OBS #2.1 - Introduction to St. Mark's Gospel

Introduction to St. Mark's Gospel

Author/Compiler: St. John Mark is the son of Mary (Acts 12:12) and a Greek father. He lived in Jerusalem. It is believed by some that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper in the Upper Room in Mary's house in Jerusalem. John Mark grew up to become a missionary helper of St. Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-13; 15:36-41). He was also St. Peter's helper in Rome (1 Peter 5:13) and continued helping St. Paul during his second Roman imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11).

Date of Composition: The Gospel was written around the year 64 AD. There is some debate even among the ancient church fathers as to whether it was before or after Peter's death. Some say that Peter accepted and encouraged the Gospel being written down by Mark. Others say that it was written after his crucifixion as a memorial. Mark was either the first or second Gospel written. There is debate (starting in the 19th century) as to whether Matthew or Mark was written first, the second using the first as a primary source. Most of the ancient church fathers believed that Matthew was written first, then Mark, Luke and John (therefore the order we have them in the Bible).

Occasion/Purpose: Mark wrote the Gospel because the Christians at Rome requested a copy of what St. Peter had preached to them in his time in Rome (between St. Paul's first and second imprisonments). Mark then took the written Gospel and founded the Church in Alexandria. Its style is indicative of the fact that Mark wrote Peter's teachings from memory and recorded them as he remembered.

Major Theme: The major theme of the Gospel of St. Mark comes in its very first verse: "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ" (1:1).