Open House - Mary The Mother Of Mark

Acts 12:12

Are all the women in the Gospels named Mary? Not exactly, but there are four distinct (and important) Marys in the story of Jesus, plus two more in the rest of the New Testament. Mary the mother of Mark is mentioned only in Acts 12:12, but once we do a little detective work, we might find her present at the Last Supper.

Let’s review. Peter was in prison, probably the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem. Miraculously freed by angels, he found his way to the home of Mary the mother of Mark, where a number of believers were praying for him. (See our account of Rhoda the maid on January 8.) This brief mention actually tells us a lot about Mary.

As mother of a young man who would soon enter Christian ministry, she was in her thirties or forties. She owned a house big enough for a group to meet in. The house had a gate, which probably meant there was a courtyard and possibly two stories. She had at least one servant. Since there is no husband mentioned, we can guess she was a widow (or that her husband had no connection to Christianity).

Since Mark was related to Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10), so was Mary. We know Barnabas came from Cyprus and owned some land, which he sold, giving the proceeds to the church (see Acts 4:36-37). So it’s likely that Mary also came from an affluent Jewish family in Cyprus and now owned a spacious home in Jerusalem, which she used for Christian meetings. That led some ancient Bible scholars to think that Mary’s home was the site of the Last Supper. How many other homeowners in Jerusalem would be so supportive of this Galilean preacher?

Whether or not this is true, Mary remains a model of Christian hospitality. This virtue is highly valued in the New Testament and other early Christian writings, leading us to consider how we use our homes for God’s purposes. Is your home your private cave, where you and your family retreat from the world to enjoy the fruits of your labors? Or do you find ways to use your domestic resources for ministry? And even if you can’t invite people over, can you express hospitality by making people feel “at home” wherever you are?

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13