Mark was helpful to Paul in his ministry.

THE QUESTION

Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark with him. What reason did Paul give?

A) Mark had been with him from the beginning

B) Mark was helpful to him in his ministry  ✓

C) Mark knew the way to Troas

D) Mark had been sent to replace Timothy

A closer look

Near the end of his second letter to Timothy, Paul says that only Luke is with him. He asks Timothy to bring Mark, and gives a clear reason: Mark is helpful to him in his ministry (2 Timothy 4:9–11).

There is history behind that request. Earlier, Barnabas had wanted to take John Mark on another journey. Paul disagreed because Mark had left them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. The disagreement was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus (Acts 15:36–40).

But that earlier disagreement is not the last word we hear about Mark. Here, Paul wants him to come. We are not told every detail of what changed between these passages, but the later request is unmistakable: Mark’s help is valued.

As for the other answers: the reason Paul gives is Mark’s usefulness in ministry, not his length of service, knowledge of the route to Troas, or a plan to replace Timothy. Troas appears later in the chapter in a separate request about Paul’s cloak, scrolls, and parchments (2 Timothy 4:13).

Alongside today’s verse, this is an invitation to leave room for growth. A past disappointment need not be the only thing we remember about someone. Mark was once the subject of a sharp disagreement; here he is someone Paul wants beside him. We can be honest about what needs to change and still look with hope for the good God is doing.

See you tomorrow for a new verse, prayer, and trivia. Have a blessed day. ♡