Changes

<br />

<br />

Artist: Andrea Mantegna]]

Artist: Andrea Mantegna]]

The '''Gospel of Mark''' is a bold eyewitness account that focuses on [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] as the [[Messiah]] and [[Son of God]], and on the wonderful [[Kingdom of God]]. It 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''' 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 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]] 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 collaboration of each other's eyewitness accounts.</ref> Mark preceded both in 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>

'''''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>

The Gospel of Mark has youthful enthusiasm and charm, including clever 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>

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>

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]].

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]].

The Gospel of Mark is bluntly critical of the elite and their practices:

Unique insights in the Gospel of Mark include:

* 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 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 refers to the "gospel of [[God]]," a phrase repeated by [[Paul]] and [[Peter]] in their letters which suggests they had heard Mark's account;

* only the Gospel of Mark refers to the "gospel of [[God]]," a phrase repeated by [[Paul]] and [[Peter]] in their letters, which suggests they had heard Mark's account;

* the Gospel of Mark portrays the disparagement as regional, rather than ethnic, in Jesus's reference to a Greek woman's daughter as a "dog" (better translated as "puppy") in {{bible ref|Mark|7|24-30}}, while the subsequent [[Gospel of Matthew]] retells the same story with an anti-[[Gentile]] ethnic connotation in {{bible ref|Matthew|15|21-28}};

* the Gospel of Mark portrays a controversial disparagement as regional, rather than ethnic, in Jesus's reference to a Greek woman's daughter as a "dog" (better translated as "puppy") in {{bible ref|Mark|7|24-30}}, while the subsequent [[Gospel of Matthew]] retells the same story with an anti-[[Gentile]] ethnic connotation in {{bible ref|Matthew|15|21-28}};

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

* 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 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>

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 name="rsc.byu.edu">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 Mark 7:27–29 and Matthew 15:26–28.

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}}.

== Different use of the Old Testament ==

== Different use of the Old Testament ==

=== Date of Creation ===

=== Date of Creation ===

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 then.

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.

[[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:

[[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:

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

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

Addendum:  Other scholars for early dating of Mark:

Addendum:  Other scholars supporting an early date for the Gospel of Mark:

John Wenham, in his book, Redating Matthew, Mark and Luke, puts the Gospel of Mark at 45 AD.

John Wenham, in his book, Redating Matthew, Mark and Luke, puts the Gospel of Mark at 45 AD.

John A. T. Robinson, put the Gospel of Mark also at 45 AD, and makes the case for all of the [[New Testament]] having been written before 70 AD, in his famous book, Redating the New Testament.<ref>https://apologeticsandagape.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/early-dating-for-the-gospel-according-to-mark/</ref>}}

John A. T. Robinson, who also estimates 45 AD as the date of the Gospel of Mark, makes the case for all of the [[New Testament]] having been written before 70 AD in his famous book, R''edating the New Testament''.<ref>https://apologeticsandagape.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/early-dating-for-the-gospel-according-to-mark/</ref>}}

=== Opening and Ending ===

=== Opening and Ending ===

=== Content ===

=== Content ===

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 [[Mark ending|ending of Mark]]. The earliest manuscripts do not have {{bible ref|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 an original ending that is now lost. This is considered a [[Deuterocanonicals|Deuterocanonical]] part of the Gospel.

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.

Mark is sometimes called a "three-act play," whereby its third act is its extensive account of the [[Passion]].<ref>https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=studiaantiqua (see its pdf p.4).</ref>

Mark is sometimes called a "three-act play," whereby its third act is its extensive account of the [[Passion]].<ref>https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=studiaantiqua (see its pdf p.4).</ref>

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Gospel of Mark (Translated)]]

*[[Gospel of Mark (Translated)]]

*[[Mark ending]]

*[[Mark ending]]

*[https://www.stjames.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2021/01/The-Significance-of-the-Passion-Narrative-in-Mark.pdf Rev’d Murray Wills, "The Significance of the Passion Narrative in Mark’s Gospel," Seminar on Mark, St James’ Church (January 2021)]

*[[Mark Chapter 1|Mark Chapter 1 - for teaching phonics]]

*[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)]

== External links ==

== External links ==

*[https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/survey-of-Mark.html Survey of the Gospel of Mark]

*[https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/survey-of-Mark.html Survey of the Gospel of Mark], Bibleref.com

*[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)]

==References==

==References==

[[Category:Conservative Bible|*]]

[[Category:Conservative Bible|*]]

[[Category:New Testament Books| nt2]]

[[Category:New Testament Books| nt2]]

[[Category:Gospels| nt2]]

[[Category:Gospels| nt2]]

{{New Testament Books}}

{{New Testament Books}}

{{Mark}}

{{Mark}}