Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson for October 26, 2025 : Lesson 40, Title - BARNABAS AND PETER MENTOR JOHN MARK ‎

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson for October 26, 2025 : Lesson 40, Title - BARNABAS AND PETER MENTOR JOHN MARK   ‎

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH 

‎Nigeria and Overseas

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‎SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

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‎Theme: PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP 

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‎JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025.

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‎OCTOBER 26, 2025.

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‎LESSON 40

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‎Unit 5: Leadership Preparation In 

‎The New Testament (II)

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‎Topic: BARNABAS AND PETER MENTOR JOHN MARK 

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‎Memory Scripture

‎And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark (Acts 12:25). 

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‎Great mentors believe in you until you ‎believe in yourself. Barnabas and Peter guided John Mark's journey, nurturing his potential into purposeful ministry. 

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‎1. BRIEF COMMENT 

‎The topic, "Barnabas and Peter mentor John Mark, Acts. 12:25 indicates the partnership and mentorship dynamics among early Christian leaders. Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) had just ‎completed their mission in Jerusalem and were returning to Antioch accompanied by John Mark. This verse illustrates the collaborative nature of ministry and the importance of discipleship in the early Church. 

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‎As Barnabas and Paul mentored John Mark, they demonstrated the biblical 

‎principle of iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17). Through their guidance and example, John Mark was trained and equipped for future ministry and ‎leadership. This verse underscores the significance of investing in the next ‎generation of Christian leaders and the role of mentorship in nurturing and 

‎developing disciples. 

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‎DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

‎Mon. 20: Peter Said To Her (Acts 5:9) 

‎Tue. 21: Peter Passing And Showing God's Power (Acts 5: 15)

‎Wed. 22: Paul I know (Acts 19:15) 

‎Thu. 23: Paul Said To Barnabas (Acts 15:36)

‎Fri. 24: Paul Called With A Loud Voice (Acts 16: 28)

‎Sat. 25: Paul, Greatly Annoyed (Acts 16: 18)

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‎2. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS 

‎1. True leaders nurture potential leaders, turning setbacks into stepping stones for growth. 

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‎2. Leadership strength lies not only in leading from the forefront but also in ‎uplifting others from behind. 

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‎3. BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:.24-25 

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‎4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES 

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‎AIM: To show how Barnabas and Peter Mentor John Mark. 

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‎OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

‎i. discuss how Barnabas influenced John Mark; and 

‎ii. explain the influence of Peter on John Mark.

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‎INTRODUCTION

‎TEXTUAL SOURCE: ACTS 4:36; 12:11-12,25; 15:36-41;1 PETER 5:1-4 

‎We thank God for the previous lesson, which revealed how Paul discovered and developed Luke and Tychicus, highlighting the importance of mutual support, collaboration and partnership in ministry.

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‎This week, we will examine how Barnabas and Peter mentored John Mark. Barnabas played a significant role in giving Mark a second chance after his departure from the missionary journey, as seen in Acts 15:36-41. Additionally Peter accompanied Mark and served as his interpreter, recording Peter's teachings, which later became the Gospel of Mark. 

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‎In Jesus name, may God help us to possess boldness, faith, guidance, forgiveness and endurance like Peter and Barnabas, and may He bestow upon us perseverance and endurance, like Barnabas and John Mark. Amen. 

‎LESSON OUTLINE

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‎L THE INFLUENCE OF BARNABAS ON JOHN MARK 

‎II. THE INFLUENCE OF PETER ON JOHN MARK 

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‎LESSON EXPOSITION

‎L THE INFLUENCE OF BARNABAS ON JOHN MARK (Acts 4:36; 12:25; 15:36-41) 

‎Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark (15:37). 

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‎a) 12:25: Barnabas likely discovered Mark at the house of Mary, the mother of lohn whose surname was Mark (v. 12) in Jerusalem, indicating the importance of community in nurturing future leaders in 

‎the early Church. 

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‎b) 4:36: As the 'son of encouragement, Barnabas modelled ministry for John Mark; provided spiritual guidance and hands-on experience, thus helping him grow in his relationship with God. 

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‎c) 15:36-41: Barnabas' influence on Mark, his cousin (Col. 4:10), went beyond mere instruction; it was a relationship based on trust, guidance and shared faith, shaping him through his actions, words and 

‎teachings in line with biblical principles. 

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‎d) Through Barnabas' mentorship, Mark experienced profound growth in character and faith, showing humility, forgiveness and commitment to Christ, evident in his journey in the early Church.

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‎e) Barnabas, a seasoned disciple, obviously used the Scripture encourage, instruct and guide Mark in his faith and ministry, reinforcing the importance of grounding leadership in God's Word. 

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‎f) vv. 37-39: Despite John Mark's past mistakes, Barnabas saw his potential and decided to help him grow as a disciple and minister showing how God's grace extends to us. 

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‎g) Barnabas' support for lohn Mark shows Christians' responsibilities mentor and guide others, encouraging growth and community support emphasising the need to walk alongside others in their spiritual journey as Christ's followers. 

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‎II. THE INFLUENCE OF PETER ON JOHN MARK (Acts 12:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:1-4) 

‎So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying (Acts 12:12). 

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‎a) Acts 12:12: After Peter amazingly escaped from prison, he visited Mary's house where he likely met Mark through Mark's mother and the Christian community. This shows the import of Christian fellowship in nurturing future leaders. 

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‎b) vw. 11-12: Peter, a follower of Jesus, guided John Mark, helping him in faith and ministry. This follows Jesus' example of mentorship, very important in preparing leaders (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2). 

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‎c) 1Pet. 5:1-4: Peter exhorts elders to shepherd the flock of God, serving examples and overseers. This reflects the type of leadership and guidance Peter exhibited in the presence of john Mark. 

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‎d) Peter significantly helped develop Mark by providing mentorship. guidance and practical training in Christian ministry and leadership. Godly mentors are crucial in nurturing future leaders in the Church (1 

‎Pet. 5:1-4; Tit. 2:3-5). 

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‎e) Peter, a seasoned disciple, shared his experiences and teachings of Jesus with Mark, helping him grow in ministry and leadership. This shows the value of passing down wisdom for effective leadership development (cf. 2 Pet. 1:12-15). 

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‎f) Acts 12:11-12: Peter's mentoring of Mark went beyond mere instruction, shaping his character, leadership and ministry skills. Effective mentorship should address all aspects ofa leader's growth. 

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‎g) Peter's investment in Mark's development contributed to his growth as a disciple and leader, equipping him for significant contributions to the early Christian community and the spread of the Gospel, as evident in Mark's Gospel. 

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‎LESSONS DERIVED

‎1. True leaders invest in others' growth; knowing their leadership success or otherwise is measured by the success of those they mentor. 

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‎2. Peter's influence on Mark shows the power of patient guidance and shared wisdom in shaping future leaders poised to make a difference. 

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‎QUESTIONS

‎1. How do we balance accountability and grace in our relationships with fellow believers as displayed and inspired by Barnabas and John Mark? 

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‎2. What lessons do the actions and teachings of Peter and John in the Gospel of Mark offer us? 

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