The writer of one of the four gospels. See GOSPELS. There can be little doubt of the correctness of the general opinion of learned men, that he is the same person who is mentioned by the names of John and Mark in Acts 12:12,25 13:5,13, and as the cousin and disciple of Barnabas, Colossians 4:10. He was also the companion of Paul and Barnabas in their journey through Greece to Antioch, Perga, and Pamphylia, at which last place he left them and returned to Jerusalem, much to the dissatisfaction of Paul, Acts 13:5, etc.; Acts 15:37-39. Yet he labored faithfully with Barnabas at Cyprus, and Paul mentions him, when in captivity at Rome, as one of those who were associated with him, Colossians 4:10-11 2 Timothy 4:11 Philemon 1:24. He afterwards accompanied Peter also to Babylon. As he was the son of that Mary at whose house in Jerusalem the apostles were wont to convene, so it is probable that he was particularly instructed in the doctrines of Christianity by Peter, who on the account calls him son, 1 Peter 5:13. Compare 1 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:2.