Gospel of Mark Intro

Author: Tradition says John Mark recorded the testimony of the Apostle Peter.

Audience: The Romans and other Gentiles

Year Written: Between the years 65 AD and 72 AD. Most likely the first gospel written.

Language: Ancient Greek. The author was not great at writing in Greek, so Greek was most likely not their first language.

The Gospel of Mark is a fast-paced and action-packed retelling of Jesus's life. Written to prove that Jesus is the Son of God, Mark's Gospel unfolds in a series of short, vivid episodes that highlight Jesus's power and authority. The book is often compared to a dramatic television series, with two distinct "seasons" that structure the narrative.

The Structure of Mark's Gospel

Season 1: Power and Authority (Mark 1-8)

The first half of the Gospel of Mark (Chapters 1-8) presents Jesus as a figure of limitless power. He demonstrates His authority over the natural and supernatural worlds, performing miracles such as expelling demons, calming storms, and raising the dead. During this period, Jesus grows in popularity. His followers believed He would use this immense power to overthrow Roman rule and establish a new earthly kingdom.

Season 2: The Road to Sacrifice (Mark 9-16)

The second half of Mark (Chapters 9-16) takes a dramatic turn as Jesus heads toward Jerusalem. Contrary to His followers' expectations, Jesus does not use His power to fight but instead confronts the religious authorities, leading to His public execution. This shocking turn of events culminates in His resurrection, which is announced by angels at the tomb to a group of women who, in their fear, flee without spreading the news.

The Radical

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is portrayed as a force of nature. His miraculous acts, such as driving out demons and healing the sick, would have resonated deeply with Gentile readers who were more concerned with the actions Jesus did than He taught. The sudden shift in the narrative—from an influential, miracle-working leader to a suffering, crucified Messiah—would have been a shocking plot twist. In a culture familiar with tales of god-like warriors, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross introduced a new and radical concept of power: one rooted in humility and self-sacrifice.

Key Themes in Mark

The Ending of Mark

Historically, the Gospel of Mark ends in Chapter 16, verse 8. This abrupt conclusion leaves readers with the image of Jesus' followers, who are too frightened to share the news of His resurrection. Many scholars believe that a later scribe, dissatisfied with this ending, added verses after verse 8 based on the accounts in other Gospels to provide a more conventional conclusion. However, the sudden ending might have been an intentional tool by the author. By reading the whole story, the reader would be shocked that the women didn't share this great news and feel compelled to share it themselves.

Demons

While this article is not the place for an in-depth discussion of the existence of demons, it's important to consider the historical context of 1st-century Judea. At that time, without modern medical knowledge, many mental health and physical conditions were attributed to demonic possession. Regardless of the understanding of demons, the Gospel of Mark emphasizes Jesus' power over these forces, demonstrating His authority over all things, whether physical, spiritual, or supernatural.