Gospel of Mark | Intro/Overview
1.The Author
2.The Structure
3.The Purpose
Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:28
Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:31
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:42
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Mark 10:43
But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a]
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
JESUS - The Suffering Servant Who gave His Life as a Ransom for Mankind
1.The Author
Mark 14:51-52
And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
I. Papias - 115 AD
II. Clement of Alexandar – 180 AD
III. Origen – 225 AD
Author - John Mark
John was his Jewish Name
Mark was his Roman Name
Mom – Mary
Widow Woman
Lived in Jerusalem
Friend of the Apostles
Acts 12:12
When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
30 – 40 AD Association Begins through Mary
40 – 50 AD Mark Associates with Paul through Barnabas
Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from[a] Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
Acts 13:5
When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
Acts 13:13
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,
Acts 15:37-40
Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
30 – 40 AD Association Begins through Mary
40 – 50 AD Mark Associates with Paul through Barnabas
56 – 60 AD Mark Restores Fellowship w/Paul
Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),
30 – 40 AD Association Begins through Mary
40 – 50 AD Mark Associates with Paul through Barnabas
56 – 60 AD Mark Restores Fellowship w/Paul
60 – 70 AD Paul towards the End of his Life Mentions Mark
2 Timothy 4:11
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
1 Peter 5:13
She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
Reading from Mark is Hearing from Peter
30 – 40 AD Association Begins through Mary
40 – 50 AD Mark Associates with Paul through Barnabas
56 – 60 AD Mark Restores Fellowship w/Paul
60 – 70 AD Paul towards the End of his Life Mentions Mark
65 – 67 AD The Gospel of Mark was written
60 – 100 AD Most of the Gospels and Epistles had been written
2.The Structure
I. His Divinity Through His Teachings and Miracles (1:1-8:26)
II. His Divinity Through His Death, Burial and Resurrection (8:27-16:20)
Synoptic Gospel
Shortest of the Gospels
Oldest of the Gospels – 1st one written
Text- Clear, Short- To the Point
Audience- Primarily Roman Gentiles
Mark is Centered on Action and a Reaction
Theme – Jesus is Divine
2.The Purpose
Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[a]
Emphasis - “The Son of God”
Mark 1:11
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 9:7
And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son;[a]listen to him.”
Mark 15:39
And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he[a] breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son[b] of God!”
Emphasis on “The Son of God” (Mark 1:11;9:7;15:39)
Turning Point (Mark 8:29)
JESUS - The Suffering Servant Who gave His Life as a Ransom for Mankind
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Emphasis on “The Son of God”
Turning Point (Mark 8:29)
Repent – Believe – Be Baptized