Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Original Language Analysis
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
1 of 16
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπέστρεψαν
returned
G5290
ὑπέστρεψαν
returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
5 of 16
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
7 of 16
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
πληρώσαντες
when they had fulfilled
G4137
πληρώσαντες
when they had fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
8 of 16
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίαν
their ministry
G1248
διακονίαν
their ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
10 of 16
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 12:12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.Acts 15:37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.1 Peter 5:13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Historical Context
Fulfilled his course means completed assigned task. John's rhetorical question clarified his subordinate role. I am not he (the Christ) corrected misidentification (John 1:19-27). Shoes...not worthy to unloose used slave's most menial task metaphorically—John claimed unworthiness even for Christ's lowest service. Paul's quotation around 48 CE emphasized even greatest human (prophet preparing Messiah) recognized his infinite inferiority to Jesus. This established Christ's unique supremacy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's humility model proper response to Christ?
- What does even greatest human's unworthiness teach about Christ's uniqueness?
- In what ways should ministers direct attention toward Christ rather than themselves?
- Why emphasize task completion (fulfilled course)?
- What does unworthiness for lowest service reveal about Christ's majesty?
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Analysis & Commentary
And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to unloose. John's self-deprecation and exaltation of Jesus demonstrates proper attitude toward Christ—recognizing His infinite superiority.