Gospel of Mark – Introduction

Mark, also known as John Mark, was a significant figure in the early Christian church and the author of the Gospel of Mark, believed to be the earliest of the four Gospels. He was likely from Cyrene, in North Africa, which is in present-day Libya.

Mark was a close associate of the Apostle Peter, who referred to him as his spiritual son (1 Peter 5:13). He was also the cousin of Barnabas, an important figure who accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys (Colossians 4:10). Mark initially served as a helper to Paul and Barnabas during their missionary work (Acts 13:5), though he later parted ways with Paul due to a disagreement (Acts 15:37-39). However, they reconciled later, as indicated by Paul’s request for Mark’s assistance in 2 Timothy 4:11.

According to tradition, Mark may have been among the 70 disciples that Jesus sent out, as noted by early Christian writer St. Hippolytus. It is also believed that the Upper Room, where the Last Supper and the events of Pentecost took place, was in Mark’s mother’s house (Acts 12:12). Mark later traveled to Alexandria in Egypt, where he established the Christian church. He was martyred for his faith, reportedly dragged to death through the streets after being tied to a horse.

Mark’s Gospel was written around 65-70 AD, during the time when the Roman Emperor Nero was persecuting Christians. Nero was notorious for his cruelty, particularly after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which he blamed on Christians to deflect suspicion from himself. The Gospel of Mark was written to encourage and strengthen the Christian community in Rome during this time of intense suffering. Mark’s account is marked by its honesty, including the failures and struggles of key figures like Peter and the ambitions of the sons of Zebedee (James and John). Through his Gospel, Mark sought to inspire and fortify the faith of the persecuted church.

At the heart of Mark’s Gospel is the central message that Jesus is the Son of God. From the very first verse, Mark declares Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 1:1), and throughout the Gospel, this theme is echoed. As we study the Gospel of Mark, our goal is to draw closer to God, to have the life of Christ within us, and to share Jesus with others. May we pray to encounter Him fully as we immerse ourselves in this study of Mark’s Gospel.

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