The Beginning of the Gospel

The Gospel begins with its author, its focus, and its end in mind.

The Setting:

1. Written in the mid to late 50’s A.D., The Gospel is written to dispel errors and heresies about whom Jesus Christ is, how he lived, and what he taught.

2. The setting in Rome is perilous, as Peter resides in Rome during the rule of Emperor Nero (54-69 A.D.).

3. Nero is infamous for blaming Christians for the burning of Rome (69 A.D.), as well as conducting a “cleansing” of Rome by conducting massacres of Christian believers during games at the Roman Circus.

4. John Mark is the companion of Paul and Barnabas during Paul’s missionary work. After John Mark returned home, he would continue to work alongside Barnabas.

5. John Mark then became a companion to Peter in his journey and stay in Rome, until Peter’s Martyrdom during Nero’s reign.

Mark 1:1 LSB

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I. The Beginning of the LORD’s Gospel echos of the Universe’s Beginning.

As Peter recounts the ministry life of the Lord Jesus, John Mark compiles them.

Peter being a Jew, speaking to a Gentile audience in Rome, focuses on the ministry life of Jesus, going from one ministry memoir to another.

Inspired of the Holy Spirit the work that opens the Gospel, Arche, is the translated word that the Septuagint assigns to the word, “Genesis,” or in Hebrew, “Berisit.”

John Mark compiles this work prior to Peter’s death, around the year 55 to 57 A.D.

Mark’s authorship and Peter’s origins are attested by the church fathers as early as the second century A.D., by leaders such as Pappias, Justyn Martyr, Iraneus, and Clement of Alexandria.

II. The Glad Tidings refer to the Totality of God’s Conquering Victory.

the term “Gospel,” also known as “Good News,” refers to the news that move the recipients to exuberant joy.

The extra-biblical use the term Evangelion occurs regularly to express the news of the Roman Empire vanquishing its enemies, and the Roman armies and the Consuls surging to victory on behalf of the People and Senate of Rome.

In Hebrew, the concept of “good news,” is summarized in the word “Bisar,” which is used to denote the proclamation of news of great joy and gladsome tidings. The word echoes in the words of the Prophets, such as Isaiah 61:1, and Psalm 40:9.

Understanding the intentionality of the words used, as inspired of the Holy Spirit, leads us to appreciate that Jesus Christ is presented as the “Suffering Servant of YHWH,” who is also the Once and Future Savior of the Gentile World.

This illuminates early church history, as it clarifies why Paul, Peter, the other Apostles, and the early church would dare to die for the message and confession of Jesus Christ as God’s Only Begotten Son and Savior.

III. The Name and Title of the Hero Point to the Father Who Sent Him.

Mark has the distinction of being a gospel written to Gentiles, from a Jewish perspective, to herald the redeeming work of God to humanity.

The verse concludes with the name of Jesus Christ in the original languages, and in English what we see added is the title, “the Son of God.”

The addition in the English language functions to clarify the meaning of the name Jesus Christ, which is to say “the Savior Anointed of God.” In the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as Peter and Mark were inspired by the Holy Spirit who authored the books of the Old Testament we see that “The Son of God” is the fitting title for the one who can wash away the sin of the world with His blood.

Mark is pointing back to the Law of Moses, highlighting the role of Jesus as Priest and Sacrifice for the sins of the assembly, in Leviticus 4:13-21.

Mark resounds the word of Genesis as the Godhead considers the creation of humanity, made in the likeness of God, after the counsel of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The opening of the Gospel ending with this name and title of the Lord Jesus focuses the hearers on the immanence, the closeness of God to all creation, and to those who trust him, in particular.

IV. What is the Primary Endgame of the Gospel?

1. Glorify the Author of Redemption.

2. Proclaim the Grace, Mercy, and Justice of God.

3. Invite Hearers to Surrender to the One Who Created Them.

May the LORD transform us as we study this Gospel as a Church Family