The Gospel of Mark

Who wrote the Gospel of Mark?

The author of this gospel does not reveal himself but the early church identified him as John Mark whose family figured prominently in the early Jerusalem church (Acts 12:12)

Mark was a companion of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas and was later closely associated with the Apostle Peter (First Peter 5:13). It is believed that Peter strongly influenced Mark's gospel account.

When was this gospel written?

As with the other gospels, it was written after Jesus' ascension between 50-60 A.D.

What was the purpose for writing?

Mark is concerned about presenting the gospel to a Gentile audience. He leaves out items that a Roman audience would not be concerned about like Jewish customs, fulfilled prophecy, etc.

What is the gospel's message and content?

1. Mark is the shortest and simplest of the gospel books. He structures his gospel around various geographical movement of Jesus from Galilee to Judea and then to Jerusalem.

2. Mark is an action oriented gospel which gives a vivid fast moving account of the ministry of Jesus moving quickly to the central event of the gospel - Jesus' death and resurrection.

3. Mark highlights the power and authority of Jesus as the eternal Son of God.

4. Almost 40% of this gospel is devoted to the last 8 days of Jesus' life - the Passion Week.

One important passage in Mark is 8:31

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