Introduction to Mark

Author: Mark was the son of Mary (Acts 12:12) and a relative of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). He is the John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25), but who, in Paul’s eyes, deserted them in Pamphyllia, causing a rift between Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41). He spent a lot of time with Peter, who called him “my son” (1 Peter 5:13).

Date: Mark was probably the first Gospel to be written. Sources differ about the exact date, one estimating between 55 and 65 A.D. and another between 65 and 68, but they agree it was before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Place and Occasion: The book is associated with Rome, home of a sizable Christian community, and written primarily for Gentiles, especially Roman believers. It may have been motivated by the fire in Rome in 64 AD, believed to have been set by Nero and blamed on Christians, which led to an outbreak of severe persecution (alluded to in Mark 13:9-13). It records more miracles than any of the other Gospels, which would have helped believers see Jesus’ power over all types of opposing forces.

Characteristics: Mark is a book of action. “Immediately”  (or “straightway”) introduces most of its section divisions. It often presents in a few verses what other gospels describe in a chapter. The messages of his teaching are presented more through what he did than what he said. Without any introduction or mention of his infancy or childhood, Jesus appears on the scene as a man. The first ten chapters cover three years of Jesus’ ministry; the last five cover His final week.

Sources: About.com – Christianity; Introductory Notes from The Women’s Study Bible and Serendipity Bible