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The '''Gospel of Mark''' is a bold and irreverent account by an outsider, an anti-[[Establishment]] and even [[Trump]]ian-style eyewitness. It contains a direct, easy-to-understand explanation of the teachings, miracles, and [[Passion]] of [[Jesus]], emphasizing [[faith]] and deeds.  It was written by [[Mark]], seeing the events as an impressionable, open-minded young boy, who subsequently was the first to publish, perhaps without authorization. The Gospel of Mark begins and ends abruptly, makes no mention of [[St. Joseph|Joseph]], and omits the post-[[Resurrection]] gatherings by [[the Apostles]] who met without him, such that it is placed second rather than in its first place chronologically.<ref>"Marcan priority" is the term used to describe the nearly universal acceptance today that the Gospel of Mark was the first chronologically among [[the Gospels]].</ref>

The '''Gospel of Mark''' is a bold eyewitness account that focuses on [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]]. [[Theology|Theological]] themes of the Gospel of Mark are: [[Jesus Christ]] as the [[Son of God]] and [[Messiah]], the [[kingdom of God]], [[Christianity|Christian]] [[discipleship]], [[salvation]] for all, and [[atonement]].<ref>[https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/is-marks-gospel-theological-these-7-themes-affirm-it-is#:~:text=Garland%20outlines%204%20key%20aspects,nations%20to%20faith%20and%20confession. Is Mark's Gospel 'Theological'? These 7 Themes Affirm It Is!], Zondervan Academic</ref> This gospel highlights the [[miracles]] Jesus performed and the immense importance of [[faith]].<ref>[https://bibleproject.com/articles/mark-gospel-servant-messiah/#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20Mark's%20Gospel%20is,faith%20and%20cross%2Dbearing%20discipleship. Mark: The Gospel of the Servant-Messiah], BibleProject.com</ref><ref>[https://enterthebible.org/courses/mark/lessons/theological-themes-in-mark Theological themes of Mark]</ref><ref>[https://biblehub.com/q/main_themes_in_gospel_of_mark.htm#:~:text=Through%20its%20vivid%20portrayal%2C%20the,faith%2C%20and%20a%20transformed%20life. Main themes in Gospel of Mark], BibleHub.com</ref> The Gospel of Mark '''''bluntly criticizes the elite''''' and their practices.

'''''The Gospel of Mark is [[Trump]]-like in its blunt, down-to-earth style critical of the elite and their practices''''':

'''''The Gospel of Mark is the most corroborated testimony in all of history''''', as the independent eyewitness [[Matthew]] incorporated nearly all of it into his own [[Gospel of Matthew]], and [[John the Apostle]] independently corroborates much also.<ref>[[Mark]], [[Matthew the Apostle|Matthew]], and [[John the Apostle|John]] likely had different, rivaling ethnicities, which reinforces the significance of their corroboration of each other's eyewitness accounts.</ref> Mark preceded both, in knowing and following Jesus.<ref>Mark describes, as an eyewitness, the calling of John to be an [[Apostle]] at {{bibleref|Mark|1|19-20}}, and Mark records Jesus calling Matthew ("Levi") as an Apostle while the [[Gospel of Matthew]] never uses his old name. {{bible ref|Mark|2|14}}  Matthew is the corresponding Greek equivalent for the Hebrew name Levi.</ref>

*only the Gospel of Mark begins by boldly declaring, Trump-like in style, that it is "the gospel of [[Jesus Christ]], the Son of [[God]]";<ref>{{bibleref|Mark|1|1|ver=ESV}} ([[ESV]]).</ref>

 

*only the Gospel of Mark bluntly says that that Jesus was a mere carpenter;

The Gospel of Mark has youthful enthusiasm and charm, including clever hidden references to the author himself.  Its style is anti-[[establishment]] with simple wit, containing a direct, easy-to-understand explanation of the teachings, miracles, and [[Passion]] of [[Jesus]], emphasizing [[faith]] and deeds.  It was written by [[Mark]], seeing the events as an impressionable, [[Essay:Quantifying Openmindedness|open-minded]] young boy, who subsequently was the first to publish, without [[Apostles]]' approval.<ref>"Markan priority" is the term used to describe the nearly universal acceptance today that this was the first chronologically among [[the Gospels]].</ref>  The Gospel of Mark begins and ends abruptly, makes no mention of [[St. Joseph|Joseph]], and omits the post-[[Resurrection]] gatherings by [[the Apostles]] who met without Mark. The shortest [[Gospels|Gospel]] at only 14,949 words,<ref name="holyword.church">https://holyword.church/miscellaneous-resources/how-many-words-in-each-book-of-the-bible/</ref> this can be easily read in merely one hour.<ref>Adults read silently at about 238 words per minute, and aloud at about 183 words per minute. [https://scholarwithin.com/average-reading-speed#:~:text=Adult%20Average%20Reading%20Speed,-It%20has%20been&text=Silent%20reading%20adults%20average%20238,average%20183%20words%20per%20minute.]</ref>

*only Mark quotes Jesus as expressing dismay at [[the Apostles]] by saying, “Do you not understand this [[parable]]? How then will you understand all the parables?”<ref>{{bibleref|Mark|4|13|ver=ESV}} ([[ESV]]).</ref>

 

*only the Gospel of Mark brazenly demotes the [[Sabbath]] as being made for man, not vice-versa, as Jesus declared;<ref>Only Mark quotes Jesus saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27 (ESV).</ref>

The Gospel of Mark is the original source for how and why [[John the Baptist]] was executed, while most [[Apostles]] (including [[John]]) apparently did not know the details. The [[Gospel of Matthew]] confirms [[Mark]]'s account but without all of the details.  In addition, the Gospel of Mark was the first to say that all the [[Apostles]] abandoned [[Jesus]] at the beginning of the [[Passion]].

*only the Gospel of Mark explains that [[Jesus]] "looked around at them [his opponents] with '''''anger''''',"<ref>Mark 3:5 ([[ESV]], emphasis added).</ref> a theme echoed by the famous [[Thirteen Colonies|colonial]] sermon "Sinners in the hands of an angry [[God]]."<ref>See [[Jonathan Edwards]].</ref>

 

*only the Gospel of Mark endorses the right of unauthorized [[free speech]]:  “But [[Jesus]] said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.'”<ref>Mark 9:39 ([[ESV]]).  ''See also'' [https://biblehub.com/mark/9-39.htm Biblehub].</ref>   

Unique insights in the Gospel of Mark include:

*Mark's discussion of the Apostles is additionally more critical than the other Gospels, as in explaining Jesus's rebuke of [[Peter]] (Mark 8:32), in observing how the Apostles did not understand what Jesus was telling them and were too afraid to ask him (Mark 9:32), and in describing from the shore how Jesus "meant to pass by" the Apostles in their boat when he walked on water (Mark 6:45-56)<ref>[[ESV]].</ref>

* only the Gospel of Mark begins by boldly declaring that it is "the gospel of [[Jesus Christ]], the Son of [[God]]";<ref>{{bibleref|Mark|1|1|ver=ESV}} ([[ESV]]).</ref>

*only the Gospel of Mark is written from the perspective of a non-Apostle outsider, and Mark was never invited by the Apostles into their group;  

*the Gospel of Mark was the first to reject the traditional rule against [[blasphemy]]; and

*the Gospel of Mark coined the anti-[[Establishment]], Trump-like term of mockery -- the "Herodians" -- which Mark used twice while Luke and John declined to use the term, and Matthew used the term only once in copying from Mark.

* only the Gospel of Mark bluntly says that Jesus was a mere carpenter;

* only Mark quotes Jesus as expressing dismay at [[the Apostles]] by saying, “Do you not understand this [[parable]]? How then will you understand all the parables?”<ref>{{bibleref|Mark|4|13|ver=ESV}} ([[ESV]]).</ref>

* only the Gospel of Mark brazenly notes the [[Sabbath]] as being made for man (and not only for the Jews), not vice-versa, as Jesus declared;<ref>Only Mark quotes Jesus saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27 (ESV).</ref>

* only the Gospel of Mark explains that [[Jesus]] "looked around at them [his opponents] with '''''anger''''',"<ref>Mark 3:5 ([[ESV]], emphasis added).</ref> a theme echoed by the famous [[Thirteen Colonies|colonial]] sermon "Sinners in the hands of an angry [[God]]."<ref>See [[Jonathan Edwards]].</ref>

* only the Gospel of Mark endorses the right of unauthorized [[free speech]]:  “But [[Jesus]] said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.'”<ref>Mark 9:39 ([[ESV]]).  ''See also'' [https://biblehub.com/mark/9-39.htm Biblehub].</ref>   

* Mark's discussion of the Apostles is additionally more critical than the other Gospels, as in explaining Jesus's rebuke of [[Peter]] (Mark 8:32), in observing how the Apostles did not understand what Jesus was telling them and were too afraid to ask him (Mark 9:32), and in describing from the shore how Jesus "meant to pass by" the Apostles in their boat when he walked on water (Mark 6:45-56)<ref>[[ESV]].</ref>

* only the Gospel of Mark is written from the perspective of a non-Apostle outsider, and Mark was never invited by the Apostles into their group;  

* the Gospel of Mark was the first to reject the traditional rule against [[blasphemy]];

* the Gospel of Mark is the only one to include the parable about achievement without knowing how: The Parable of the Seed that Grows Itself ({{bible ref|Mark|4|26-29}});

* the Gospel of Mark implies that it was other followers, not merely [[the Apostles]], who asked [[Jesus]] good questions (see {{bibleref|Mark|4|10}} - "And when he was alone, ''those present'' along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables."<ref>[[NASB]] quoted here (emphasis added).</ref>); and

* the Gospel of Mark coined the anti-establishment term—the "Herodians"—which Mark used twice while Luke and John declined to use the term, and Matthew used the term only once in copying from Mark.

Scientific testing confirmed that a recently discovered transcript from the Gospel of Mark dates from before A.D. 90, when Mark may have still been living given that he was merely a boy during the Ministry.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150325223910/https://earliestchristianity.wordpress.com/category/textual-criticism/ First-Century Mark Manuscript: More News?] (web.archive.org)</ref>  Indeed, the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark (and the Gospel of Matthew) are estimated to be from A.D. 60s.<ref name="McCall">http://www.levitt.com/essays/language</ref>  Those oldest manuscripts are in Greek, and no ancient manuscript of the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of Matthew has ever been discovered in [[Aramaic]].<ref name="McCall"/>

Scientific testing confirmed that a recently discovered transcript from the Gospel of Mark dates from before A.D. 90, when Mark may have still been living given that he was merely a boy during the Ministry.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150325223910/https://earliestchristianity.wordpress.com/category/textual-criticism/ First-Century Mark Manuscript: More News?] (web.archive.org)</ref>  Indeed, the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark (and the Gospel of Matthew) are estimated to be from A.D. 60s.<ref name="McCall">http://www.levitt.com/essays/language</ref>  Those oldest manuscripts are in Greek, and no ancient manuscript of the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of Matthew has ever been discovered in [[Aramaic]].<ref name="McCall"/>

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's mother was a follower of Jesus, and Mark's account of the Resurrection was based on the account of the women disciples.  Mark's description of the walking on water by [[Jesus]] is from the perspective of someone on the shore (where a boy would remain), in contrast with Matthew's and John's perspective of being in the boat while tossed in the waves.<ref>https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/30437/why-is-it-only-matthew-who-records-peter-walking-on-water-in-matthew-1426-31</ref>

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's mother was a follower of Jesus, and Mark's account of the Resurrection was based on the account of the women disciples.  Mark's description of the walking on water by [[Jesus]] is from the perspective of someone on the shore (where a boy would remain), in contrast with Matthew's and John's perspective of being in the boat while tossed in the waves.<ref>https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/30437/why-is-it-only-matthew-who-records-peter-walking-on-water-in-matthew-1426-31</ref> The Gospel of Mark lacks references to prostitution (mentioned in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and [[Gospel of Luke]]) or to the [[Samaritan]] woman who had been married five times (per the [[Gospel of John]]).

The Gospel of Mark is simpler and briefer than the other gospels, and more focused on suffering and loss.<ref>''See, e.g.'', Mark 8:35.</ref>  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 vivid and non-intellectual, containing 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 to Jerusalem.

The Gospel of Mark is simpler and briefer than the other gospels, and more focused on suffering and loss.<ref>''See, e.g.'', Mark 8:35.</ref>  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 vivid and non-intellectual, containing 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 to Jerusalem.

:He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

:He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

== More Critical of the Apostles and Jesus's family ==

==More critical of the Apostles and Jesus's family==

Reflecting how the Gospel of Mark was written by an outsider, it is less favorable towards [[the Apostles]] than the [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]] are.  For example, in describing the walking on water by [[Jesus]] the account by Mark, observing it from the shore, is that Jesus was not headed for the Apostles' boat but instead was walking past it.  In describing Jesus' rebuke of [[Judas Iscariot]] for interfering with the anointing by Jesus of oil, Mark quotes a more direct rebuke than John does.<ref>Compare Mark 14:1-9 with John 12:1-8. [https://inspired2think.wordpress.com/2015/04/11/understanding-the-significance-of-jesus-being-anointed-by-oil/]</ref>

Only Mark includes, implicitly criticizing [[Jesus]]'s family, how they tried to seize him because they mistakenly thought he was out of his mind. ''See'' Mark 3:21.

Only Mark includes, implicitly criticizing [[Jesus]]'s family, how they tried to seize him because they mistakenly thought he was out of his mind. ''See'' Mark 3:21.

Numerous verses in the Gospel of Mark directly embarrass the Apostles, including Mark 4:13 (uniquely observing that Apostles didn't understand the parables); Mark 8:14-21 (the Apostles did not understand what Jesus was teaching); Mark 8:32–33 (Peter is disrespectful to Jesus); Mark 9:14–29 (Apostles were unable to perform miracles); Mark 9:33–34 (Apostles argue over who was the greatest among them); Mark 10:35–40 (several Apostles demand positions of honor); Mark 14:37 (Apostles fall asleep when Jesus asked them to watch for merely one hour); Mark 14:72 (Peter denies Jesus three times); Mark 14:50–52 (Apostles flee when Jesus was arrested).<ref name="rsc.byu.edu">https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-17-no-2-2016/marks-unique-contribution</ref>

Numerous verses in the [[Gospel of Mark]] directly embarrass the Apostles, including Mark 4:13 (uniquely observing that Apostles didn't understand the parables); Mark 8:14-21 (the Apostles did not understand what Jesus was teaching); Mark 8:32–33 (Peter is disrespectful to Jesus); Mark 9:14–29 (Apostles were unable to perform miracles); Mark 9:33-34 (Apostles argue over who was the greatest among them); Mark 10:35-40 (several Apostles demand positions of honor); Mark 14:37 (Apostles fall asleep when Jesus asked them to watch for merely one hour); Mark 14:72 (Peter denies Jesus three times); Mark 14:50–52 (Apostles flee when Jesus was arrested).<ref>https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-17-no-2-2016/marks-unique-contribution</ref>

Mark does include the ostensibly harsh statement attributed to [[Jesus]] about [[Gentiles]], which is set forth at {{bibleref|Mark|7|27–29}} and {{bibleref|Matthew|15|26–28}}.

Mark does include the ostensibly harsh statement attributed to [[Jesus]] about [[Gentiles]], which is set forth at Mark 7:27-29 and Matthew 15:26-28.

== Different use of the Old Testament ==

==History==

==History==

[[Mark]] is generally believed to be the earliest [[gospel]].  Based upon common elements in Mark and the gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], it appears that Mark was used as the framework from which to expand. The first sentence of the Gospel of Mark constituted blasphemy under Jewish law punishable by death, and he was imprecise in describing Jewish custom, so it was almost certainly a Gentile.

There is extensive debate over when the Gospel of Mark was written.  [[Paul]] quoted from the Gospel of Mark during Paul's ministry at [[Antioch]] of Pisida in AD 48, ''see'' {{bibleref|Acts|13|25}},<ref>[https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/paul/timeline.cfm Timeline of Paul's ministry.]</ref> so the Gospel of Mark was written and circulated well before AD 48.

The second [[Gospel]] is mainly concerned with the [[Galilean]] ministry of [[Christ]], and the circumstances during  the last week at [[Jerusalem]]. It begins with [[Christ|Jesus']] [[baptism]] and temptation. The main portion of the Gospel concerns the public ministry, [[Passion of Christ|Passion]], [[death]], and [[Resurrection]] of Jesus.  

[[Liberal denial]] pushes for a later date, such as AD 70, while others say an early date is likely.  A very expensive book available on [[Amazon.com]] as published in 2004 argues that "Mark's gospel was not written as late as c. 65-75 [AD], but dates from sometime between the late 30s and early 40s [AD]."<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Date-Marks-Gospel-Christianity-Testament/dp/0567081958#:~:text=Book%20details&text=This%20book%20argues%20that%20Mark's,30s%20and%20early%2040s%20CE.</ref>  Other scholars argue as follows:

{{cquote|Wallace writes:

“In sum, Mark should be dated before the production of Luke’s gospel which we date no later than 62 CE. Sometime in the mid-50s is most probable.”

Mark doesn't mention certain events mentioned by the other synoptic gospels. The genealogies, the birth story of Jesus, the birth story of [[John the Baptist]], are all not included in favor of getting right into the adult stage, beginning with John the Baptist preparing the way for the savior.

https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-introduction-argument-and-outline

Mark is much more concerned with Christ's acts than with His teachings, though two of these teachings 4:3-32 and 13:5-37 are fairly long. The miracles take up almost 25% of the Gospel. This impresses upon the reader Christ's almighty power and dominion over all physical laws. The first chapter shows three miracles: the casting out of an unclean spirit, the cure of [[Peter]]'s mother-in-law, and the healing of a [[leper]]. Eighteen miracles are recorded and all but three occur in the first eight chapters. Only two of these miracles (7: 31-37 and 8:22-26) are peculiar to Mark. Mark, however, shows details not found in the other Synoptics. Mark has only four parables: the sower (4:3-9), the seed growing secretly (4:26-29), the mustard seed (4:30-32), and the wicked husbandman (12:1-9). The second is found only in Mark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark is much more concerned with Christ's acts than with His teachings, though two of these teachings 4:3–32 and 13:5–37 are fairly long. The miracles take up almost 25% of the Gospel. This impresses upon the reader Christ's almighty power and dominion over all physical laws. The first chapter shows three miracles: the casting out of an unclean spirit, the cure of [[Peter]]'s mother-in-law, and the healing of a [[leper]]. Eighteen miracles are recorded and all but three occur in the first eight chapters. Only two of these miracles (7:31–37 and 8:22–26) are peculiar to Mark. Mark, however, shows details not found in the other Synoptics. Mark has only four parables: the sower (4:3–9), the seed growing secretly (4:26–29), the mustard seed (4:30–32), and the wicked husbandman (12:1–9). The second is found only in Mark.

Mark gives a face to the human feelings and emotions of Christ. The frailties of the apostles are much more graphic than in the parallel narratives contained in the other two synoptic Gospels.

Mark gives a face to the human feelings and emotions of Christ. The frailties of the apostles are much more graphic than in the parallel narratives contained in the other two synoptic Gospels.

There are issues with the ending of Mark. The earliest manuscripts do not have Mark 16:9-20, a section of scripture that puts forth ideas that aren't found in the other gospels.  Current thinking is that Mark 16:9-20 is a later addition and that the Gospel either ends with 16:8 or with original ending is now lost.

There are issues with the [[Mark ending|ending of Mark]]. The earliest manuscripts do not contain {{bible ref|Mark|16|9–20}}, a section of scripture that presents ideas not found in the other Gospels.  The current thinking is that Mark 16:9–20 is a later addition and that the Gospel either ends with 16:8 or with an original ending that is now lost. This is considered a [[Deuterocanonicals|Deuterocanonical]] part of the Gospel.

 

==Authorship==

==Authorship==

The author wrote as an outsider with imprecise knowledge of Jewish customs, while having greater fluency with [[Aramaic]].  Indeed, as shown above, this outsider was more blunt in his statements than [[the Apostles]] were, bolder in his claims.  

The author wrote as an outsider with imprecise knowledge of Jewish customs, while having greater fluency with [[Aramaic]].  Indeed, as shown above, this outsider was more blunt in his statements than [[the Apostles]] were, and bolder in his claims.  

Mark uses Aramaic far more than the other Gospels, which again suggests that Mark had a different, probably Gentile, background.<ref>Aramaic was more popular among Gentiles than Greek was. [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/h&a.html]</ref>

Mark uses Aramaic far more than the other Gospels, which again suggests that Mark had a different, probably Gentile, background.<ref>[https://www.hope-of-israel.org/h&a.html Aramaic was more popular among Gentiles than Greek was]</ref>

An early tradition connects Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, with John Mark as "Peter's copyist," putting to paper what Peter preached. [[Irenaeus]] says: "Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, himself also handed down to us in writing what was preached by Peter."<ref>Against Heresies, 3.1</ref>  Papius, [[Origen]], [[Tertullian]], and Clement of Alexandria also support a similar position.  

An early tradition connects Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, with John Mark as "Peter's copyist," putting to paper what Peter preached. John Mark is mentioned in 2 Timothy.  [[Irenaeus]] says: "Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, himself also handed down to us in writing what was preached by Peter."<ref>Against Heresies, 3.1</ref>  Papius, [[Origen]], [[Tertullian]], and Clement of Alexandria also support a similar position.  It is based on this theory that the date of authorship is estimated to be the mid-60s A.D., or shortly after 70 A.D.  But if the author was not John Mark, then that estimated date of authorship loses its basis.  Most scholars today reject the notion that John Mark was the author of Mark.

John Mark is also mentioned in 2 Timothy.

Reportedly Mark became an apostle of Peter, although this seems unlikely in light of Mark's omission of Peter walking on water.  Other reports are that Mark was a missionary companion of Paul, quoting this: "[[Luke]] alone is with me. Get [[Mark]] and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry." {{bible ref|2Timothy|4|11}}<ref>[[ESV]] is quoted here.</ref>

Reportedly Mark became an apostle of Peter and a missionary companion of Paul, and ultimately founded [[Christianity]] in [[Egypt]].

Greater evidence supports the tradition that Mark ultimately founded the Christian church in [[Egypt]].

==Audience==

==Audience==

The audience is for Gentiles, and Mark may have been a Gentile himself as only he quotes Jesus for directly downplaying the [[Sabbath]]:  Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”<ref>Mark 2:27 ([[NASB]]).</ref>  That is not found in any other Gospel.<ref>https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-17-no-2-2016/marks-unique-contribution</ref>  Mark describes Aramaic words and Jewish customs that would not be necessary for a Jewish audience.  Mark was probably not Jewish himself, as he overstates the hand-washing ritual at Mark 7:3<ref>https://biblehub.com/mark/7-3.htm</ref> by saying that "all the Jews" performed the ritual,<ref>http://www.logicandlight.org/busted-14-marks-error-regarding-jewish-handwashing-rituals/</ref> and his use of "the" suggests he did view himself as part of the group.

The audience is for [[Gentile]]s, and Mark may have been a Gentile himself as only he quotes Jesus noting the [[Sabbath]]'s application for all of mankind and not only Jews:  Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”<ref>Mark 2:27 ([[NASB]]).</ref>  That is not found in any other Gospel.<ref name="rsc.byu.edu"/>  Mark describes Aramaic words and Jewish customs that would not be necessary for a Jewish audience.  Mark was probably not Jewish himself, as he overstates the hand-washing ritual in Mark 7:3<ref>https://biblehub.com/mark/7-3.htm</ref> by saying that "all the Jews" performed the ritual,<ref>http://www.logicandlight.org/busted-14-marks-error-regarding-jewish-handwashing-rituals/</ref> and his use of "the" suggests he did view himself as part of the group.

Also, only Mark declares that all foods are clean to eat now (but the rationale does not include unclean [[vaccine|vaccination]].  See [[Mark 1-8 (Translated)#7:18|Mark 7:18-19]].  The other Gospels do not include this, and even the [[King James Version]] resists this by limiting the exemption to all meat.

Also, only Mark declares that all foods are clean to eat now (but the rationale does not include unclean [[vaccine|vaccination]]).  See [[Mark 1-8 (Translated)#7:18|Mark 7:18-19]].  The other Gospels do not include this, and even the [[King James Version]] resists this by limiting the exemption to all meat.

==Style==

==Style==

The Gospel of Mark is bold and concise: it contains a total of only 14,949 words,<ref>https://holyword.church/miscellaneous-resources/how-many-words-in-each-book-of-the-bible/</ref> which can be easily read in its entirely in merely 2 hours.  It has far less than half of the number of words in the [[Book of Genesis]].

The Gospel of Mark is bold and concise: it contains a total of only 14,949 words,<ref name="holyword.church"/> which can be easily read in its entirety in merely 2 hours.  It has far less than half of the number of words in the [[Book of Genesis]].

This Gospel, ordered as the second of the four Gospels, was written in Greek, being that Greek was widely spoken in the Roman empire in the first century. [[Koine Greek|Greek]] was the ''lingua franca'' of the times.  

This Gospel, ordered as the second of the four Gospels, was written in [[Koine Greek]], being that Greek was widely spoken in the Roman Empire in the first century. [[Koine Greek|Greek]] was the ''lingua franca'' of the times.  

Paul wrote to the Romans in Greek.  

Paul wrote to the Romans in Greek.  

This Gospel uses 1333 different words, of which 58 are proper names. Eighty words, exclusive of proper names, are not found elsewhere in the New Testament. Compared to Luke, which has more than 250 peculiar words, Mark has only a third as many unique words. Mark shares 150 words with the other Synoptics. 15 are shared only by [[Gospel of John|John]] and 11 others by one or other of the Synoptic and the [[Gospel of John]].

This Gospel uses 1333 different words, of which 58 are proper names. Eighty words, exclusive of proper names, are not found elsewhere in the New Testament. Compared to Luke, which has more than 250 peculiar words, Mark has only a third as many unique words. Mark shares 150 words with the other Synoptics. 15 are shared only by John and 11 others by one or other of the Synoptic and the [[Gospel of John]].

The Gospel of Mark contains 662 verses, of which 406 are also in the Gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], while 51 verses are unique to the Gospel of Mark itself.<ref>https://christiananswers.net/dictionary/markgospelaccordingto.html</ref>

The Gospel of Mark contains 662 verses, of which 406 are also in the Gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], while 51 verses are unique to the Gospel of Mark itself.<ref>https://christiananswers.net/dictionary/markgospelaccordingto.html</ref>

Though generally the boldest of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark does not make the claim in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] that some of [[the Apostles]] would see [[Jesus]] return before they died.

Though generally the boldest of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark does not claim in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] that some of [[the Apostles]] would see [[Jesus]] return before they died.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

==See also==

==See also==

[[Gospel of Mark (Translated)]]

*[[Gospel of Mark (Translated)]]

 

== References ==

*[https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=studiaantiqua Michael Biggerstaff, "The Lord's Supper: Exegesis of Mark 14:22-26" (April 2009)]

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