The Gospel of Mark
The early Church has long associated the four gospels and the four creatures mentioned in Revelation (4:7-8), and Mark’s gospel is represented by the lion. His gospel portrays Jesus as the servant-king. The lion is revered for its authority and power within the animal kingdom, and Jesus is represented this way throughout Mark’s gospel. A lion also symbolizes the royal dignity of Christ, and Mark’s gospel is heavily focused on the kingdom of God with the expected warrior King, Jesus.
Theme to Watch for
Jesus is the King who emphasizes His role and position as a suffering servant. His pain and anguish fulfill the prophecies, defining Him as our everlasting ruler. He anticipates that we, His children, will serve with humility and endure suffering when we pledge allegiance to Him and take our citizenship in the Kingdom of God.
About the Author
John (his Hebrew name), also known as Mark (his Roman name), is the author of the Gospel of Mark. Let’s call him Mark, which is also the title of his gospel account, to avoid any confusion. Although the gospel does not explicitly state the author’s name, there has been a longstanding tradition that strongly suggests his authorship.
We believe Mark was a Jew who converted to Christianity. His mother, Mary, owned a home in Jerusalem, which was one of the original meeting places for the Church.
Mark’s cousin, Barnabas, often traveled with the apostle Paul. While Paul and Barnabas were traveling through Jerusalem, they added Mark to their traveling party (Acts 12:25). It’s interesting to note that Luke, another gospel writer, also accompanied these men on their journey. According to Colossians 4:10–14, 2 Timothy 4:11, and Philemon verse 24, Mark and Luke would have had the opportunity to spend some time together, and we suggest that Luke is possibly referencing Mark as part of the “us” at the beginning of his gospel.
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 (Luke 1:1–2, ESV).
Mark returned to Jerusalem after what appeared to be a conflict with Paul. (They make up later.)
When he returned, Mark seemed to have developed a strong bond with the disciple Peter. This is evident in the writings of several early church fathers. Furthermore, in Peter’s initial letter, he even refers to Mark as his son (1 Peter 5:13). We will discuss this relationship and Peter’s influence on Mark’s gospel in the section on “Why Was Mark Written?”
When was it written?
It is not stated in his gospel when Mark wrote it. Some scholars (like Hans F. Bayer) believe it was when he was with Peter in Rome between the mid-to late-50s AD. Some scholars (like William L. Lane and James A. Brooks) believe this gospel could have been written during the persecution that followed the great fire in Rome with Nero, as there is a notable emphasis on suffering and persecution that followed the great fire in Rome with Nero, as there is a notable emphasis on suffering and persecution. Based on this thought, it seems that the estimated time frame would be around 64 AD.
About the Audience
Mark is writing to an audience primarily consisting of Gentiles, indicating his intention to reach as broad a range of listeners as possible. We can make this assumption based on his explanation of Jewish customs (Mark 7:3-4; 14:12; 15:42) and the way he translates words at times. For example, Mark takes Greek expressions and clarifies them by using Latin equivalents (12:42 and 15:16). He also provides translations of Aramaic words and phrases for his readers.
What Kind of Relationship Did Mark Have with His Audience?
We think Mark was a Jewish convert who had the opportunity to spend time in Rome alongside Peter. Because of his time with Peter, we can infer that he was surrounded by Gentiles during his life and ministry. It’s clear that he had a deep understanding of the gospel and was able to make certain aspects resonate with his audience. He translated words, clarified Jewish customs, and provided insights from the Old Testament to enhance the reader’s awareness. Mark made sure his audience could grasp the magnitude of the suffering Jesus had to endure to be the King that the restless world was longing for. Mark’s gospel is meant to be accessible to all who are willing to listen.
Why was the gospel of Mark written?
The other three gospels ease into the message, but not Mark. He kicks it off with John the Baptist and continues throughout his gospel with “immediately.”
There is a widely held belief among scholars that Mark’s gospel is essentially a written account of Peter’s main sermon regarding Jesus. Others even refer to it as Peter’s memoir. The basis for their conclusion stems from the writings of the early church fathers. As an example, Bishop Papias of Hierapolis (60–130 AD) mentioned Mark in his book (which unfortunately no longer exists, but we can still gather information from Eusebius’s quotes):
And the Elder said this also: “Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately whatever he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord, but not however in order.” For neither did he hear the Lord, nor did he follow him, but afterward, as I said, Peter, who adapted his teachings to the needs of his hearers, but not as though he were drawing up a connected account of the Lord’s oracles. So then Mark made no mistake in thus recording some things just as he remembered them. For he took forethought for one thing, not to omit any of the things that he had heard nor to state any of them falsely.
