Gospel of Mark

Mark
Abbreviation	Mk
Class.	New Testament
Category	Four Gospels
Chapters	16 chapters
Record Related
Writer	Mark
Date (Approx.)	c. AD 55–65
Location	Rome

The Gospel of Mark is the second book of the New Testament and primarily contains the deeds and teachings of Jesus. Along with the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, it is one of the Four Gospels, and it is believed to be the earliest one written.

Writer: Mark

The writer of the Gospel of Mark is Mark. Mark is his Roman name, while his Hebrew name was John. He is a nephew of Barnabas and initially accompanied Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. However, he returned to Jerusalem partway through the mission. This decision later caused a dispute between Paul and Barnabas over whether Mark should accompany them on the second missionary journey. As a result, Mark went with Barnabas to serve in Cyprus. Later on, Mark became a co-worker of Paul and assisted him during his imprisonment.

Writing Time and Location

It is generally believed that the Gospel of Mark was written in Rome. This view is supported by the presence of Roman terms within the text itself, such as praetorium (the residence of the Roman governor) and quadrans (the smallest Roman coin).

The Gospel of Mark is typically dated to the late AD 50s to early 60s. During this time, the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome and called for Mark to assist him. Mark, who had gone to Rome, also served as an interpreter for the Apostle Peter. Many scholars believe that it was during this period that he composed the Gospel. If this timing is accurate, Mark’s Gospel would be the earliest of the four Gospels to be written. However, some argue that it may have been written after the martyrdom of Peter, suggesting a slightly later date.

Background of Composition

The Gospel of Mark was written in response to requests from believers who wanted a permanent record of Jesus’ life and teachings. Mark carefully recalled the teachings of Jesus he had heard, not necessarily in chronological order but with faithful accuracy.

“	“So great a light of piety shone upon the minds of Peter’s hearers that they were not satisfied with a single hearing or with the unwritten teaching of the divine proclamation, but with all sorts of entreaties they besought Mark, whose gospel we have, as he was a follower of Peter, to leave them a written statement of the doctrine which had been delivered to them orally; and they did not let the man alone until they had prevailed upon him.” (Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius Pamphilus, II.15, NPNF 2.1, p. 114)	“
— Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius Pamphilus, 2003, pp. 99

Furthermore, during that time, many believers in Rome were martyred due to the emperor’s persecution, and even Jesus’ own disciples were not exempt from such suffering. In light of these events, Mark sought to encourage the believers in the church in Rome, so that they would not fall into fear or confusion. He aimed to remind them that, even in the midst of suffering and persecution, they should not lose their hope in the kingdom of heaven. To do so, he presented the story of Jesus’ own suffering and death, and more importantly, the glory of His resurrection that followed.

Characteristics of the Gospel of Mark

• It begins with the declaration, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” and records events starting from Jesus’ baptism.
• Rather than focusing on Jesus’ teachings, it emphasizes His actions. In particular, about one-third of the book is devoted to Jesus’ final week (the Passion Week). The writing style is concise and clear.

Structure of the Gospel of Mark

Chapters & Verses	Content
Mark 1:1–13	Jesus’ Baptism
Mark 1:14–45; 2:1–9:50	Ministry in Galilee
Chapter 10	Ministry in the Region of Judea
Chapters 11–13	Entry Into Jerusalem
Chapters 14–15	The New Covenant Passover and Suffering
Chapter 16	Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension

Jesus’ Baptism (Mark 1:1–13)

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14–45; 2:1–9:50)

After John the Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus went to Galilee to proclaim the gospel. There, He called most of the twelve disciples and performed many teachings and miracles.

Ministry in the Region of Judea (Chapter 10)

Jesus left Galilee and preached the gospel of the kingdom in the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan River. He also showed grace by healing the sick.

Entry into Jerusalem (Chapters 11–13)

Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a colt. Many people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting “Hosanna” and following Him.

Jesus became angry when He saw people doing business in the temple and drove them out.

The New Covenant Passover and Suffering (Chapters 14–15)

On the evening of the Passover, Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood. After the ceremony, He prayed earnestly in the Garden of Gethsemane. Soon after, Judas Iscariot arrived with a crowd sent by the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Jesus willingly surrendered and was taken to the high priest’s house, where He was interrogated and mocked throughout the night. At dawn, He was handed over to Pilate and sentenced to death.

Jesus was then scourged and mocked by Roman soldiers, and crucified on Golgotha. Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus’ body from Pilate and laid it in his own tomb.

Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension (Chapter 16)

On the day after the Sabbath (Sunday), Jesus rose from the dead. However, the disciples did not immediately believe the news of His resurrection. Jesus appeared to them, strengthened their faith, and commanded them to proclaim the gospel to all people throughout the world.

See also

• Jesus Christ
• The New Testament
• Matthew
• Luke
• John