Gospel of Mark - Christian Standard
Overview
Study: Gospel of Mark
Theme: Everyone’s Invited
A study of the Gospel of Mark introduces the reader to Jesus’ power and purpose. It highlights the forgiveness and redemption Jesus came to bring to a lost world, and it reminds us of the value true discipleship, practical faith, and servant leadership.
Introduction
Author
Mark (also known as John Mark) was the son of a woman named Mary, who opened her home in Jerusalem as a place for followers of Christ to gather and pray (see Acts 12:12). Mark is also identified as the cousin of Barnabas (Mark 4:10). It was perhaps through this connection that Mark was invited to join Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. For reasons unrecorded in Scripture, Mark left Paul and Barnabas in Perga (in Pamphylia) to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Later, Mark’s departure led to a rift between Paul and Barnabas as they planned another missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). Some 15 years later, though, Mark had proven himself to Paul and Paul requested Mark’s presence while imprisoned in Rome (2 Timothy 4:11).
Audience
Mark seems to have written primarily to a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience. His careful explanation of Jewish customs leads us to believe his primary audience may not have been familiar with them.
Date
It’s likely that Mark wrote his Gospel account of Jesus’ life and ministry between 50 and 65 AD.
Setting
Mark’s Gospel is set largely in the region of Palestine, and of the four Gospels, is the most chronological. Mark’s Gospel is also unique in that it’s focus primarily is on Jesus’ teachings and his actions.
Theme
Mark’s Gospel is the second of four canonical Gospels. In it, Mark recounts the ministry of Jesus from his baptism to his death and resurrection. Considering Mark’s Gentile audience, his Gospel focuses on Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah and Son of God.
Why Study Mark?
A study of the Gospel of Mark introduces the reader to Jesus’ power and purpose. It highlights the forgiveness and redemption Jesus came to bring to a lost world, and it reminds us of the value true discipleship, practical faith, and servant leadership.
