceted, encompassing both the proclamation of the Gospel and tangible acts of service and compassion. Barnabas and Saul's diligent completion of their famine relief "ministry" exemplifies faithfulness in stewardship, urging us to approach every task, whether grand or seemingly small, with dedication and a sense of divine calling. Furthermore, the decision to "take with them John, whose surname was Mark" highlights the crucial importance of intergenerational mentorship and discipleship. Experienced leaders are called to intentionally invest in and empower younger believers, providing them with opportunities for growth and involvement in ministry, even when their initial contributions might be imperfect. This verse encourages us to embrace the dynamic rhythms of ministry—cycles of active service, periods of regrouping, and strategic preparation for new assignments—always with an eye towards the expansion of God's kingdom and the nurturing of future generations of laborers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Barnabas and Saul, faithfully "fulfill my ministry" in both grand and seemingly small tasks within my sphere of influence?**
* **How am I actively seeking to mentor or be mentored, fostering the growth of the next generation of Christian leaders and servants?**
* **What is one practical act of service or compassion I can undertake this week, reflecting the broad scope of "ministry" exemplified by Barnabas and Saul?**

### FAQ
**Who was John, whose surname was Mark, and why was his inclusion significant?**

Answer: John, whose surname was Mark, is a significant figure in early Christian history, often identified as the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was a cousin of Barnabas ([Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas' Cousin")) and his mother, Mary, hosted a prominent gathering place for believers in Jerusalem ([Acts 12:12](/acts/12-12 "Acts 12:12 - Mary's House as a Meeting Place")). His inclusion in this verse is significant because it marks his formal entry into the broader missionary endeavors of the early church. Though he would later depart from Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey ([Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark's Departure")), he eventually reconciled with Paul and became a valuable co-worker ([2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Paul's Later Request for Mark")), demonstrating God's redemptive work in individuals' lives and the importance of second chances in ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:25, while seemingly a straightforward narrative transition, subtly points to the Christ-centered nature of all true ministry. Barnabas and Saul's "ministry" of financial relief, a tangible act of service, reflects the very heart of Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus Came to Serve")). Their faithfulness in fulfilling their task echoes Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His complete work on the cross, where He "fulfilled all righteousness" ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). The act of taking John Mark with them, investing in a younger disciple, mirrors Christ's own model of discipleship, where He called and trained His apostles to continue His work, commissioning them to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, the entire missionary thrust that this verse inaugurates is a direct consequence of Christ's triumph over sin and death, empowering His followers by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His name and extend His kingdom to the ends of the earth, demonstrating that all ministry finds its source, pattern, and purpose in Jesus, the true servant and Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 12:12

And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

1 Peter 5:13

The [church that is] at Babylon, elected together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Marcus my son.

Acts 15:37

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 13:1

¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:29

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: