Mark Introduction - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

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                         "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                             Introduction

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

So begins the Gospel according to Mark, the shortest of the four gospels,
likely the first one written.  It is often overlooked because of the 
gospels of Matthew and Luke.  Yet the Believer's Bible Commentary notes
that because of its brevity, Mark's gospel is an ideal introduction to 
the Christian faith.  In mission fields it is often the first book 
translated into a new language.

Who was Mark?  What makes his gospel unique?  Let's start with the...

AUTHOR

The early and unanimous opinion is that John Mark wrote this gospel.  His
mother was Mary, who had a large house in Jerusalem (Ac 12:12).  Some 
speculate the Last Supper took place in her home (RobertsonÕs Word 
Pictures), also that Mark may have been the young man who fled naked (Mk 
14:51-52).  His cousin was Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus (Ac 4:36-37; 
Col 4:10).

Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, 
but turned back (Ac 13:5,13).  This caused trouble between Paul and 
Barnabas (Ac 15:36-41), though he later became a fellow laborer and 
comfort to Paul (Phm 1:24; Col 4:10-11).  In Paul's final words, he wrote
that Mark proved Òuseful to me for ministryÓ (2Ti 4:11).

Mark also accompanied Peter, who called him "his son" (his convert?) and 
who was in "Babylon" (Rome?) at the time (1Pe 5:13). Traditions outside 
the Bible state that Mark was an interpreter for Peter (Papias, 130 A.D.),
and that Mark composed his gospel mostly from Peter's memoirs (Justin 
Martyr, 150 A.D.).

DATE

According to tradition, Mark went to Alexandria in Egypt where he died in
64 A.D.  Barnes suggests the book was written between 56 and 63 A.D., and
other scholars date the book in the early 50's.  A plausible date would 
be 57-59 A.D. (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

THEME

Mark's gospel was evidently written to Gentiles, perhaps Christians in 
Rome (BKC); note the following:

   * Jewish customs are explained - Mk 7:3-4
   * Aramaic expresses are translated into Greek - Mk 3:17; 5:41; 7:11
   * Roman reckoning of time is used - Mk 6:48; 13:35
   * Only Mark identifies Simon of Cyrene as the father of Rufus - Mk 
     15:21; Ro 16:13
   * Few OT quotations are used

The focus appears to be on Jesus as the Perfect Servant (BBC).  Mark 
emphasizes the deeds of the Lord more than His words (he records nineteen
miracles, but only four parables), the deeds of one who "did not come to 
be served, but to serve" (Mk 10:45).  Thus one could say that the theme 
of MarkÕs gospel is:
                        "Jesus, Servant of Man"

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

It is an early gospel.  Probably the first gospel written.  All but 31 
verses are quoted in the other gospels, leading many to conclude that 
Matthew and Luke used Mark's gospel as source material.

It is a concise gospel. The shortest of the four gospels.  Luke has 1151
verses, Matthew 1071, John 879, Mark 661.  Mark's entire gospel can be 
read aloud in 1.5 hours.

It is a fast-paced gospel. Over 40 times he uses a word translated 
"straightway" or "immediately."  Two-thirds of the verses begin with 
"and".  The present tense is used frequently (e.g., they come...He says...
He sends...).

It is a vivid gospel.  Mark presents "lively little touches" not found in
the other gospels (Hendriksen).  "...he wrote with all the graphic 
distinctiveness and vividness of an eyewitness" (Erdman).  It may have 
been Peter's reminiscences, or perhaps his own, that account for such 
details.

It is an evangelistic gospel. It opens with "The beginning of the gospel
of Jesus Christ..." (Mk 1:1), and closes with "Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature" (Mk 16:15).

OUTLINE

A simple outline of the book:

1. The preparation for Jesus' ministry - Mk 1:1-13

2. His ministry in Galilee - Mk 1:14-9:50

3. His journey to Jerusalem - Mk 10:1-52

4. His ministry in Jerusalem - Mk 11:1-13:37

5. His suffering and death in Jerusalem - Mk 14:1-15:47

6. His resurrection and appearances - Mk 16:1-13

7. His great commission and continued work from heaven - Mk 16:14-20

Jesus came from heaven to serve, and returned to heaven to serve!

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) Who authored the gospel of Mark?
   - John Mark, son of Mary, cousin of Barnabas
   - An acquaintance of both Paul and Peter

2) Approximately when was the book written?
   - Sometime in the 50's, perhaps 57-59 A.D.

3) What has been suggested as the theme of MarkÕs gospel?
   - Jesus, Servant of Man

4) What five characteristics of the gospel were noted in the introduction?
   - It is an early gospel
   - It is a concise gospel
   - It is a fast-paced gospel
   - It is a vivid gospel
   - It is an evangelistic gospel

5) List the seven sections of the gospel as indicated in the outline
   - The preparation for Jesus' ministry
   - His ministry in Galilee
   - His journey to Jerusalem
   - His ministry in Jerusalem
   - His suffering and death in Jerusalem
   - His resurrection and appearances
   - His great commission and continued work from heaven
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