It was here in Perga that our trio became a pair. Now, people are always asking me for all the juicy details as to why John Mark felt he had to separate himself from us and return to Jerusalem.The rumours say all kinds of things - that he was a 'momma's boy' and with the traveling having become to dangerous and strenuous for him, he felt it would be best to return to the comfort of his childhood home.
Others say that Paul was simply homesick and ready to return back to Jerusalem, bring a good report and spend some time with his mother, and spiritual father, the Apostle Peter.
Some also say that he didn't bargain on having so much time spent among gentiles as he spread the Gospel, and still others that he had grown tired of Paul's company and didn't appreciate how my relationship with Paul had begun to change. You see, after our encounter with Elymas, Paul was filled with Holy Spirit in a deeper way - he had an authority about him that wasn't there before. Naturally, I let him take greater leadership among our group, especially as we gained followers who traveled with us as we moved from town to town. I didn't mind doing this, because I saw the Lord's hand in it. John Mark didn't have such an easy transition.
I'd like to point out though, that I certainly didn't hold any grudges against John Mark for choosing to go his own way - after all, Paul and I were sent out in the authority of Holy Spirit, and when the going got tough, we always had that blessed assurance to fall back on. John Mark, however, did not have those same circumstances to lean on in times of trial.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for all the dirty details, you won't find them here - I'm not a gossip and seeing as the matter is over and done with anyhow, I think that is enough said on the matter. So let's get on with the Gospel!
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