Gospel of Mark

Traditions concerning gospel of Mark

The author never identifies himself, but all early Christian writers tell us that Mark wrote this gospel

Mark is widely assumed to be “John, who was called Mark” -

Acts 12:12 ESV

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

Barnabas and Saul took him back from Jerusalem to Antioch after delivering the benevolence to the elders in Jerusalem (likely because he was the cousin / nephew of Barnabas - ; ;

Acts 12:25 ESV

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Acts 11:28–30 ESV

And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Colossians 4:10 ESV

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),

He traveled with Barnabas and Saul at the beginning of their first missionary journey, but returned home when they reached Perga - ,

Acts 13:5 ESV

When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

Acts 13:13 ESV

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,

That disappointed Paul, who refused to travel with him again on the second journey because he did not trust him -

Acts 15:37–39 ESV

Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

Later Paul does come to trust Mark and commend him - ;

Colossians 4:10 ESV

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),

2 Timothy 4:11 ESV

Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

Many early Christian writers believed that Mark wrote his gospel under the influence of Peter -

1 Peter 5:13 ESV

She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.

What makes the gospel of Mark unique?

What makes the gospel of Mark unique?

Mark emphasizes the actions of Jesus more than the words

“Immediately” is the key word of this gospel - , , , ,

The word is derives from a nautical term that describes sailing a boat in a straight line to its destination

Mark 1:10 ESV

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Mark 1:12 ESV

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

Mark 1:18 ESV

And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 1:20–21 ESV

And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.

Mark 1:28 ESV

And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

The word is derives from a nautical term that describes sailing a boat in a straight line to its destination -

The word is derives from a nautical term that describes sailing a boat in a straight line to its destination

Mark 1:2–3 ESV

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

Mark records comparatively few sermons or parables from Jesus (Matthew and Luke) or long dialogues with His disciples (John)

Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist. But that is only to introduce us to Jesus through His baptism by John. This is a much later beginning than the other gospels.