The gospel of Mark is the second book of the New Testament and recounts the life of Jesus. It is one of three Synoptic Gospels, along with Matthew and Luke, which contain many of the same parables and events.
Who Wrote the Gospel of Mark?
The author of this gospel was John Mark. He was the son of Mary, an affluent woman whose home was a common gathering place for the Jerusalem Christians. He was also a cousin to Barnabas who was prominent in the Jerusalem church and accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys.
Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary trip but left them at their second stop (Acts 13:13). When they were planning their second trip, Paul rejected Barnabas' request to bring Mark along so Barnabas and Mark went on their own while Paul took Silas with him (Acts 15:36-41).
Mark's subsequent service apparently gained Paul's respect, however, because Paul later asked Timothy to bring Mark with him "because he is helpful to me in my ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11)
When was the Gospel of Mark Written?
The gospel of Mark is thought to be Mark's recording of Peter's recollections of the life and ministry of Jesus.
The early church historian, Eusebius, stated that Mark wrote the gospel while living in Rome and working with the apostle Peter, who is thought to have been killed between 64 and 67 AD. Many scholars place the date of the gospel from 55 to 65 AD.
The Audience for the Gospel of Mark
The audience of Mark's gospel appears to be Gentile Christians, particularly those living in Rome.
Mark translates many Aramaic and Hebrew words, explains Jewish customs and his emphasis on suffering in the gospel is believed to be an attempt to strengthen Roman Christians during the ongoing persecution by Emperor Nero.
Outline of the Gospel of Mark
The gospel of Mark portrays Jesus in the role of a servant and can be broken down into the following segments:
- The birth and preparation of Jesus, 1:1-13, begins with John the Baptist announcing Jesus' coming, details Jesus' baptism and his temptation by Satan.
- The ministry of Jesus in Galilee, 1:14-6:29, demonstrates his power and authority through his healing powers and documents his encounters with the religious leaders, his parables and the death of John the Baptist by Herod.
- The ministry of Jesus outside of Galilee, 6:30-9:50, includes two miraculous feedings of 5,000 and 4,000 people, Jesus' walk on the water and his transfiguration.
- Ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem, 10:1-13:37, recounts Jesus' journey to and entrance into Jerusalem, driving the money changers from the temple and being questioned by Jewish leaders.
- Death and resurrection of Jesus, 14:1-16:20, covers the Last Supper, Jesus' trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven.
How the Gospel of Mark is Unique
The Synoptic Gospels are similar in their telling of Jesus' life but there are four unique events in Mark not found in the other gospels:
- The parable of the growing seed (4:26-29)
- Jesus heals a man who is deaf and has difficulty speaking (7:31-37)
- Jesus heals the blind man in Bethsaida (8:22-26)
- A young man, seized on the night of Jesus' betrayal, flees naked from the mob (14:51-52). Some scholars believe that Mark was writing about himself in this particular event.
Summary of Gospel of Mark
The gospel of Mark reveals that, although Jesus had heavenly power and authority, he chose to serve mankind and suffer to offer the world eternal life in Heaven. His example serves as encouragement for Christians everywhere to serve others, too.
Readers may also enjoy learning more about The Gospel of John.
Sources:
- NIV Life Application Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1985).
 |
