Mark Background

Introduction to Mark

Hate on the Book of Mark

Mark has been looked at as a mid version of Matthew or Luke

Difficult to Apply if you are a beginner (Story Driven, not a lot of teaching)

Skips a lot of stories that you may love

Why Care about the book of Mark?

God intentionally put this book in the bible

First book of the bible you should read

Shortest, most simple, easy to understand Gospel

Matthew 1 Lookthrough

Some tell me how matthew begins his book

John 1:1 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Luke 1:1–4 ESV

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Mark 1:1 ESV

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

Simplest Gospel Presentation

Less OT Quotes

Almost no interpretive issue passages

If you do not start with Mark, you will be confused when you read any other Gospel or Epistle

Background

Author/Recipient

John Mark who was a character mentioned in Acts and in some of the epistles

Paul and Barnabas beef

When he wrote this book, he was writing the account of the Gospel through the testimony of Peter

Written to Gentile Believers in Rome

This is shown by how much is explained about Jewish tradition and meaning

Purpose of being a tool of evangelism

This is why I argue this should be your first Gospel to study

Explains why this book is written to show action and power contrasted with servanthood

Themes

Action Centered

Focus on Miracles and Action, rather than preaching, parables, or conversations

use of the word immediately

Shows Jesus’ ministry in depth

Spiritual Realm

Focus of Demons

Discipleship

Highlights interaction with disciples

Gospel

Mark 1:1 (ESV)

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

Gospel

Good News

Contributed to all 4 narratives being called Gospels

Always in the New Testament has the meaning of the news of salvation in Jesus Christ

Jewish readers would have already been used to this word, as it occurs in the Old Testament often speaking of a military victory or rescue

Romans would have understood word to mean glad tidings at the arrival of a new emperor

Jesus

From the Hebrew Word Joshua

Jehovah Saves

Christ

Greek equivalent of the word for Messiah

Son of God

Theme of Book

Interesting that no Christmas story is in Mark

Conclusion