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The '''Gospel of Mark''' is an early written account of the teachings, miracles and Passion of Jesus which emphasizes how suffering and loss enhances one's [[faith]] and [[salvation]].<ref>''See, e.g.'', Mark 8:35.</ref>  This Gospel was written by John Mark, who was an apostle of Peter and a missionary companion of Paul.

The '''Gospel of Mark''' is an early written account of the teachings, miracles and Passion of Jesus which emphasizes how suffering and loss enhances one's [[faith]] and [[salvation]].<ref>''See, e.g.'', Mark 8:35.</ref>  This Gospel was written by John Mark, who was an apostle of Peter and a missionary companion of Paul.

There are several indications that this Gospel was written by a very young eyewitness.  Unlike the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]], the Gospel of Mark has very few economic parables that mean more to adults than to children.  Mark is also briefer than the others, and more focused on suffering and loss.  Mark does not describe appearances by Jesus after the Resurrection, which again suggests authorship by a child who was not present with the older Apostles when Jesus appeared at their meetings.  

There are several indications that this Gospel was written by a very young eyewitness.  Unlike the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]], the Gospel of Mark has very few economic parables that mean more to adults than to children.  The accounts that Mark does include are those making a bigger impression on a child, such as the multiplication of the loaves (which Mark references ''twice'').

 

Mark is also briefer than the others, and more focused on suffering and loss.  Mark does not describe appearances by Jesus after the Resurrection, which again suggests authorship by a child who was not present with the older Apostles when Jesus appeared at their meetings.  Mark's writing style is simple and vivid, and has repetition that one expects from a child.<ref>For example, Mark uses the Greek word meaning "immediately", "soon" or "at once" more than 40 times!</ref>  Peter referred to Mark as his son (1 Peter 5:13), and once Paul became disillusioned at Mark's impulsive return back to Jerusalem.

 

The Gospel of Mark was the first to circulate, which again suggests it was written by a young, less discretionary author rather than a cautious adult.  

Most telling about the likely young authorship of the Gospel of mark is this unique description that appears only at Mark 14:51-52:<ref>This translation is from the [[King James Version]].</ref>

Most telling about the likely young authorship of the Gospel of mark is this unique description that appears only at Mark 14:51-52:<ref>This translation is from the [[King James Version]].</ref>