The Gospel of Mark

The Book of Mark

by Annie L. Martin

Analysis

The Gospel of Mark is concise, action oriented, brief, but with vivid details that convince his audience to follow Christ. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke rely on Mark for much of their information, but the relationship between these three Gospels is extremely complex. Even though they share strong similarities and are influenced by each other and common sources, they can be looked at “with one glance” (synoptic).

Mark can be divided into two sections: 1:1 to 8:26 and 8:27 to 16:20. The first section illustrates Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, beginning with John the Baptist’s prophecy proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. The second section tells the story of Jesus’ prediction of His own suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Mark’s Gospel constantly gives one the assumption that the end of the world is imminent. Therefore, when the end of time never came, early Christian communities had great difficulty interpreting passages of Scripture such as the thirteenth chapter of Mark, whose apocalyptic vision is quite urgent, striking, and confident. Another pattern that is quite prominent in the Gospel of Mark is secrecy. Only a few are privy to the knowledge of the kingdom, and this pattern or motif is known as The Messianic Secret.

The Gospel of Mark has been deemed as brutal on the disciples, and some scholars suggest that Mark is trying to express the theme that when one follows Christ, one must be prepared for misunderstanding as well as the experience of persecution. Mark’s paradigm of discipleship include failure and doubt as part of the process of coming to an understanding of who Jesus is. Discipleship, according to Mark, includes debating, questioning, stumbling, and learning! It further involves suffering, service to others, poverty, and faithfulness while in the middle of persecution. Scholars generally agree that the Gospel of Mark ends with verse 16:8, and that verses 16:9-20 were later added to the manuscript.

The Gospel of Mark leaves out accounts of Jesus’ birth, The Sermon on the Mount, and several of the most well-known parables. This Gospel was probably the primary source of information for the writers of Luke and Matthew since it was the earliest of the four Gospels that was written. The Gospel of Mark is the closest document to an original source on Jesus’ life that currently exists. Mark is the New Testament historian who comes closest to witnessing the actual life of Jesus! As a result of its proximity to original sources, the Gospel of Mark has transformed from a book disregarded for its lowly prose (written in an ordinary language and form with a natural grammatical structure) to one of the most important books in the New Testament. The Gospel is vivid, with a dramatic sense of urgency, even though it begins by describing Jesus’ adult life instead of His birth. Throughout the book, Jesus preaches that human intent, and not behavior determines righteousness. After driving the money changers out of the temple, Jesus finally journeys to Jerusalem and begins preaching the Gospel!

I. Prologue

A. Author of the book was John Mark himself

1. Scripture reference is : 51-52

1. Scripture reference is John 14: 51-52

2. Was the son of Mary, a woman of significance in Jerusalem

a. Mary accommodated a home prayer meeting

b. Home was quite large due to her wealth (see Acts 12:12)

b. Home was quite large due to her wealth (see )

3. Was the cousin of Barnabas, or “the son of encouragement”

a. Scripture reference is

a. Scripture reference is Colossians 4:10

4. Participated, along with Barnabas in early missionary journeys

a. Missionary journeys were in early stages, and led by the apostle Paul

b. This journey occurred after Paul spent time with them at The Antioch

Church

1. Mark failed to complete this journey, but went back to Jerusalem

a. Resulted in Paul’s rejection

b. Scripture reference is Acts 13:13, and 15:38

b. Scripture reference is , and 15:38

5. Mark and Paul are later reconciled

a. Occurred years later according to Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 2:4

a. Occurred years later according to and Philemon 2:4

b. Paul later regarded Mark as one of the faithful few to the end

1. Scripture reference is

1. Scripture reference is II Timothy 4:11

6. Held close ties with Peter according to I Peter 5:13

6. Held close ties with Peter according to

a. Many scholars believe that Peter led Mark to Christ

b. Was Peter’s interpreter, and called Peter “his son”

1. Scripture reference is

1. Scripture reference is I Peter 5:13

7. Was an early authentic witness to Jesus’ ministry

8. Jewish name was John according to and 13

8. Jewish name was John according to Acts 13: 5 and 13

a. Name John means “God has been gracious or has shown favor”

9. Roman name was Mark according to Acts 12:12, 25 and 15:37

9. Roman name was Mark according to , and 15:37

a. Name Mark means “to be warlike”

b. Having a combination of Jewish and Roman names was common

1. Was a Greco-Roman custom

10. Is thought to be the youth during Jesus’s arrest and betrayal scene

a. Scene occurred in Gethsemane according to Mark 14:51-52

a. Scene occurred in Gethsemane according to

b. Mark thought to be the youth wearing the linen cloth

1. Book of Mark is the only one of the four gospels that mentions this

2. Occurs after all of the disciples had already fled

c. Was well-known Jewish custom for Scripture writers to omit their

names in their writings

1. Scripture reference for this statement is

1. Scripture reference for this statement is John 21:24

11. Assisted Peter in Babylon according to I Peter 5:13

11. Assisted Peter in Babylon according to

a. “Babylon” is a cryptogram or text written in code for Rome

12. Came to Rome to assist the apostle Paul while he was incarcerated

a. Scripture reference is

a. Scripture reference is II Timothy 4:11

13. Is one of the synoptic Gospels

a. “Synoptic” means “to see together”

b. Other synoptic gospels are Matthew and Luke

14. Is the oldest of the four Gospels

a. Other four gospels are Matthew, Luke, and John

15. Approximate date of writing is the 60s AD

a. Was written sometime after Peter’s death is a.d.64 or 65

b. Was written prior to AD 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed

c. Was written 3 decades after the resurrection

16. Mark wrote to a Gentile or non-Jewish audience that was residing in

Rome

a. Is reiterated by the use of Latin terms, OT roots, and a lack of the

geneaology of Christ

1. Geneaology is reflected in Matthew and Luke

17. Mark had various themes about Jesus Christ

a. Christ was Good News to the Gentiles

1. Gentiles were persecuted and martyred under the ruler Nero

2. Scriptures in Mark strengthened and encouraged Gentiles during

trials and was truth to the new generation

b. Christ was The Suffering Servant King (His Passion)

1. Was victorious over His sufferings as well as His death

a. He was The Son of God according to and 11;

a. He was The Son of God according to Mark 1:1 and 11;

14:61; and 15:39

c. He was The Son of Man according to Mark 2:10; 8:31;

c. He was The Son of Man according to ; ;

and 13:26

d .Christ was the miracle working Savior and Lord according to Mark

1:3; and 7:28

e. Christ was the Promised Messiah according to

e. Christ was the Promised Messiah according to Mark 8:29

II. Chapter 1

A. Identity of the Servant Son of God and credentials of the Christ

1. Son of God (verse 1)

a. Is Jesus’ unique or begotten Son with a common intimacy with the OT God, as well as His deity

1. The name “Jesus” means “Yahweh Saves”

a. Is the earthly name given at Jesus’ birth

2. The name “Christ”

a. Is the OT title meaning “God’s chosen Servant”

B. Fulfillment of past Prophecy (verses 2-3)

1. Major and minor prophets of the OT

a. Isaiah relative to John the Baptist, chapter 40:1-8

b. Jesus the Messiah in chapter 42:1-4

c. Malachi in chapter 4:1-6

1. John the Baptist, prophetic forerunner

a. Appears in the likeness of Elijah

b. Breaks 400 years of prophetic silence

1. Prepare the way of the Lord

Before John the Baptist, other Jewish groups practiced ritual water cleansing, but John called Israel to repentance as a courier who went ahead to proclaim the coming of a monarch! His martyrdom foreshadows the persecution awaiting Jesus and many of His servants. John’s death also leads to Jesus’ commission of the 12 disciples. John’s diet consisted of locusts, which was an allowable food (), as this was a food eaten by the poorest of people who adapted and dwelled in the wilderness for 40 years and afterwards located to a tropical climate. John’s rough clothes () and strict diet reflected the stern self-sacrificing and self- denying ministries of The Old testament prophets. These prophets protested the spiritual softness that had become Israel’s self-indulgent religious establishment. This attire also emphasized the humility of Jesus Christ’s arrival.

Before John the Baptist, other Jewish groups practiced ritual water cleansing, but John called Israel to repentance as a courier who went ahead to proclaim the coming of a monarch! His martyrdom foreshadows the persecution awaiting Jesus and many of His servants. John’s death also leads to Jesus’ commission of the 12 disciples. John’s diet consisted of locusts, which was an allowable food (Leviticus 11:22), as this was a food eaten by the poorest of people who adapted and dwelled in the wilderness for 40 years and afterwards located to a tropical climate. John’s rough clothes (Zechariah 13:4) and strict diet reflected the stern self-sacrificing and self- denying ministries of The Old testament prophets. These prophets protested the spiritual softness that had become Israel’s self-indulgent religious establishment. This attire also emphasized the humility of Jesus Christ’s arrival.

C. Fulfillment of present prophecy (verses 4-8)

1. The baptism that John the Baptist preached (verse 4)-see baptism handout***

a. Was the gift of forgiveness of sins (verse 5)

b. Required repentance

1. The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia”

a. “meta” means “after,” which indicates a change of mind

b. “nous” means “mind”

c. Is sorrow for sin

d. Is turning away from sin to God

c. Gift of forgiveness of sins (verse 5)

1. Christian baptism symbolizes conversion (see handout)***

a. Need for a Messiah

Galilee is located in the northern part of Palestine, with its primary feature being the 13 mile long and 7 mile wide Sea of Galilee. In the Old Testament this lake was called Chinnereth ( and , ). In the New Testament the lake is referred to as Gennesaret (), Tiberias (), and Galilee (). The Jordan River flows through Galilee, and it is 695 feet below sea level. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus’ public ministry (The Sermon on the Mount, The Transfiguration, 25 of the 33 miracles, and 19 of the 32 parables). The towns that are located on the seashore of Galilee are: Capernaum; Bethsaida; Tiberias; Magdala; Nazareth; and Chorazin, with Tiberias as the only town currently in existence.

Galilee is located in the northern part of Palestine, with its primary feature being the 13 mile long and 7 mile wide Sea of Galilee. In the Old Testament this lake was called Chinnereth (Numbers 34:11 and Joshua 12:3, 13:27). In the New Testament the lake is referred to as Gennesaret (Mark 6:53), Tiberias (John 21:1), and Galilee (John 6:1). The Jordan River flows through Galilee, and it is 695 feet below sea level. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus’ public ministry (The Sermon on the Mount, The Transfiguration, 25 of the 33 miracles, and 19 of the 32 parables). The towns that are located on the seashore of Galilee are: Capernaum; Bethsaida; Tiberias; Magdala; Nazareth; and Chorazin, with Tiberias as the only town currently in existence.

The Jordan River was where Jesus was baptized, as well as where the Israelites crossed over under the leadership of Joshua (Joshua 3:15-17). Its name means “descend,” or “flow down,” and in Hebrew it is known as Yarden. It is the third most holy site in The Holy Land, and is currently too polluted for baptisms. Fresh water no longer flows into the river, but sewage has taken its place. An environmental group known as “Friends of the Earth” in The Middle East concluded that untreated sewage, as well as agricultural drainage has led to the water having a high saline (or salt) content. This also prevents fish pond effluent or the controlled breeding of fish in the region.

The Jordan River was where Jesus was baptized, as well as where the Israelites crossed over under the leadership of Joshua (). Its name means “descend,” or “flow down,” and in Hebrew it is known as Yarden. It is the third most holy site in The Holy Land, and is currently too polluted for baptisms. Fresh water no longer flows into the river, but sewage has taken its place. An environmental group known as “Friends of the Earth” in The Middle East concluded that untreated sewage, as well as agricultural drainage has led to the water having a high saline (or salt) content. This also prevents fish pond effluent or the controlled breeding of fish in the region.

Judea is a modern-day mountainous area located in southern Palestine, better known as the “West Bank.” It was a Roman province, sometimes spelled in its original Latin form (Ludaea), with its name being derived from The Kingdom of Judah.

D. Embodiment of God’s Spirit (verses 9-11)

1. Jesus’ baptism showed support for John the Baptist (verse 9)

a. John the Baptist was God’s prophet

b. John the Baptist was an expression of God’s Spirit

c. John the Baptist was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own death, burial, and resurrection for sinners

Nazareth is located in lower Galilee, north of The Plain of Esdraelon (or Armageddon), and existed long before New Testament times as an isolated town. It currently has a population of over 26,000 people, primarily of Arab descent.

d. Heaven is no longer closed but torn apart (verse 10)

a. Is open to repentant sinners

2. Voice from heaven (verse 11)

a. Jesus’ identity is excluded from others

1. Was God the Father’s testimony to Christ’s divine Son-ship

E. The Temptation: Target of the Adversary (verses 12-13)

1. Wilderness was the desert waste of Palestine

2. The word “drove” also used later to describe Christ’s casting out of demons (verses 34 and 39)

3. “Wild beasts” denotes the loneliness and opposing forces of Christ’s surroundings

III. Initial Message and Ministry: The Galilean Days (verses 14 up to Mark 9:50)

III. Initial Message and Ministry: The Galilean Days (verses 14 up to )

A. Beginning of Jesus’ preaching (verses 14-15)

1. Occurs after John the Baptist is put in prison (verse 14)

a. Was incarcerated for proclaiming the Kingdom of God (verse 15)

1. Repent and believe

2. Pertained to all, even Israel

B. Call of first disciples (verses 16-20)-see apostles handout***

1. Simon and Andrew

a. Were also disciples of John the Baptist and fishermen from Capernaum (verse 16)

1. Capernaum was the home of the first 4 disciples

2. James and John (verse 19)

a. Like James and John the call would be a whole-life commitment

Palestine was ruled by the Roman vassal (a ruler who ruled in exchange for protection and use of the land) King Herod the Great. Herod ruled at the time of Jesus’ birth, and in spite of Herod being ruthless, he built great projects. (see map)****

C. Amazing Authority (verse 21-3:12)

1. Began in Capernaum (verse 21)

a. Was the ministry headquarters of Christ

b. Capernaum means “village of Nahum”

1. Was not the minor prophet Nahum in the OT

2. Nahum means “the city of comfort,” or “field of repentance”

Capernaum is located on the northwestern shore of Galilee, and is only found in The New Testament. Archaeological evidence of its existence is located at Tell Hum (Arabic “Talhum”), or the ruin of a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans or Maccabees, which was a Jewish dynasty that ruled Judea from the time of The Maccabean Revolt until the Roman conquest of Palestine by Pompey. Capernaum housed a tax collector (), a high government official (), a centurion with soldiers (), and was the town where Jesus performed 5 miracles: the healing of the centurion’s servant (); the nobleman’s son, Peter’s mother-in-law, the paralytic that was lowered through the roof, and the raising of Jairus’ daughter ().

Capernaum is located on the northwestern shore of Galilee, and is only found in The New Testament. Archaeological evidence of its existence is located at Tell Hum (Arabic “Talhum”), or the ruin of a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans or Maccabees, which was a Jewish dynasty that ruled Judea from the time of The Maccabean Revolt until the Roman conquest of Palestine by Pompey. Capernaum housed a tax collector (Matthew 9:9), a high government official (John 4:46), a centurion with soldiers (Matthew 8:5-9), and was the town where Jesus performed 5 miracles: the healing of the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10); the nobleman’s son, Peter’s mother-in-law, the paralytic that was lowered through the roof, and the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Luke 4:23).

2. Mighty works and power (verses 24-27)

a. Jesus rebukes the Oppressor

1. Refused their testimony because of the reputation of demons

a. Were known as unclean spirits (verse 27)

D. Fame and Popularity (verses 28-45)

1. Jesus refused a comfortable existence

a. Was done so that His purpose was not distracted

b. Jesus ventured out after the close of the Sabbath (in the evening)

1. This displayed a spiritual response to the Father

2. The cleansing of the leper

a. Jesus refused primary reputation of “miracle worker”

1. Instructed the leper to keep quiet about his healing

a. Jesus did this to delay opposition from spiritual leaders

b. Jesus didn’t want to disavow the priest’s examination of the leper

(verse 44, and according to Leviticus 14:1-32)

(verse 44, and according to )

Chapter 2

F. Opposition and Conflict (verses 2:1-3:35)

1. Jesus proclaims a remission of sins while healing (verse 5)

a. Jesus acknowledges the paralytics’ trust in His Messiahship

b. Lawyers of the day (scribes) objected

1. Accused Jesus of blasphemy (to disrespect the reverence of)

a. Jesus addresses them directly

2. Jesus eats with sinners

a. This included tax collectors of whom Matthew (or Levi) was one

1. Were not trusted since they worked for the Roman government

2. Were thought to have “lined their own pockets” as well

b. Sought after “common folks” who responded to Him

3. Jesus and Fasting (verse 18)

a. Disciples of John the Baptist and Pharisees object

1. Jesus’ disciples did not fast

a. Fasting not required since Jesus is on earth with them (verse 19

and and )

and Matthew 9:15-17 and Mark 2:22)

b. Is a hint of Jesus’ departure or Judaism representing old wineskins

c. Is allusion to Jesus’ coming death and ascension

c. OT fasting was preparation for NT

1. New cloth and new wine or wineskins of Christianity

a. New cloth was unbleached

b. Bottles or skins were often used in ancient East as containers

for liquid

d. New wine was strong from fermentation, causing old skins to

break

2. Represented a new dispensation or grace

3. Replaced the old rule of “law”

F. Jesus and the Sabbath

1. Disciples plucked grain on the Sabbath

a. Pharisees called this “work” according to OT law

b. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

Chapter 3

G. Healing on the Sabbath (3:1)

1. Jesus heals man with withered hand

a. Led to Pharisees’ plot to destroy Him (were most influential sect)

b. Herodians were enemies of the Pharisees but joined forces with

them against Jesus

1. Herodians were Jews who supported Rome and Herod Antipas

2. Jesus’ Withdrawal (verse 7)

a. Sought a “low profile” to disguise His identity

b. Sought “true seekers” of the living God (verse 12)

Idumea (Greek) was an ancient region between The Dead Sea and The Gulf of Aqaba that borders ancient Palestine. It is modern day southern Israel, and is home of the kingdom of the Edomites, or Edom (from Esau). The Edomites were an enemy nation of Israel.

Tyre was a prosperous Roman port city, or ancient city of Phoenicia. It was a place of great strength, although wicked and idolatrous. It was frequently condemned by the prophets and its final destruction was predicted by Isaiah (23:1), Jeremiah (25:22), Ezekiel (26 and 28:1-19), Amos (1:9-10), and Zechariah (9:2-4). Tyre currently has ancient tombs and a ruined cathedral.

Sidon was the first home of the Phoenicians on the coast of Canaan, and means “fishery” (Greek). It is modern day Lebanon. The Phoenicians were Canaanites who had a close relationship with Israel, and were made rich by their purple dye. They were famous for their alphabet, which they learned from Egyptian hieroglyphics and passed on to the Greeks. This same alphabet is the basis for our alphabet.

H. Choosing the Twelve Apostles (3:13)-see Apostles handout***

1. Were appointed with a mission

2. Had three functions

a. Be with Jesus

b. Were sent out to preach

c. Were to share in mastery over disorders (or miracles)

1. Physical

2. Spiritual

d. Were sent out in pairs (verses 14-19)

e. Some were renamed due to their new life change

I. Jesus’ Division (3:20)

1. Was opposed by His own people

a. Said that Jesus was out of His mind

b. Accused Jesus of demon possession

1. Is considered blasphemy against The Holy Spirit

2. Showed their hardness of heart

3. Placed those who blasphemed outside of redeeming grace

c. Jesus replied to accusations

1. Used parables or familiar earthly stories with spiritual truths

2. Called His “true mother and brothers” the doers of His will

Chapter 4

J. Explanation of Opposition (4:1-41)

1. Jesus’ parables (4:1-34)-see handout about parables***

a. Are “hidden” truths that serve to enlighten

b. Reveal a “mystery” of God at work

1. Mystery will be revealed at the proper time

c. Not for “spiritually blind”

1. Not for those who are in opposition to God’s message

d. The sower (verses 1-20)

e. The candle under a bush (verses 21-25)

f. The seed (verses 26-29)

1. Explains the wisdom of sowing and reaping

g. The mustard seed

1. Explains the large result one gains from humble beginnings

h. Are judgment on the hearer’s spiritual dullness (verses 33-34)

i. Are an expression of God’s willingness to save all

a. Without using parables, Jesus did not speak

2. Power over the Sea of Galilee (verse 35)

a. Jesus and disciples had to first cross over a tropical lake below sea level

1. Lake produced warm air

2. Lake was surrounded by mountains above sea level

3. Lake produced cold air from mountains

a. Led to tropical effect and great waves as the two airs collided

b. Jesus caused the storm to “stand still”

1. Disciples were both amazed and fearful

Chapter 5

3. Belief and Unbelief (5:1-8:30)

A. Country of Gadarenes

1. Some NT manuscripts call this Gerasenes

a. Was the best known city in the region

b. Was located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee

c. Was located in the Village of Khersa

d. Means “those who come from pilgrimage or fight”

Gadara was an ancient city of The Middle East, southeast of The Sea of Galilee. It is one of the cities of the Decapolis, and the name “Gennesaret” or “Ginosar” was formerly known as Kinneret (Hebrew), which was an important bronze and iron-age city on the northwestern shore of The Sea of Galilee. Remains of Kinneret have been excavated at a site called Tell el Oreimeh (Arabic) and Tel Kinrot in modern Hebrew. (see map)***

2. Demoniac prostrated himself because he knew who Jesus was (verse 6)

a. Was not (as some believe) done as an act of worship

3. A “legion” is a Roman army of 6000 soldiers

4. The demons did not want to be sent into the bottomless pit (verse 12)

a. Is permanent bondage (Revelation 9:1)

a. Is permanent bondage ()

5. Demons left the man and entered into the swine

a. Contact with swine was forbidden in all of Israel ()

a. Contact with swine was forbidden in all of Israel (Leviticus 11:7-8)

b. This was a Gentile area (verse 20)

c. 2000 hogs was a large monetary loss

1. Jesus was turned away (verse 17)

a. Was thought to be a financial liability for the area

2. The demoniac was healed and proclaimed Jesus to his “home-town”

a. “Home-town” was Decapolis

1. Decapolis means “ten cities”

2. Was a link in Rome’s military defense

3. Was chiefly pagan, but Jesus had followers there (Matthew

4:25 and )

4:25 and Mark 5:20)

4. Is modern-day Jordan

4. Master over death (5:21)

A. Jairus’ daughter

1. Jairus was a synagogue ruler

a. Helped to oversee and plan synagogue services

b. Had previous contacts with Jesus

c. Was the greatest need of his life and though Jesus needed to actually

touch his daughter to heal her (verse 23)

B. Daughter was actually dead

1. Jesus raised her from the dead (verse 42)

2. The crowd was astonished

3. The disciples were annoyed that Jesus allowed the death

C. The Issue of Blood (verse 25)

1. Blood flowed for 12 years (town of Gennesaret, Matthew 14:33)

1. Blood flowed for 12 years (town of Gennesaret, )

2. Woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed (verse 27)

a. Jesus believed a person’s power extended to what he was wearing

b. The woman’s faith healed her

Chapter 6

5. Unbelief in Nazareth (6:1-6)

A. Jesus was rejected in His own home-town

1. Joseph is not mentioned so he may have died by then

2. Jesus’ brother James came to faith after the resurrection (Acts 1:14 and I

2. Jesus’ brother James came to faith after the resurrection ( and I

Corinthians 15:7)

a. James later became leader of church at Jerusalem ( and )

a. James later became leader of church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:13 and Galatians 1:19)

b. Wrote the epistle of James

2. Judas (Jesus’ brother and not the disciple Judas) authored the book of

Jude

3. All of this sets the stage for the mission of the 12 disciples

6. Greater Ministry with the Twelve (6:7-56)

A. Apostles could only carry a staff for their journey (verse 8)

1. Not allowed a scrip or knapsack

2. Not allowed money in their purse or belt

a. Were to trust God for food and shelter

B. Preached repentance (verse 12)

1. Casting out demons

2. Healing the sick

a. Both would add authority to their message

C. John the Baptist is beheaded (verse 14)

John the Baptist was executed by Herod Antipas (or Herod the tetrarch) who ruled over Perea and Galilee (a part of the region that was outside of the capital). He was the son of Herod the Great, and reigned 43 years (from 4 bc to 39 ad). Herod Antipas had another brother (Archelaus) that was more wicked than his father, was removed from office by Rome and later exiled.

1. Foreshadowed the violent death of Christ

2. Foreshadowed the death of Christ’s followers

3. Was done by an executioner (Latin “spekoulatora”)

4. Was done by Herod on his birthday (verses 21-28)

a. Herodias’ daughter Salome requested the head by her mother

Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, the half-brother of Herod Antipas. She was married to her uncle Philip and gave birth to his daughter (Salome). Herodias divorced her husband and married Antipas, who was already married.

1. Salome was Jesus’ mother’s sister ()

1. Salome was Jesus’ mother’s sister (John 19:25)

b. Was revenge for John’s rebuke of Herod

1. Herod married Philip’s wife (Philip was his brother)

c. John’s head was placed on a platter

1. Disciples laid the remaining corpse in a tomb

III. Feeding of 5000 (verse 30- is in all 4 of the gospels) ****

Bethsaida is located on the northern shore of The Sea of Galilee, and is mentioned only in the Gospels. It was the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (), but Peter and Andrew left the area during Jesus’ public ministry.

Bethsaida is located on the northern shore of The Sea of Galilee, and is mentioned only in the Gospels. It was the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44), but Peter and Andrew left the area during Jesus’ public ministry.

A. Jesus recognizes that the apostles need relief (verses 31-32)

1. The crowd met them in the desert

2. Jesus is moved with compassion, leading to action

3. Judaism forbade taking in food without thanking God

4. Fed all and had enough for 12 baskets left over

a. Baskets were small, often carried by travelers

b. Used only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to feed the 5000

5. The disciples failed to understand what had occurred

B. Jesus Walks on Water (verse 45)

1. Sent people away so He could pray

a. Prayed in the mountains

2. Saw disciples rowing in a gale (or strong) wind

a. Occurred at the 4th watch, which was from 3 to 6 a.m.

b. Jesus walked by and entered the ship

1. This caused the wind to cease

2. The apostles were fearful

a. They though Jesus was a ghost, or apparition which was

usually a sign or foreshadowing of evil

3. The apostles were also amazed at the outcome

C. Jesus heals at Gennesaret (verse 53)

1. Was a lake in Israel where Jordan River flowed

2. Was the OT Sea of Chinnereth

3. Was allotted to the tribe of Naphtali and called Kinneroth

4. Name Gennesaret was land of beauty and fertility or the

“Paradise of Galilee”

5. Apostles were to land at Bethsaida

a. The wind blew them off of their course

1. Was the deliberate work of The Holy Spirit

2. Resulted in healing done in villages by Jesus

a. The hem of the apostles’ garments was woven with tassels

1. Was a reminder of God’s Commandments ()

1. Was a reminder of God’s Commandments (Numbers 15:37-41)

2. Touching the hem of their garments made the sick whole again

The Dead Sea is known for its mineral rich black mud, which is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments at area resorts. It has a high saline concentration, preventing fish and plants from living in it. The high salt content of the sea causes those who bathe in it to literally float on the water! In comparison to ocean water, which consists of 3.5% of salt, The Dead Sea has a 33.7% salt concentration! It is similar to The Great Salt Lake located in Utah, and it discharges asphalt, with a 5-27% saline concentration.

The Dead Sea is also known for The Dead Sea Scrolls, which is a small Greek papyrus fragment of Scriptures discovered in Qumran Caves. These caves were hidden in desert cliffs (a raised level place cut out of a hill),and consisted of soil of clay, and were a Hebrew and Arabic archaeological site in The West Bank managed by Israel’s Qumran National Park. The scrolls were supposedly written between 50 BC and 50 AD, and in 1962 a fragment of The Gospel of Mark was discovered. Scholars believe that this scroll consists of the earliest fragment of The New Testament (Mark 6:52-53), with “papyrus” consisting of sheets of thick paper made from a reed plant (reed brushes were dipped in ink to write on the papyrus). This scroll was located in the seventh cave of texts and manuscripts, and was the only cave with exclusively Greek fragments. The scroll, known as 7Q5 consists of only a scrap of papyrus with writing located only on the recto side (the right hand front page), is only 5 lines, and has no more than 20 visible letters. The dimensions are 3.9 centimeters high and 2.7 centimeters wide (about 1.5 inches by 1.06 inches), or is smaller than 2 standard US postage stamps! The 7Q5 is however, thought to be the most exciting discovery affecting Biblical studies in the 20th century!

The Dead Sea is also known for The Dead Sea Scrolls, which is a small Greek papyrus fragment of Scriptures discovered in Qumran Caves. These caves were hidden in desert cliffs (a raised level place cut out of a hill),and consisted of soil of clay, and were a Hebrew and Arabic archaeological site in The West Bank managed by Israel’s Qumran National Park. The scrolls were supposedly written between 50 BC and 50 AD, and in 1962 a fragment of The Gospel of Mark was discovered. Scholars believe that this scroll consists of the earliest fragment of The New Testament (), with “papyrus” consisting of sheets of thick paper made from a reed plant (reed brushes were dipped in ink to write on the papyrus). This scroll was located in the seventh cave of texts and manuscripts, and was the only cave with exclusively Greek fragments. The scroll, known as 7Q5 consists of only a scrap of papyrus with writing located only on the recto side (the right hand front page), is only 5 lines, and has no more than 20 visible letters. The dimensions are 3.9 centimeters high and 2.7 centimeters wide (about 1.5 inches by 1.06 inches), or is smaller than 2 standard US postage stamps! The 7Q5 is however, thought to be the most exciting discovery affecting Biblical studies in the 20th century!

Historically, scholars believe that in 1947, an Arab shepherd boy (named Mohammed) discovered documents while looking for a lost goat. The young boy went on to toss a rock into a cave to possibly startle the goat, but instead heard the sound of breaking pottery. As the young shepherd boy went inside, he found pots with scrolls inside and still intact! He proceeded to take the scrolls to Bethlehem and sold them to a merchant for a couple of dollars, not realizing that the scrolls were older by 1000 years than any other Old Testament Biblical manuscripts in existence! The oldest Old Testament manuscripts up to that time dated back to 900 AD and were from medieval (from the Middle Ages or from 500 to 1500 AD) Jewish centers in Russia.

In 1972, a Spanish papyrologist named Jose O’Callaghan published an article arguing that the 5th manuscript from the 7th cave of Qumran was indeed a fragment from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 6:52-53). Many scholars rejected this claim however, based on the fact that: 1) the papyrus had broken off or fragmented pieces; 2) The Qumran community dispersed in 68 a.d. and the original draft of Mark’s Gospel was thought to not be in existence before the fall of Jerusalem (between 66 and 70 a.d.); and 3) The Qumran or Essene community (they were an ancient sect or party within the Jewish community that consisted of monks) and the Christian community lacked open communication. Given the fact that the Essenes avoided women, did not marry, and lived a life of simplicity, they rarely came in contact with others at all. They were a sect that had established their movement in protest of pre-Christian Judaism to seek spiritual purification. They regarded themselves as the only true or pure Israel, so they refused to participate in what they thought to be corrupt religious observances at the temple in Jerusalem. They were strict enforcers of The Law and stricter than all Jews in abstaining from work on The Sabbath. The Essenes are not mentioned in The New Testament nor The Jewish Talmud (The Talmud is the central text of rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish religious law and theology). Their legalism and asceticism (denying pleasure for religious reasons) was opposed to Jesus’ teachings who ate and drank with “publicans and sinners” (see Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34). The Essenes made The Law a burden instead of a blessing! (Mark 2:23-28)

In 1972, a Spanish papyrologist named Jose O’Callaghan published an article arguing that the 5th manuscript from the 7th cave of Qumran was indeed a fragment from the Gospel of Mark (). Many scholars rejected this claim however, based on the fact that: 1) the papyrus had broken off or fragmented pieces; 2) The Qumran community dispersed in 68 a.d. and the original draft of Mark’s Gospel was thought to not be in existence before the fall of Jerusalem (between 66 and 70 a.d.); and 3) The Qumran or Essene community (they were an ancient sect or party within the Jewish community that consisted of monks) and the Christian community lacked open communication. Given the fact that the Essenes avoided women, did not marry, and lived a life of simplicity, they rarely came in contact with others at all. They were a sect that had established their movement in protest of pre-Christian Judaism to seek spiritual purification. They regarded themselves as the only true or pure Israel, so they refused to participate in what they thought to be corrupt religious observances at the temple in Jerusalem. They were strict enforcers of The Law and stricter than all Jews in abstaining from work on The Sabbath. The Essenes are not mentioned in The New Testament nor The Jewish Talmud (The Talmud is the central text of rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish religious law and theology). Their legalism and asceticism (denying pleasure for religious reasons) was opposed to Jesus’ teachings who ate and drank with “publicans and sinners” (see and ). The Essenes made The Law a burden instead of a blessing! ()

Ten caves were discovered from 1947 to 1955, each containing fragments of early Jewish writings. Cave 7 had New Testament fragments from the Gospel of Mark, the book of Acts, epistles to the Romans, part of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a fragment from 2nd Peter, and a portion of the book of James! Evidence of these findings prove that portions of the New Testament were in fact written before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. The evidence also supports that observers and participants were reliable in their witness of New Testament miracles about Jesus, and that the New Testament is a self-contained collection or canon of books that are accepted as genuine by the church.

Opinions and Reviews about the 7Q5 findings:

1) New York Times: “If O’Callaghan’s theory is accepted, it would prove that at least one of the Gospels, distinctly St. Mark, was written only a few years after the death of Jesus.”

2) Chicago Tribune: “If this theory is accepted by scholars, biblical research would be revolutionized.”

3) Los Angeles Times: “Nine New Testament fragments dated AD 50 to 100 have been discovered in a Dead Sea cave, and if validated, constitute the most sensational biblical trove (treasure) uncovered in recent times.”

4) Modern theologians: “O’Callaghan’s identification is perhaps possible. It seems to me to be most highly improbable. In any case, the find can never be used with certainty, and the discussion as to the date of Mark’s Gospel is very much where it was before O’Callaghan’s discovery.”

5) Professor Ernest Wright, a liberal theologian from Harvard University: “Clearly in every field of research, intuition and speculation are legitimate and even fun. But it is advisable not to draw conclusions from them until they are backed by facts.”

6) Mr. C.H. Roberts: “Identifications on this scale are an exercise not in scholarship, but in fantasy.”

7) Carsten Peter Thiede, a German scholar: “Seven Q Five should be dated no later than 50 a.d, and only 10 of the 20 letters can be positively identified. Other fragments in the cave are portions from The New Testament: Mark 4:28 is 7Q6 and Mark 6:48 is 7Q15; 7Q9 is Romans 5:11-12; 7Q10 is 2nd Peter 1:15; and 7Q4 is 1st Timothy 3:16-4:3, the latter having an impossible date (50 a.d.) for any pastoral epistle. Early Christians entrusted these documents to their Essene neighbors for safekeeping since there was a Christian cave among the Qumran caves.”

7) Carsten Peter Thiede, a German scholar: “Seven Q Five should be dated no later than 50 a.d, and only 10 of the 20 letters can be positively identified. Other fragments in the cave are portions from The New Testament: is 7Q6 and is 7Q15; 7Q9 is ; 7Q10 is ; and 7Q4 is , the latter having an impossible date (50 a.d.) for any pastoral epistle. Early Christians entrusted these documents to their Essene neighbors for safekeeping since there was a Christian cave among the Qumran caves.”

8) Both Thiede and O”Callaghan appeal that 7Q5 should be listed as a New Testament papyrus, meaning that future editions of The Greek New Testament will have to include 7Q5.

Reasons for Critics’ Opinions:

Relative to the history of the study of New Testament texts, they were all written in Greek and passed on by handwritten copies until the Renaissance Era (from the 14th to 17th century). After the invention of the printing press in the 14th century, The Latin Vulgate Bible was published, but it took another century and a half before a Greek text was printed (in 1516).

Many scholars thought the Gospel of Matthew was the first Gospel, and 7Q5 has similar textual glitches as does fragments of John’s Gospel from the 2nd century. It goes on to tell what Mark writes about the 1st disciples after the feeding of the 5000.

D. Defense of Tradition-Chapter 7

1. Pharisees and Scribes

a. True spirituality and man-made traditions

b. Jesus quotes from Isaiah about hypocrits and pretenders

1. Scripture reference is Isaiah 7:3

1. Scripture reference is

2. “Hypocrits” were pretenders who wore a mask on stage

and portrayed different roles and characters just for

everyone to see them

c. The traditions of the elders were substituted for modern

vision or divinely revealed truth

d. Rules supported ceremonial Jewish laws

e. “Traditions” were not supported by Scripture (the Torah, or

the first 5 books of the Old Testament)

f. Jesus discusses God’s laws as superior to man-made tradition

1. Ceremonial law versus true moral defilement (verse 8)

2. Talmud (ancient Jewish writings) contained written

commentaries thought of as having greater authority

than The Torah

E. Parental Responsibility (verse 11)

1. Corban means “devoted to God”

a. Was a devout sounding evasion of honoring ones parents

b. Had to do with the OT intent or law relative to financial support

F. Pureness of Heart (verse 20)

1. Not obtained by forbidden food (Leviticus 11)

1. Not obtained by forbidden food ()

2. Not by ritual observances

3. Was produced by what comes out of the “man”

a. Defilement is from sin

G. Compassion and Correction (verse 18)

1. Jesus withdraws to rest and instruct disciples further

a. Privacy is interrupted by Phoenician woman

b. Woman is both reverent and desperate

1. “Children” represents Israel and or the disciples

2. Jesus wants to continue on and refill His disciples

a. Is interrupted by a Syro-Phoenician who was a Gentile (verse 24)

b. Was a reflection of politics in the Middle East ()

b. Was a reflection of politics in the Middle East (I Kings 17:8-24)

1. Widow of Zarephath which was a part of Syria

a. Area included all of Palestine, Galilee, Samaria, Perea, Judea,

And Idumea

2. Jesus rewards the woman’s persistence

3. String of Tongue (verse 31)

a. the deaf man’s tongue also inhibited his speech

b. Story told only in the book of Mark

c. Those who have never been able to hear often have trouble

pronouncing their words

c. Ephphatha is Aramaic for Jesus saying “be opened”

Chapter 8

H. Feeding the Four thousand (Chapter 8: verses 1-26)

1. Disciples had not grasped the miracle of the earlier feeding (6:52)

a. The seven baskets were much larger than the 12 smaller ones in the

earlier feeding

b. The larger baskets were the kind used to lower the Apostle Paul

over the wall of Damascus ()

over the wall of Damascus (Acts 9:25)

2. Ship to Dalmanutha (verse 10)

a. Dalmanutha was near Magdala

1. Dalmanutha is Greek for “a bucket or branch”

2. Is the unknown destination of Jesus on the shores of The Sea of Galilee after He fed the 4000

3. Was surrounded by ancient walls and ruins

4. Stood at the place called Ain-el-Barideh, which means “the cold fountain”

a. The cold fountain was discovered by UK archaeologists in Israel’s Ginosar Valley

1. The “Ginosar Valley” means “rich garden”

2. The name “Ginosar” is a Hebrew term for Gennesaret, or a place of fertile soil

5. “Magdala” means “watchtower” in the Hebrew language

a. In the book of Matthew (15:39), Magdala is referred to as Magadan

b. It was an ancient city or village on the shore of The Sea of Galilee, discovered by archaeologists in a Galilean synogue in Israel

c. Was a known fishing town, and also a Magdala Stone

1. The stone has 7 branded menorah symbols carved on it, and dates back to before the destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem in 70 a.d.

2. Is the earliest known artistic depiction of the 2nd temple

3. Mary Magdalene was from the area of Magdala

a. There are 68 Bible verses written about her service to Jesus

I. Compassion and Correction

1. Beware of leaven (verse 14)

A. Was a common Jewish metaphor for an invisible persuasive

influence

B. Was also corruption of religious leaders relative to society

C. Was an unbelieving mind and attitude that caused men to believe

that a “sign” was needed

2. Healing of the Blind Man (verse 22)

B. Showed the disciples’ imperfect perception of Jesus

1. The Holy Spirit was very much needed to clear their vision

3. Peter’s Confession (verse 27)

A. Jesus reveals or discloses who He is

1. “Christ” means “Messiah” or “The Anointed One”

a. Was the Redeemer prophesied in the OT

b. Jewish doctrine didn’t teach “A Suffering Messiah”

c. Mark’s gospel is the only one where the disciples come to

understand who Jesus is

1. Was necessary before Jesus’ coming death was explained

2. The Jews expected the Messiah would be a political liberator

(verse 30)

4. Intimate Disclosure (verse 31)

A. Son of Man

1. Is a title used only by Jesus

B. Elders, chief priests, former high priests, and scribes

1. Were the Jewish ruling council or Sanhedrin

2. Would reject Jesus

3. Would ultimately condemn Him to death

Chapter 9

IV. Ministry in Transition: Judea (chapter 9)

A. The transfiguration

1. Means to be altered in appearance or glorified into a spiritual or radiant state

2. From the Greek word “metamorpho,” meaning to transform

3. Occurred in the highest area of Mount Hermon near Caesarea Philippi

at 9,232 feet

a. Was the highest point in all of Palestine

b. Was the same mountain that Peter made the confession that Jesus was “The Christ” (Mark 8:27-29)

b. Was the same mountain that Peter made the confession that Jesus was “The Christ” ()

4. A fuller is one who launders clothing (verse 3)

5. Moses represented the lawgiver and liberator (verse 4)

6. Elijah was the 1st of the great prophets (verse 12)

a. Was compared to John the Baptist

1. Ministry consisted of preaching that all should “prepare the way for

the Lord”

6. Voice of God (The Father)

a. Was heard 2 other times during the life of Christ

1. Jesus’ baptism (1:11)

2. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem ()

2. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:28)

B. The Healing of the Mute Boy

1. The mute boy also had seizures

a. Was a demon spirit

2. The disciples were powerless

a. Jesus broke the power of The Enemy’s control

C. Jesus tells of His death

1. Was the 2nd time that Jesus did this (8:31)

D. True greatness

1. One must be a servant

2. Christ was the perfect model

3. One must follow the will of God

E. Temptation to sin (verse 42)

1. Consequences of defiance

a. A millstone was an extremely heavy stone used to grind grain into powder

2. Obedience and self-control

a. Necessary to overcome sin

F. Worthless Salt (verse 49)

1. Salted with fire

a. Trials and judgments

1. Believers have them so as to purify faith

2. Unbelievers will suffer judgment of eternal fire

Chapter 10

V. Ministry in Judea and Perea: Marriage and Divorce (chapter 10)

A. Pharisees wished to trap Jesus

1. Thought Jesus would contradict The Law of Moses ()

1. Thought Jesus would contradict The Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 24:1-4)

2. Thought Jesus would offend Herod Antipas

a. As did John the Baptist (6:18)

B. Jewish law permitted divorce

1. Only men were permitted to divorce their wives

2. Disciples of Hillel (a well-known Jewish leader that was influential

during the times of King Herod)

3.Followers of Shammai (a Jewish scholar with school of thought

relative to Judaism during the 1st century

a .Divorce only for sexual infidelity

C. Jesus and children (verse 13)

1. They are sincere, eager to learn, trusting, and depend totally on parents

a. Are qualities a disciple needs

D. The rich young ruler (verse 17)

1. Jesus’ deity

a. Jesus was more than a good teacher

1. Jesus is clarifying that He is both good and God!

2. Jesus quotes commandments

a. Fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth

1. Concerns fair and ethical treatment of others ()

1. Concerns fair and ethical treatment of others (Exodus 20:12-17)

2. Examines the importance of material things

3. Shows the ruler’s true lack of devotion to God

a. Called for a re-examination of his priorities

E. Jesus’ Third Prediction

1. Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem

a. Was leading up to His impending crucifixion

F. Greatness is Serving

1. Disciples sought overall assurance

a. Were unprepared for the Kingdom of God

b. Wanted power and authority immediately

c. Wanted the “most prominent” seat

2. “To drink the cup and be baptized”

a. Refers to Jesus’ suffering and death

b. Reiterated that the cost to the disciples was also death

1. James was executed by Herod Agrippa I in AD 44 ()

1. James was executed by Herod Agrippa I in AD 44 (Acts 12:1-2)

a. James was the 1st and only apostolic martyr in Scripture

2. John was the last disciple to die

a. Witnessed the death of the most Christians

3. Jesus defines servanthood

a. Explains the purpose of His impending death

1. A ransom is the price paid to free slaves

G. Blind Bartimaeus

Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, known as “the city of palm trees.” It has an abundant spring and banana tress even though it records only a few inches of rainfall each year. Jericho was awarded to the tribe of Benjamin and was a community of the prophets during the days of Elijah and Elisha. Herod the Great built a winter palace there during The New Testament development of the site, and it was the home of the conversion of Zaccheus in The New Testament.

1. “Son of David”

a. Is Messianic title

1. Shows spiritual insight of the blind man

2. Rabboni

a. Is Aramaic form of “master or teacher” ()

a. Is Aramaic form of “master or teacher” (John 20:16)

b. Indicates a high regard for Jesus

Chapter 11

VI. The Passion: The Triumphal Entry

A. Is a passion story following a long introduction (Mark’s gospel)

B. Was the Sunday before the resurrection (Palm Sunday)

C. The donkey that was utilized was devoted to a sacred purpose (Numbers 19:2; and Deuteronomy 21:3)

C. The donkey that was utilized was devoted to a sacred purpose (; and )

1. Demonstrates that Jesus is the master of all of creation

2. “Hosanna” means “save now we pray” (see handout-Events of Holy

Week) ***

D. Jesus curses a fig tree (verse 1)

1. Was not the right season

a. Passover was March or April

b. Fig season is May or June

c. Jesus didn’t see any edible buds

1. Meant the tree would be fruitless

2. The fig tree is a well-known OT symbol for Israel

E. Jesus cleanses the Temple (11:15)

1. Referred to the temple as a “Den of thieves” (Isaiah 56:7; and Jeremiah

1. Referred to the temple as a “Den of thieves” (; and Jeremiah

7:11)

a. Had crooked money exchanges

b. Sold inferior products

c. “Wares” was merchandise for sale

F. Lesson of Fig Tree (verse 20)

1. Emphasized the power of “true faith”

a. Israel bore no “fruit”

1. Would cause them to face judgment

Bethphage was a place in ancient Israel where Jesus sent his disciples to find a young donkey (colt) for Him to ride into Jerusalem. It is close to Bethany, which means “house of unripe figs,” (Aramaic), or “house of affliction.” Bethany is near Jerusalem at the foot of The Mount of Olives, and is where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. The Mount of Olives was the area where Jesus stood when He wept over Jerusalem, and according to Acts 1:9-12, Jesus also ascended to heaven there.

Bethphage was a place in ancient Israel where Jesus sent his disciples to find a young donkey (colt) for Him to ride into Jerusalem. It is close to Bethany, which means “house of unripe figs,” (Aramaic), or “house of affliction.” Bethany is near Jerusalem at the foot of The Mount of Olives, and is where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. The Mount of Olives was the area where Jesus stood when He wept over Jerusalem, and according to , Jesus also ascended to heaven there.

Chapter 12

A. Parable of the Wicked Winedresser

1. Was a parable about Israel

a. Israel was the “husbandman”

b. Israel was a nation or vineyard

c. Was similar to Judah in

c. Was similar to Judah in Isaiah 5:1-7

1. Failure to produce “fruit” justified God’s judgment

a. The servants or winedressers were the OT prophets

b. The OT prophets culminated or reached their highest point when John

the Baptist came on the scene

1. John the Baptist was before Jesus-“prepare the way of the Lord”

c. Parable illustrates God’s patience with Israel

2. Destruction of Vinedressers

a. Refers to the destruction of the temple in a.d. 70

b. Vineyard is given to others

1. Is speaking of the Gentiles relative to the growth of Christianity

3. Decision of vinedressers

a. Chief priests, scribes, and elders

1. Recognized that the parable was about all of them

2. Resulted in them plotting to destroy Jesus

B. Controversy: The Herodians

1. Jesus was a threat to their authority

2. They wanted to arrest and kill Jesus

a. Tried to trap Jesus in His words

3. Taxes (12:13)

a. Were to be paid to Caesar

b. Had a 2-sided inscription on each coin to this effect

1. Pontifex Maximus was the high priest

2. Tiberius Caesar, Son of the “divine” Augustus

C. The Sadducees (12:18)

1. Levirite Marriage

a. “Levir” is Latin for “husband’s brother ()

a. “Levir” is Latin for “husband’s brother (Deuteronomy 25:5-6)

1. Marriage was not binding (Deuteronomy 25:7-10)

1. Marriage was not binding ()

2. Sought to disprove the resurrection

2. Were an elite group of religious leaders

a. Denied the existence of angels

b. Denied that the soul was immortal

c. Didn’t know the Scriptures

d. Didn’t believe in the resurrection

3. Restriction of angels

a. Can neither marry nor procreate ()

a. Can neither marry nor procreate (Luke 20:36)

D. The Scribes: The Greatest Commandment

1. Jewish tradition found 613 individual commands in OT law (12:28)

2. Opening words from “Shema”

a. From Hebrew word meaning “to hear”

b. Is repeated by Jews worldwide as an expression of Godly faith

1. Is Jewish call to worship

3. Commandments

a. The first commandment summarizes the 1st four of the 10

b. The second commandment summarizes commandments 5 through 10

()

(Leviticus 19:18)

1. Relates to the treatment of other people

E. David’s Son (12:35)

1. Jesus was not permitted to enter the sanctuary

a. Was not an Aaronic priest

b. Taught in the temple only

1. One side of the temple was for women; one side was for men

2. The Gentiles viewed from an outer area

2. Doctrine of Inspiration (; ; and )

2. Doctrine of Inspiration (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21; and Psalm 110:1)

a. Messiah is both Lord and Son

b. Jesus is superior to David

c. Jesus is both man and God

F. Scribes: Accusation by Jesus (12:38)

1. Were teachers of the “Law”

2. Sought glory belonging only to God

3. Took advantage of widows who supported them

G. The Widow’s Offering (12:41)

1. The mite (Hebrew “lepton” was worth 1/8 of a cent)

a. Two mites made a “quadron,” a Roman monetary unit

b. Offering demonstrated the widow’s genuine devotion to God

1. God measures how much we keep instead of how much we give

VII. Chapter 13: The Olivet Discourse

A. Signs of “the end”

1. Prophet instruction

a. Given on The Mount of Olives

b. Given when temple began being constructed by Herod the Great

in 20 b.c. (verse 2)

1. Temple was completed in 66 a.d. by Herod’s descendants

a. Was the most prominent landscape in Jerusalem

b. Was ten feet high, with white marble stone and gold ornaments

c. Had colonnaded walkways, courtyards, and stairways on 20 acres

2. Prophecy fulfilled in a.d. 70 by Roman General Titus

a. Temple is destroyed

b. Is a declaration of Jesus’ impending death

2. Book of Mark names the four disciples (verses 3-4)

a. Other gospels are not as detailed

3. The End

a. Is the end of the “church age” (, , and13-14)

a. Is the end of the “church age” (Matthew 24:3, 6, and13-14)

b. Promise of The Holy Spirit

1. Does not assure escape persecution or being put to death

4. The Abomination of Desolation (verse 14)

a. An “abomination” is someone or something that is detestable

to God

b. Is the sign of the fulfillment of the “end”

c. Is first described in Daniel 9:27; 11:31; and 12:11

c. Is first described in ; ; and 12:11

d. Signals onslaught of persecution

B. The Coming of The Son of Man (13:24)

1. Will accompany astronomical disturbances

2. and 7:27 illustrates these occurrences

2. Daniel 7:13-14 and 7:27 illustrates these occurrences

a. Shows OT imagery

b. Jesus held the OT in very high esteem

3. The parable of the fig tree

a. Represents the full flowering of earth and the return of Christ

4. Days and hour

a. Is an appeal for diligence

b. Appeal of knowledge is placed in the hand of the Father (Philippians

2:5-8)

1. The Father is currently being glorified in heaven

2. Jesus now knows the “day and the hour”

5. Parable of the absent Master

a. Is unique to the book of Mark

b. Includes the 4 “watch times” of the Romans

1. Evening is 6 to 9 pm (the first watch)

2. Midnight is 9 pm to midnight (the second watch)

3. The third watch (or “rooster crowing watch”) is from midnight

to 3 am

4. The fourth watch is dawn or from 3 to 6 a.m.

Chapter 14: The Plot to Kill Jesus (14:1)

A. The Feast of Passover

1. Commemorated the night of deliverance (Exodus 12)

1. Commemorated the night of deliverance ()

a. God spared the Israelites

1. Destruction by the death angel

2. Observance was the 14th of Nisan

a. Was April to May according to Gregorian or Roman

calendar

b. Feast of Unleavened Bread followed

1. Was on the 15th to the 21st

2. Led to many Jews coming to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16)

2. Led to many Jews coming to Jerusalem ()

3. All males were to attend and give according to the Lord’s

provision

B. Religious leaders feared rioting

1. Public arrest of Jesus avoided

a. May have led to Roman retaliation

C. The Anointing (14:3)

1. Ointment (spikenard) was the perfume mentioned in The Song

of Solomon (1:12; and 4:13-14)

a. Was imported from India, and grew in the Himalayas

2. Anointing was done by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus

()

(John 12:3)

3. Three hundred pence was almost a year’s income

a. A day’s wage during those times was 1 denarius or 1 cent

4. Alabaster box is made of a clear stone used to make jewelry

boxes that were embossed with unique ornaments

5. Disciples were angry about the anointing

a. Were encouraged in their anger by Judas ()

a. Were encouraged in their anger by Judas (John 12: 4-6)

6. Jesus foresaw a criminal’s death (verse 8)

a. Criminals’ bodies were not anointed before burial

b. Mary understood that Jesus was to die

7. Passover refers to The Passover Lamb

a. Occurred on Thursday (the 14th day of Nisan between March and

April)

b. Jesus ate Passover meal with His disciples

1. Man carrying water jar or pitcher was unusual

a. Men usually carried wineskins

b. Carrying the pitcher made the man noticeable

c. Peter and John were sent to meet a man

1. Man would reveal where the Upper Room of The

Passover Meal would be

2. Man may have been Marks’ father

a. The house was later used as a gathering place for the

other believers

b. Over 100 believers met here on The Day of Pentecost

3. Two memorial meals were observed

a. Disciples reclined for regular Passover

1. Tradition of reclining for meals dates back to 2nd century

2. Was a sign of freedom from slavery to Pharaoh

3. Slaves were required to stand for meals so as to “be on

Their toes” when duty called

4. Was done on the ground, mats, or pillows

a. Leaned on their left elbow, ate with their right hand,

and had their legs stretched out behind them

b.Leaning on the left side practiced by aristocrats

and kings

5. Jesus predicts His betrayal

6. Jesus observes Last Supper

a. Does so after Judas Iscariot has left***** (John 13:30)

a. Does so after Judas Iscariot has left***** ()

1. Iscariot means “man of Kerioth,” a town in southern

Palestine

2.Judas was the only disciple that was not from Galilee

3.In verse 26 of Matthew 26, Jesus gave the bread to the

3.In verse 26 of , Jesus gave the bread to the

disciples after Judas admitted he had betrayed Jesus

a. The host would often recognize an honored guest by giving him a choice morsel or piece of bread (“sop”) that had been dipped in the sauce, and placing it on his tongue was a Jewish tradition

4.In verse 27 of , Jesus gave the disciples the

4.In verse 27 of Matthew 26, Jesus gave the disciples the

third cup, which represented the “cup of blessing”

a.The first 2 cups were passed around by the head of the

house

1.This was the Jewish custom during The Passover

Meal

2.Verse 22 of the book of Mark indicates that the

Disciples ate, and verse 23 indicates they all drank the

third cup

5.Judas was gone by the time the meal was shared

(John 13:1-30)

()

a.Verse 30 indicates that Judas received the bread, but

went out immediately into the “night”

1. Judas thereby entered spiritual darkness

2. Judas was then separated from Jesus, or

The “Light of the World”

b.Verses 26-30 of doesn’t say whether Judas

b.Verses 26-30 of John 13 doesn’t say whether Judas

actually consumed the “sop,” or piece of bread

6. indicates that Jesus divided the “cup”

6.Luke 22: 7-23 indicates that Jesus divided the “cup”

among the 12 (verse 17), and gave them the bread (verse

19), all of which indicate that Jesus did not participate

b. Reveals Messianic prophecy ()

b. Reveals Messianic prophecy (Psalm 41:9)

1. Greek (“Is it I”) means “It is not I, is it?”

2. “Lifting up his heel” was a gesture of insult or

preparation to kick (Judas was ready to strike)

c. Mark does not identify the betrayer

1. Matthew and John indicate that the betrayer is Judas

(Matthew 26:25; and John 13:26)

(; and )

2“As it is written” refers to OT prophecies about the

atoning death of Jesus ()

atoning death of Jesus (Isaiah 53)

7. The Lord’s Supper (14:12)

a. For believers who are in right relationship with Christ

only

b.Was the centerpiece of early Christian worship

c.Represented unity among fellow believers

d.Recognized Christ’s death and anticpated His second

coming

e.“Bread” represented the body of Jesus offered for His

disciples

f.”Cup” represented the giving of life or new covenant of

salvation to those who responded to Jesus’ offer

1. Jesus broke bread and shared it with His disciples

a. Done so only after Judas left

1. At the end of verse 30, the Lord is about to engage

the forces of darkness or the “hour” He has long

awaited (Judas entered into the night or darkness,

Or separated himself from Jesus

b. Jesus also shared a cup with them

1. Testament of blood signified The New Covenant

a. Old covenant was sprinkling of blood or Mosaic

Covenant (Exodus 24; 29:12; 16:20; and Hebrews

Covenant (; ; ; and Hebrews

9:18-22)

b. Sprinkling of blood was part of a ceremony

commanded by God

c.Represented the sealing of a covenant promise

to the people of Israel

1. “Blood” represents “life” ()

1. “Blood” represents “life” (Leviticus 17:14)

d.Represented a vital commitment between God

and His people

8. Kingdom of God established

a. Promised future rulership alongside the saints (Matthew

19:28; Daniel 7:13-14, and 27; 2nd Timothy 2:11-12; and

19:28; , and 27; ; and

)

Revelation 20:4)

b.Hymn that was sung was a selection of verses from the book of

Psalms

1. Were Hallel or psalms of “praise”

2. Consisted of Psalms 113 through 118

2. Consisted of through 118

c. Mount of Olives

1. Gethsemane was across from The Eastern Gate of the temple

a. Was called “The Golden Gate” of Jerusalem

9. Peter’s denial (14:26)

a. Is predicted by Jesus

1. Is only recorded in the book of Mark*** (14:68-72)

2. Is done “before the rooster crowed twice

D. Prayer in Gethsemane (14:32)

1. Was a garden (John18: 1-2)

2. Jesus often met here with His disciples

a. Admonition “to sit here” is directed to all but Peter, James, and

John (14:33)

3. Mark records this petition as “that the hour might pass from Him”

a. Was when Jesus would bear the punishment for the sin of the

world

Gethsemene is located at the foot of The Mount of Olives, and means “oil press.” Today Gethsemene is full of olive trees, and it is the place where Judas betrayed Jesus, where Jesus was arrested, and where Jesus experienced extreme stress and anxiety while praying before His crucifixion. Jesus’ condition (whereby after anxiety passes, the blood vessels dilate and rupture, causing the blood to go into the sweat glands) is known as hematohitrosis.

b. Jesus used “Abba” as a call to His Father who was God

1. Revealed their unique and close relationship

2. Revealed Jesus’ sorrow for losing even a temporary fellowship

With God

3. The term was unheard of in Palestinian Judaism

4. Avoiding temptation

a. The disciples fell asleep during Jesus’ “hour”

1. Shows the reality between “flesh” (sleepiness or physical fatigue) and

Spirit (alertness)

2. Physical fatigue overcame spiritual alertness

E. Betrayal and Arrest (14:43)

1. One tenth of Roman legion, or 600 men came with Judas (is equal to a band or cohort)

a. Task was difficult

b. Arresting parties consisted of both Jewish police and authorities

(Pharisees, scribes, chief priests, etc.)

2. Two disciples had swords

a. John identifies the servant as Malchus (John 18:10)

a. John identifies the servant as Malchus ()

1. Right ear is severed by Peter (John 18:10, 26)

1. Right ear is severed by Peter (, )

a. Peter intended to cut off the servant’s head

b. Luke mentions that Jesus restores Malchus’ ear (Luke was a physician)

3. Jesus and Barabbas

a. Jesus is treated as a violent robber, just like Barabbas (John 18:40)

a. Jesus is treated as a violent robber, just like Barabbas ()

b. Jesus is treated like the 2 who are crucified with Him (Mark 15:27)

b. Jesus is treated like the 2 who are crucified with Him ()

1. Showed cowardice of Jesus’ captors

2. “Scriptures must be fulfilled” (Zechariah 13:7; and Isaiah 53:12)

2. “Scriptures must be fulfilled” (; and )

3.”Barabbas” is Aramaic for Yeshua Bar Abba, or literally son of the

father

4. Jesus is abandoned

a. One man followed Jesus (verse 51)

1. It is believed that Mark left his home after The Last Supper

a. Mark may have risen from his bed, put on the linen cloth, and

followed Jesus

b. Incident is only written in the book of Mark

c. All of the rest of Jesus’ disciples had left Him

5. Jesus faces The Sanhedrin

a. Sanhedrin was equivalent of our Supreme Court

b. The high priest was Ciaphas (a.d. 18-37; )

b. The high priest was Ciaphas (a.d. 18-37; John 18:13)

Caiaphas was officially appointed the high priest during the ministry of Christ and early years of the church. He was responsible for the death of Christ, as well as severe persecutions of the early church (Acts 5:17, 9:1). Annas was his father-in-law and patriarchal head of this line of high priests.

Caiaphas was officially appointed the high priest during the ministry of Christ and early years of the church. He was responsible for the death of Christ, as well as severe persecutions of the early church (, ). Annas was his father-in-law and patriarchal head of this line of high priests.

c. Chief priests consisted of former high priests (but not all of them)

d. The “elders” were the heads of leading families in the community

e. Scribes were Jewish experts, teachers of the law, as well as the

“traditions of men” (14:55; 15:1; and Acts 5:27; and 23:1)

“traditions of men” (14:55; 15:1; and ; and 23:1)

f. Together, all were “the council,” or Sanhedrin

6. The Sanhedrin sought death for Jesus

a. Lost authority to do so to Roman government

b. Appealed to Pilate (15:1)

c. Jesus is accused of plotting to destroy the temple ()

c. Jesus is accused of plotting to destroy the temple (John 2:19-21)

1. Jesus remained silent (fulfilled Isaiah 53:7)

1. Jesus remained silent (fulfilled )

a. Was silent before Pilate (fulfilled Mark 15:3-5)

a. Was silent before Pilate (fulfilled )

b. Was silent before Herod Antipas (fulfilled Luke 23:9)

b. Was silent before Herod Antipas (fulfilled )

1. Jesus affirms He is the Christ (verse 62)

a. “Blessed One” is a customary Jewish title of reverence

b. Jews had such reverence for God that they avoided uttering

His name

2. Jesus is falsely accused and condemned for blasphemy

a. Jesus claims to be The Messiah and coming Judge

1. Death sentence is pronounced

2. The claims were crimes of blasphemy

7. Peter denies Jesus

A. Actions (swearing) illustrates truth of Jeremiah 17:19

A. Actions (swearing) illustrates truth of

1. Peter’s Galilean accent was quite noticeable

2. Peter thought about the words that Jesus had spoken to him

a. “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me 3 times.”

b. The result was that Peter wept after he thought about these

words.

B. Other gospels reveal that the rooster crowed immediately after Peter’s

final denial (Matthew 26:74; Luke 22:60; and John 18:27)

final denial (; ; and )

Chapter 15-Trial: Jesus faces Pilate (The Roman Authorities)

1. Pilate is the only person with Roman authority in Palestine

a. Pilate could actually have the death sentence carried out

b. Was concerned that Jesus was a political threat

1. Jesus claimed to be a “King”

2. Pilate charged Jesus with treason for defying Caesar ()

2. Pilate charged Jesus with treason for defying Caesar (Luke 23:2)

3. Treason was punishable by death

A. The Case for Barabbas

1. Was an insurgent, or one who rose in rebellion, and held by the Roman

Government

2. Was held by Rome at the same time as Jesus

3. Was freed by Pontius Pilate at Passover Feast in Jerusalem

4. Name means “son of Abba,” “son of a father, or “son of the master” (Aramaic)

5. Was a notorious prisoner and rebellious murderer (Mark 15:7)

5. Was a notorious prisoner and rebellious murderer ()

a. Was condemned to death instead of Jesus

1. Pilate wished to release Jesus

Pontius Pilate was a Roman governor of Judea and Samaria during the ministry of Christ. Pilate was a cruel and insensitive leader, authorized to manage the affairs of Judea (or procurator), and he had an army of 3 to 5 thousand Roman soldiers. An inscription was located in 1961 at Caesarea providing the first archaeological evidence of his official rule during the times of Jesus.

a. Was according to Roman custom to release prisoners before The Feast of Passover (; ; and )

a. Was according to Roman custom to release prisoners before The Feast of Passover (John 18:40; Mark 15:7; and Luke 23:19)

2. Barabbas was pardoned as a custom and chosen by the “crowd” to

be released instead of Jesus

a. Is a foreshadowing of salvation

b. Divine providence allows Barabbas to go free

c. Represents Jesus’ innocent death in the place of sinners

6. Pilate called Jesus “King of the Jews”

a. Was a recognition of the Jewish leaders’ envy of Jesus

B. The Soldiers Mock Jesus

1. The Praetorium was the governor’s official residence

a. Was a hall meaning “judgment hall” or palace guard (Philippians 1:13)

a. Was a hall meaning “judgment hall” or palace guard ()

b. Contained several thousand highly trained, elite Roman soldiers

c. The whole garrison (or troops that are stationed at a fortress to defend it) consisted of a Roman cohort, or up to 600 men

C. The King on the Cross: Jesus is led to His Crucifixion

1. Was outside the city ()

1. Was outside the city (Hebrews 13:12)

2. Cross bearer Simon of Cyrene was from Africa, and was an early church leader in Antioch

a.His name means “hearkening or listening” in Hebrew

3. Was the father of Alexander and Rufus ()

3. Was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Romans 16:13)

Cyrene is located in northern Africa in eastern Libya, and was an early center of Christianity. Cyrene means “sovereign queen” or mermaid (by the Romans)

D. Golgatha was the Hill of Death

1. Is Aramaic for “Place of a Scull”

2. Was a place of death, and the Latin word (Calvariae Locus) translates as “Calvary”

Golgatha was the site immediately outside the walls of Jerusalem, and the road leading to Calvary was known as The Via Dolorosa, which is Latin for “Way of Grief,” “Way of Sorrow,” “Way of Suffering,” or “Painful Way.”

E. Wine was mingled with myrrh

1. Was given with the intent of numbing Jesus’ pain

2. Jesus refused the myrrh and chose to suffer the complete pain

a. Was symbolic of Jesus’ love for sinners

b. Jesus wanted to die fully conscious

c. Myrrh was a death ointment

d. Myrrh was a valuable trade item in

d. Myrrh was a valuable trade item in Revelation 18:13

e. Myrrh was a component of the anointing oil used in The Tabernacle (Exodus 30:23)

e. Myrrh was a component of the anointing oil used in The Tabernacle ()

f. Myrrh was used in Egypt in the embalming process

g. Myrrh symbolizes death, as well as gifts

F. Casting Lots

1. Fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 22:18

1. Fulfilled the prophecy of

2. Was in accordance with Roman legal texts

a. The Law of the Twelve Tablets (from the middle of the 5th century

b.c.)

3. Was crucified at the 3rd hour

a. The third hour was 9:00 a.m.

b. Was according to the common Jewish system for marking a “day”

c. Suffered on the cross until 3:00 p.m. or the 9th hour

G. Inscription on Jesus’ Head

1. Appeared in 3 languages (John 19:20)

1. Appeared in 3 languages ()

a. Hebrew (or Aramaic, the language that Jesus spoke)

b. Latin (was the official language of government)

c. Greek (was the common language)

d. Altogether the inscription read, “This is Jesus, the Nazarene, the King

of the Jews”

H. Forsaken and Mocked

1. By Pilate

2. By Herod

3. By soldiers

4. By Jewish leaders

5. By the crowd

6. By the robbers on both sides of Him

a. “Railed on” means teased or insulted

I. The Seven Cries from The Cross

1. Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1

1. Jesus quoted

a. Agony never overcame His faith

b. Maintained that God was His Father to the very end

J. The Drink Offering

1. Was given to prolong Jesus’ consciousness

a. Dehydration affected ones speech

b. “Sip” allowed Jesus’ final 2 sayings

1. “It is finished” (John 19:30)

1. “It is finished” ()

2. “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit ()

2. “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit (Luke 23:46)

c. Crucifixion often produced coma or unconsciousness before death

K. Mention of “women”

1. All serve as eyewitnesses to the death, burial, and resurrection

2. Were “true disciples” of Christ

3. Ministered to Jesus’ needs

4. Would be first witnesses to the resurrection

5. Included 3 different Marys

a. Salome, wife of Zebedee or Cleopas

1. Was Mother of James and John (Matthew 27:56)

1. Was Mother of James and John ()

2. Was the unnamed sister of Jesus’ mother ()

2. Was the unnamed sister of Jesus’ mother (John 19:25)

b. Mary Magdeline

c. Jesus’ mother, Mary

L. Burial of Jesus

1. Took place on The Preparation Day

a. Was Friday

2. Joseph of Arimathea

Arimathea was a “city of Judea,” and home of a secret disciple of Jesus that was quite wealthy. Scholars believe that Joseph became a missionary after the death of Jesus and went to England to preach the Gospel, taking The Holy Grail (the cup of The Last Supper that was used by Christ at the Holy Communion and at The Crucifixion to receive the blood which flowed from Christ’s side) and Pilgrim’s Staff (a long, wooden, slender walking stick used by shepherds to lean on when they became tired, it had either a cross piece or hook on it, and was used by pilgrims and thought to be used by Moses) with him.

a. Was prominent member of The Sanhedrin

b. Asked for Jesus’ body

1. Was opposed to the decision and the deed

2. Was an act of bravery

3. The act identified him as a follower of Jesus

4. Was based on Deuteronomy 21:23

4. Was based on

a. Bodies usually remained on crosses for 2 to 3 days

b. gives instructions that corpses on a tree are to

b. Deuteronomy 21:23 gives instructions that corpses on a tree are to

be removed and buried the same day

b. Criminals were usually left to the elements and to carrion, or birds

that ate decaying flesh

4. Nicodemus’ Role

a. Was formerly a silent disciple

b. Wrapped Jesus’ body in myrrh and aloes

1. Would slow down the decaying process

2. Would mask the stench of death

Chapter 16-Epilogue: The Living and Victorious Servant

A. The Empty Tomb (Verses 1-8)

1. The Stone

a. Was easy to roll into its slot

b. Moving it was difficult (it was usually 4 feet wide)

2. The Fear

a. The 3 Marys were “affrightened”

1. The word “affrightened” is only used in the book of Mark

2. The Marys witnessed an angel in the sepulcher

3. They had extreme fear

3. The Resurrection

a. Became the starting point and basis of the Christian faith (Romans 1:4;

a. Became the starting point and basis of the Christian faith (;

and 1st Corinthians 15:4)

and )

B. Commission (verses 9-20)

1. Ancient manuscripts have 2 endings

a. Endorsed by early church fathers

1. Justin Martyr (a.d.155)

2. Tatian (a.d.170)

3. Irenaus (a.d.180)

2. First appearance was to Mary Magdalene

a. This was the Mary that Jesus exorcised of 7 demons ()

a. This was the Mary that Jesus exorcised of 7 demons (Luke 8:2)

b. This led to her strong devotion to Jesus

3. Other appearances

a. Cleopas (Luke 24:18)

a. Cleopas ()

b. Cleopas’ wife

4. These were now the 11 who hadn’t seen Jesus, but now believed in Him

(), and in on a mountain in Galilee

(John 20:29), and in Mark 16:7 on a mountain in Galilee

C. Great Commission (; ; and )

C. Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; and John 20:21)

1. Signs in the early church

a. Casting out demons

1. Demonstrated victory over Satan (Acts 16:18)

1. Demonstrated victory over Satan ()

b. Speaking with “new Tongues”

1. Began at Pentecost (Acts 2:4-11)

1. Began at Pentecost ()

c. Healing the sick (Acts 28:8)

c. Healing the sick ()

d. Taking up “Serpents” (Acts 28:1-6)

d. Taking up “Serpents” ()

1. The Apostle Paul’s encounter

e. Drinking anything deadly without harm

1. No NT record of this

D. Ascension

1. Was final “sign”

2. The “right hand” is the position of power and authority

Information about the ending Scriptures:

The shorter ending ():

The shorter ending (Mark 16:8):

The shorter ending fits with the ‘reversal of expectation theme in the entire Gospel of Mark. The Vaticanus (from 325-350 AD), the oldest manuscript omitting the longer ending leaves an entire blank column in between the end of the book of Mark and the beginning of the book of Luke. The Codex Vaticanus is one of the most important manuscripts for The Septuagint and Greek New Testament. It is the leading example of Alexandrian text type, which uses The New Testament of the original Greek language (from 1881). It is believed by many scholars that one scribe produced this ending by copying The New Testament, and two scribes copied The Old Testament, placing this manuscript in The Vatican Library. This manuscript is used in The King James Version of Scripture, which is considered to be the most authoritative version from 1611, and the first edition of the Revised Standard Version of The Bible also omitted the longer ending.

Significance of the shorter ending:

The shorter ending of the book of Mark highlights the resurrection and leaves anticipation of the Parousia (the second coming) of Jesus as He goes to Galilee ahead of the disciples. Having the women run away afraid is to lead the readers to anticipate Jesus’ appearances, statements, and confirm his expectation. The shorter ending appears to coincide with the abrupt beginning of the Gospel of Mark which has no introduction or background to Jesus’ arrival on the scene. It is crucial to also mention the slight variations of Mark in 16:3 and 16:4 which appear to present Christ’s ascension, and omits the last part of 16:8:

“But suddenly at the third hour of the day there was darkness over the whole circle of the earth, and angels descended from the heavens, and as He (the Lord) was rising in the glory of the living God, at the same time they ascended with Him; and immediately it was light.”

The longer ending ():

The longer ending (Mark 16:9-20):

The longer ending appears in most translations, with most modern translations placing the passage into a footnote or brackets. This is based on the Alexandrian Text, but The 2011 New International Version of The Bible however, prints the passage in italics, which is an indication of doubt relative to its authenticity. The longer ending is supported by the majority of all Greek manuscripts, The Vulgate, and is part of The Old Latin tradition. This particular ending also appears in every English Version of Scripture today, and many scholars say that these particular verses of Scripture are quoted by church Fathers. These early church Fathers were of the second century, and many believe that the original ending of the book of Mark may have been lost!

Since Mark 16:9-20 is part of the Gospel of Mark in The Vulgate, the passage has been routinely read in the churches since ancient times. Augustine, a Roman African and early Christian theologian and philosopher, influenced Western Christianity and philosophy by supporting these Scriptures. Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, and influential ecclesiastical (relating to the Christian church or its clergy, not secular) figure of the fourth century also supported these passages of Scripture. The passage was also used by Protestants during The Protestant Reformation. The Council of Trent, a Latin ecumenical council (relating to a whole body of churches promoting world-wide Christian unity and influence, universal, all-inclusive, or non-denominational) of The Catholic Church prompted by The Protestant Reformation to revitalize The Roman Catholic Church, affirms the canonical status of the passage. Martin Luther used Mark 16:16 as a basis for a doctrine in his “Shorter Catechism” when he rejected The Roman Catholic Church’s teachings on indulgences. Mark 16:9-20 was included in The Rheins New Testament (a translation of The Latin Vulgate into English to serve The Catholic Church) and the 1599 Geneva Bible, which was before the King James Version by 51 years (translated the Bible into English) were other influential translations that supported the longer ending of the book of Mark.

Since is part of the Gospel of Mark in The Vulgate, the passage has been routinely read in the churches since ancient times. Augustine, a Roman African and early Christian theologian and philosopher, influenced Western Christianity and philosophy by supporting these Scriptures. Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, and influential ecclesiastical (relating to the Christian church or its clergy, not secular) figure of the fourth century also supported these passages of Scripture. The passage was also used by Protestants during The Protestant Reformation. The Council of Trent, a Latin ecumenical council (relating to a whole body of churches promoting world-wide Christian unity and influence, universal, all-inclusive, or non-denominational) of The Catholic Church prompted by The Protestant Reformation to revitalize The Roman Catholic Church, affirms the canonical status of the passage. Martin Luther used as a basis for a doctrine in his “Shorter Catechism” when he rejected The Roman Catholic Church’s teachings on indulgences. was included in The Rheins New Testament (a translation of The Latin Vulgate into English to serve The Catholic Church) and the 1599 Geneva Bible, which was before the King James Version by 51 years (translated the Bible into English) were other influential translations that supported the longer ending of the book of Mark.

Hypothesis about both endings:

1) Mark did not intend to end his writings at 16:8, but was prevented from finishing by his sudden departure from Rome or his death. Someone else may have finished his work before the work was released to the church.

2) Mark’s ending was accidentally lost as the outermost page of the manuscript was vulnerable to damage. It may have become detached from the other pages, and someone else from the 100s wrote the longer ending to “patch this up.” This person’s only option (possibly a scribe) was to rely on other passages from canonical Gospels.

3) Mark wrote a longer ending but it was replaced with other passages from The Gospels in the canon that were parallel or were in alignment with his account.

Selected Bibliography

The Parables of Jesus Christ

The Miracles of Jesus Christ

Nelson, Thomas Publishers. The Nelson Study Bible. Nelson’s Complete Study System-New King James Version 2882. USA

Nelson, Thomas Publishers. The King James Study Bible-King James Version. USA: 1988.

Map. www.bible.ca/maps/maps-palestine-33AD.jpg

Events of the Holy Week

The Apostles

Ghenna

Baptism in the Bible

www.Google.com

Grenz, Stanley J., Guretzki, David, and Nordling, Cherith Fee. The Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. Inter Varsity Press (1999), Downers Grove, Illinois.

Henry, Matthew. The Comprehensive Commentary on The Holy Bible: Matthew-John. Philadelphia. J. B. Lippincott and Company. 1859.

Should the Longer Ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) be in the Bible?-King James Version Today. www.kjvtoday.com. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_16.

Should the Longer Ending of Mark () be in the Bible?-King James Version Today. www.kjvtoday.com. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_16.

7Q5: The Earliest New Testament Papyrus? https://bible.org/article/7q5-earliest-nt-papyrus.

https://endtimesdarknessdescending.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/dead-sea-scroll-of-the-gospel-of-mark/.