MARK
Opening Statement
A. The ancient church usually bypassed copying, studying, and teaching Mark in preference to Matthew and Luke because they saw Mark as a “reader’s digest” version (i.e. abridged gospel).
B. Mark is not often quoted by the Greek church fathers or the second century apologists (defenders of the faith).
C. Since the rise of modern historical-grammatical approach to biblical interpretation the Gospel of Mark has taken on new significance when it is viewed as the first written Gospel. Both Matthew and Luke use it in their presentations of Jesus’ life and significance. Thereby Mark becomes the foundational document of the church, the first official account of Jesus’ life.
B. Mark is not often quoted by the Greek church fathers or the second century apologists (defenders of the faith).
C. Since the rise of modern historical-grammatical approach to biblical interpretation the Gospel of Mark has taken on new significance when it is viewed as the first written Gospel. Both Matthew and Luke use it in their presentations of Jesus’ life and significance. Thereby Mark becomes the foundational document of the church, the first official account of Jesus’ life.
The Genre
A. The Gospels are not modern biographies or histories. They are selective theological writings used to introduce Jesus to different audiences and bring them to faith in Him. They are “good news” accounts of Jesus’ life for the purpose of evangelism (John 20:30 – 31..."Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book..." (NASB)).
B. Mark is made up of four distinct historical settings or theological purposes.
1. the life and teachings of Jesus
2. the life and ministry of Peter
3. the needs of the early church
4. the evangelistic purpose of John Mark.
C. The Gospels are unique in near eastern and Greco-Roman literature. The inspired authors had the Spirit-led task of selecting from Jesus’ teachings and actions those that clearly revealed His character or purpose. They arranged these words and actions of Jesus in different ways. One example would be in comparing Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7) with Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. It becomes obvious that Matthew tended to collect all of Jesus’ teachings into one long sermon, while Luke spreads these same teachings throughout his Gospel.
D. Mark’s Gospel is a good example of Koine Greek or “common language” as a second language of the people of the Mediterranean world. Mark’s mother tongue was Aramaic (as was Jesus’ and all Jews in first century Palestine). This Semitic flavor is characteristic of Mark’s Gospel.
B. Mark is made up of four distinct historical settings or theological purposes.
1. the life and teachings of Jesus
2. the life and ministry of Peter
3. the needs of the early church
4. the evangelistic purpose of John Mark.
C. The Gospels are unique in near eastern and Greco-Roman literature. The inspired authors had the Spirit-led task of selecting from Jesus’ teachings and actions those that clearly revealed His character or purpose. They arranged these words and actions of Jesus in different ways. One example would be in comparing Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7) with Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. It becomes obvious that Matthew tended to collect all of Jesus’ teachings into one long sermon, while Luke spreads these same teachings throughout his Gospel.
D. Mark’s Gospel is a good example of Koine Greek or “common language” as a second language of the people of the Mediterranean world. Mark’s mother tongue was Aramaic (as was Jesus’ and all Jews in first century Palestine). This Semitic flavor is characteristic of Mark’s Gospel.
The Authorship
A. John Mark has traditionally been identified with the Apostle Peter in writing this Gospel. The work itself remains anonymous..
Acts 12:12 and 25..."And when he realized {this,} he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying."..."And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with {them} John, who was also called Mark." (NASB)
Acts 13:5 and 13..."When they reached Salamis, they {began} to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper."..."Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." (NASB)
Acts 15:37 and 39..."Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also."..."And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus." (NASB)
Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:11..."Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service." (NASB)
Philemon 24..."...{as do} Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers." (NASB)
1st Peter 5:13..."She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and {so does} my son, Mark." (NASB)
B. Another evidence of Peter’s eyewitness account is the fact that Mark does not record three special events in which Peter was personally involved.
1. his walking on water (Matthew 14:28 – 33..."Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" (NASB))
2. his being the spokesperson at Caesarea Philippi for the faith of the Twelve (Matthew 16:13 – 20..."Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some {say} John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." He *said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal {this} to you, but My Father who is in heaven. "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. (NASB)). (In Mark only 8:27 – 30 and the “on this rock” and “keys of the kingdom” passages are omitted.)
3. his procurement of the temple tax for himself and Jesus (Matthew 17:24 – 27..."When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma {tax} came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma {tax?}" He *said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" When Peter said, "From strangers," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are exempt. "However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." (NASB)). Perhaps Peter’s modesty motivated him not to emphasize these events in his sermons
C. Early church tradition...
1. Papias the bishop of Hierapolis, about (130 A.D.) asserts that Mark was Peter’s interpreter who recorded accurately, but not chronologically, Peter’s memories of Jesus. Apparently Mark took and adapted Peter’s sermons and organized them into a Gospel presentation. Papias claims to have received this information from “the elder,” which could refer to the Apostle John.
2. The Anti-Marcionite Prologue to Mark, written about 180 A.D., identifies Peter as the eyewitness of Mark’s Gospel. It also states that Mark wrote the Gospel from Italy after Peter’s death (i.e. traditionally in Rome around 65 A.D.).
3. Irenaeus, writing about 180 A.D., mentions John Mark as Peter’s interpreter and compiler of his memories after his death.
4. The Muratorian Fragment, written about 200 A.D. from Rome, although the text is incomplete, seems to affirm John Mark’s recording Peter’s sermons.
5. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Vol. 8, p. 606, makes the interesting comment that the above early church traditions are from geographically diverse church centers.
D. What do we know about John Mark...
1. His mother was a well known believer in Jerusalem in whose house the church met (possibly the night of the Lord’s Supper.
Mark 14:14 – 15..."...and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' (NASB)
Acts 1:13 – 14..."When they had entered {the city,} they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James {the son} of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas {the} {son} of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with {the} women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (NASB)
Act 12:12..."And when he realized {this,} he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying." (NASB)
He was possibly the unnamed man who fled from Gethsemane.
Mark 14:51 – 52..."A young man was following Him, wearing {nothing but} a linen sheet over {his} naked {body;} and they *seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked." (NASB)
2. He accompanied his uncle Barnabas (Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him..." (NASB)) and Paul back to Antioch from Jerusalem (Act 12:25..."And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with {them} John, who was also called Mark." (NASB))
3. He was a companion of Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5..."When they reached Salamis, they {began} to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper." (NASB)), but returned home suddenly (Acts 13:13..."Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." (NASB)).
4. Later, Barnabas wanted to take Mark on a 2nd missionary journey, but this caused a terrible disagreement between Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:37 – 40..."Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord." (NASB)).
5. He was later reunited with Paul and became a friend and co-worker.
Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:11..."Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service." (NASB)
Philemon 24..."...{as do} Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers." (NASB)
6. He was a companion and co-worker with Peter (1st Peter 5:13..."She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and {so does} my son, Mark." (NASB)), possibly in Rome.
7. 1st Clements, written from Rome about 95 A.D., alludes to Mark.
8. Justin Martyr (150 A.D.), in quoting Mark 3:17, adds that it comes from Peter’s memory.
9. Clement of Alexandria (195 A.D.) asserts that those who heard Peter preach in Rome asked Mark to record these sermons.
10. Tertullian (200 A.D.) says Mark published Peter’s memories.
11. According to Eusebius, says Mark wrote the Gospel as Peter explained it to him.
12. Eusebius himself discusses the Gospel of Mark and says Mark recorded Peter’s sermons at the behest of those who heard them so that they could be read in all the churches. Eusebius bases this tradition on the writings of Clement of Alexandria.
E. Mark’s involvement seems confirmed by Mark 14:51 – 52, where a man flees naked from the Garden of Gethsemane, just after Jesus’ arrest. This unusual and totally unexpected detail seems to reflect Mark’s personal experience.
Acts 12:12 and 25..."And when he realized {this,} he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying."..."And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with {them} John, who was also called Mark." (NASB)
Acts 13:5 and 13..."When they reached Salamis, they {began} to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper."..."Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." (NASB)
Acts 15:37 and 39..."Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also."..."And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus." (NASB)
Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:11..."Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service." (NASB)
Philemon 24..."...{as do} Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers." (NASB)
1st Peter 5:13..."She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and {so does} my son, Mark." (NASB)
B. Another evidence of Peter’s eyewitness account is the fact that Mark does not record three special events in which Peter was personally involved.
1. his walking on water (Matthew 14:28 – 33..."Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" (NASB))
2. his being the spokesperson at Caesarea Philippi for the faith of the Twelve (Matthew 16:13 – 20..."Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some {say} John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." He *said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal {this} to you, but My Father who is in heaven. "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. (NASB)). (In Mark only 8:27 – 30 and the “on this rock” and “keys of the kingdom” passages are omitted.)
3. his procurement of the temple tax for himself and Jesus (Matthew 17:24 – 27..."When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma {tax} came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma {tax?}" He *said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" When Peter said, "From strangers," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are exempt. "However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." (NASB)). Perhaps Peter’s modesty motivated him not to emphasize these events in his sermons
C. Early church tradition...
1. Papias the bishop of Hierapolis, about (130 A.D.) asserts that Mark was Peter’s interpreter who recorded accurately, but not chronologically, Peter’s memories of Jesus. Apparently Mark took and adapted Peter’s sermons and organized them into a Gospel presentation. Papias claims to have received this information from “the elder,” which could refer to the Apostle John.
2. The Anti-Marcionite Prologue to Mark, written about 180 A.D., identifies Peter as the eyewitness of Mark’s Gospel. It also states that Mark wrote the Gospel from Italy after Peter’s death (i.e. traditionally in Rome around 65 A.D.).
3. Irenaeus, writing about 180 A.D., mentions John Mark as Peter’s interpreter and compiler of his memories after his death.
4. The Muratorian Fragment, written about 200 A.D. from Rome, although the text is incomplete, seems to affirm John Mark’s recording Peter’s sermons.
5. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Vol. 8, p. 606, makes the interesting comment that the above early church traditions are from geographically diverse church centers.
D. What do we know about John Mark...
1. His mother was a well known believer in Jerusalem in whose house the church met (possibly the night of the Lord’s Supper.
Mark 14:14 – 15..."...and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' (NASB)
Acts 1:13 – 14..."When they had entered {the city,} they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James {the son} of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas {the} {son} of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with {the} women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (NASB)
Act 12:12..."And when he realized {this,} he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying." (NASB)
He was possibly the unnamed man who fled from Gethsemane.
Mark 14:51 – 52..."A young man was following Him, wearing {nothing but} a linen sheet over {his} naked {body;} and they *seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked." (NASB)
2. He accompanied his uncle Barnabas (Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him..." (NASB)) and Paul back to Antioch from Jerusalem (Act 12:25..."And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with {them} John, who was also called Mark." (NASB))
3. He was a companion of Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5..."When they reached Salamis, they {began} to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper." (NASB)), but returned home suddenly (Acts 13:13..."Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." (NASB)).
4. Later, Barnabas wanted to take Mark on a 2nd missionary journey, but this caused a terrible disagreement between Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:37 – 40..."Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord." (NASB)).
5. He was later reunited with Paul and became a friend and co-worker.
Colossians 4:10..."Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and {also} Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:11..."Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service." (NASB)
Philemon 24..."...{as do} Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers." (NASB)
6. He was a companion and co-worker with Peter (1st Peter 5:13..."She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and {so does} my son, Mark." (NASB)), possibly in Rome.
7. 1st Clements, written from Rome about 95 A.D., alludes to Mark.
8. Justin Martyr (150 A.D.), in quoting Mark 3:17, adds that it comes from Peter’s memory.
9. Clement of Alexandria (195 A.D.) asserts that those who heard Peter preach in Rome asked Mark to record these sermons.
10. Tertullian (200 A.D.) says Mark published Peter’s memories.
11. According to Eusebius, says Mark wrote the Gospel as Peter explained it to him.
12. Eusebius himself discusses the Gospel of Mark and says Mark recorded Peter’s sermons at the behest of those who heard them so that they could be read in all the churches. Eusebius bases this tradition on the writings of Clement of Alexandria.
E. Mark’s involvement seems confirmed by Mark 14:51 – 52, where a man flees naked from the Garden of Gethsemane, just after Jesus’ arrest. This unusual and totally unexpected detail seems to reflect Mark’s personal experience.
The Date
A. The Gospel is the eyewitness account and interpretation of Jesus’ life, actions, and teachings, apparently taken from Peter’s sermons. They were compiled and distributed after his death, so says the Anti-Marcionite Prologue and Irenaeus (who also adds after the death of Paul). Both Peter and Paul were martyred under Nero (67 – 69 A.D.) in Rome (church tradition). The exact dates are uncertain, but if true, then probably the date of Mark was in the mid sixties.
B. It is possible that the Anti-Marcionite Prologue and Irenaeus do not refer to Peter’s death, but his departure (i.e. exodus) from Rome. There is some traditional evidence (Justin Martyr and Hippolytus) that Peter visited Rome during the reign of Claudius (41 to 54 A.D.).
C. It seems that Luke concludes Acts with Paul still in prison in the early sixties. If it is true that Luke used Mark in his Gospel then it must have been written before Acts and, therefore, earlier than the early sixties.
D. The authorship and date of Mark does not in any way affect the historical / theological / evangelistic truths of this or any gospel. Jesus, not the author, is the key figure!
B. It is possible that the Anti-Marcionite Prologue and Irenaeus do not refer to Peter’s death, but his departure (i.e. exodus) from Rome. There is some traditional evidence (Justin Martyr and Hippolytus) that Peter visited Rome during the reign of Claudius (41 to 54 A.D.).
C. It seems that Luke concludes Acts with Paul still in prison in the early sixties. If it is true that Luke used Mark in his Gospel then it must have been written before Acts and, therefore, earlier than the early sixties.
D. The authorship and date of Mark does not in any way affect the historical / theological / evangelistic truths of this or any gospel. Jesus, not the author, is the key figure!
The Recipients
A. Mark is connected to Rome by several early church writers almost universal.
1. 1st Peter 5:13
2. Anti-Marcionite Prologue (Italy)
3. Irenaeus
4. Clement of Alexandria
B. Mark does not specifically state his purposes in writing the Gospel. There have been several theories...
1. an evangelistic tract (Mark 1:1) written specifically to Christian Romans (Mark 1:15 and 10:45)
2. persecution following the fire in Rome in 64 A.D., which Nero blamed on the Christians, initiated a terrible wave of death and persecution towards believers. Mark often mentions persecution. Jesus’ suffering...
Mark 8:31..."And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." (NASB)
Mark 9:39..."But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." (NASB)
Mark 10:33 – 34, 45..."...{saying, } "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill {Him,} and three days later He will rise again." (NASB)
HIS followers’ suffering...
Mark 8:34 – 38..."And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (NASB)
Mark 10:21..."Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (NASB)
3. the delayed Second Coming
4. the death of eyewitnesses to Jesus, especially the Apostles
5. the rise of heresies within the wide-spread Christian churches
a. Judaizers (Galatians)
b. Gnostics (1st John)
c. the combination of a. and b. (Colossians and Ephesians; 2nd Peter 2)
1. 1st Peter 5:13
2. Anti-Marcionite Prologue (Italy)
3. Irenaeus
4. Clement of Alexandria
B. Mark does not specifically state his purposes in writing the Gospel. There have been several theories...
1. an evangelistic tract (Mark 1:1) written specifically to Christian Romans (Mark 1:15 and 10:45)
2. persecution following the fire in Rome in 64 A.D., which Nero blamed on the Christians, initiated a terrible wave of death and persecution towards believers. Mark often mentions persecution. Jesus’ suffering...
Mark 8:31..."And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." (NASB)
Mark 9:39..."But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." (NASB)
Mark 10:33 – 34, 45..."...{saying, } "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill {Him,} and three days later He will rise again." (NASB)
HIS followers’ suffering...
Mark 8:34 – 38..."And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (NASB)
Mark 10:21..."Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (NASB)
3. the delayed Second Coming
4. the death of eyewitnesses to Jesus, especially the Apostles
5. the rise of heresies within the wide-spread Christian churches
a. Judaizers (Galatians)
b. Gnostics (1st John)
c. the combination of a. and b. (Colossians and Ephesians; 2nd Peter 2)
The Characteristics
The Book of Mark...
A. emphasizes Jesus’ actions
B. writes with a vivid, forceful, and descriptive style.
Mark 2:4..."Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying." (NASB)
Mark 4:37 – 38..."And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (NASB)
Mark 5:2 – 5..."When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones." (NASB)
Mark 6:39..."And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass." (NASB)
Mark 7:33..."Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue {with the saliva;}..." (NASB)
Mark 8:23 – 24..."Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I see {them} like trees, walking around." (NASB)
C. portrays his subjects with unusual candor
D. remains dominated by Jesus’ movement toward The Cross and The Resurrection
A. emphasizes Jesus’ actions
B. writes with a vivid, forceful, and descriptive style.
Mark 2:4..."Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying." (NASB)
Mark 4:37 – 38..."And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (NASB)
Mark 5:2 – 5..."When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones." (NASB)
Mark 6:39..."And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass." (NASB)
Mark 7:33..."Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue {with the saliva;}..." (NASB)
Mark 8:23 – 24..."Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I see {them} like trees, walking around." (NASB)
C. portrays his subjects with unusual candor
D. remains dominated by Jesus’ movement toward The Cross and The Resurrection
The Outline
I. Introduction 1:1 – 13
A. The title of the book 1:1
B. Jesus' preparation for ministry 1:2 – 13
1. The ministry of John the Baptist 1:2 – 8
2. The baptism of Jesus 1:9 – 11
3. The temptation of Jesus 1:12 – 13
II. The Servant's early Galilean ministry 1:14 – 3:6
A. The beginning of Jesus' ministry 1:14 – 20
1. The message of the Servant 1:14 – 15
2. The first disciples of the Servant 1:16 – 20
B. Early demonstrations of the Servant's authority 1:21 – 34
1. Jesus' teaching and healing in the Capernaum synagogue 1:21 – 28
2. The healing of Peter's mother-in-law 1:29 – 31
3. Jesus' healing of many Galileans after sundown 1:32 – 34
C. Jesus' early ministry throughout Galilee 1:35 – 45
1. The first preaching tour of Galilee 1:35 – 39
2. The cleansing of a leprous Jew 1:40 – 45
D. Jesus' initial conflict with the religious leaders 2:1 – 3:6
1. The healing and forgiveness of a paralytic 2:1 – 12
2. The call of Levi and his feast 2:13 – 17
3. The religious leaders' question about fasting 2:18 – 22
4. The controversies about Sabbath observance 2:23 – 3:6
III. The Servant's later Galilean ministry 3:7 – 6:6a
A. The broadening of Jesus' ministry 3:7 – 19
1. Jesus' ministry to the multitudes 3:7 – 12
2. Jesus' selection of 12 disciples 3:13 – 19
B. The increasing rejection of Jesus and its result 3:20 – 4:34
1. The increasing rejection of Jesus 3:20 – 35
2. Jesus' teaching in parables 4:1 – 34
C. Jesus' demonstrations of power and the Nazarenes' rejection 4:35 – 6:6a
1. The demonstrations of Jesus' power 4:35 – 5:43
2. Jesus rejection by the Nazarenes 6:1 – 6a
IV. The Servant's self-revelation to the disciples 6:6b – 8:30
A. The mission of the Twelve 6:6b – 30
1. The sending of the Twelve 6:6b – 13
2. The failure of Antipas to understand Jesus' identity 6:14 – 29
3. The return of the Twelve 6:30
B. The 1st cycle of self-revelation to the disciples 6:31 – 7:37
1. The feeding of the 5,000 6:31 – 44
2. Jesus' walking on the water and the return to Galilee 6:45 – 56
3. The controversy with the Pharisees and scribes over defilement 7:1 – 23
4. Jesus' teaching about bread and the exorcism of a Phoenician girl 7:24 – 30
5. The healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment 7:31 – 36
6. The preliminary confession of faith 7:37
C. The 2nd cycle of self-revelation to the disciples 8:1 – 30
1. The feeding of the 4,000 8:1 – 9
2. The return to Galilee 8:10
3. Conflict with the Pharisees over signs 8:11 – 13
4. Jesus' teaching about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod 8:14 – 21
5. The healing of a blind man near Bethsaida 8:22 – 26
6. Peter's confession of faith 8:27 – 30
V. The Servant's journey to Jerusalem 8:31 – 10:52
A. The 1st passion prediction and its lessons 8:31 – 9:29
1. The 1st major prophecy of Jesus' passion 8:31 – 33
2. The requirements of discipleship 8:34 – 9:1
3. The Transfiguration 9:2 – 8
4. The coming of Elijah 9:9 – 13
5. The exorcism of an epileptic boy 9:14 – 29
B. The 2nd passion prediction and its lessons 9:30 – 10:31
1. The 2nd major prophecy of Jesus' passion 9:30 – 32
2. The pitfalls of discipleship 9:33 – 50
3. Lessons concerning self-sacrifice 10:1 – 31
C. The 3rd passion prediction and its lessons 10:32 – 52
1. The 3rd major prophecy of Jesus' passion 10:32 – 34
2. Jesus' teaching about serving 10:35 – 45
3. The healing of a blind man near Jericho 10:46 – 52
VI. The Servant's ministry in Jerusalem chs. 11 – 13
A. Jesus' formal presentation to Israel 11:1 – 26
1. The Triumphal Entry 11:1 – 11
2. Jesus' judgment on unbelieving Israel 11:12 – 26
B. Jesus' teaching in the temple 11:27 – 12:44
1. The controversy over Jesus' authority 11:27 – 12:12
2. The controversy over Jesus' teaching 12:13 – 37
3. Jesus' condemnation of hypocrisy and commendation of reality 12:38 – 44
C. Jesus' teaching on Mt. Olivet ch. 13
1. The setting 13:1 – 4
2. Warnings against deception 13:5 – 8
3. Warnings about personal danger during deceptions 13:9 – 13
4. The coming crisis 13:14 – 23
5. The 2nd Coming of the Son of Man 13:24 – 27
6. The time of Jesus' return 13:28 – 32
7. The concluding exhortation 13:33 – 37
VII. The Servant's passion ministry chs. 14 – 15
A. The Servant's anticipation of suffering 14:1 – 52
1. Jesus' sufferings because of betrayal 14:1 – 11
2. Jesus' sufferings because of desertion 14:12 – 52
B. The Servant's endurance of suffering 14:53 – 15:47
1. Jesus' Jewish trial 14:53 – 15:1
2. Jesus' Roman trial 15:2 – 20
3. Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial 15:21 – 47
VIII. The Servant's resurrection ch. 16
A. The announcement of Jesus' resurrection 16:1 – 8
B. The appearances and ascension of Jesus 16:9 – 20
1. Three post-resurrection appearances 16:9 – 18
2. Jesus' ascension 16:19 – 20
A. The title of the book 1:1
B. Jesus' preparation for ministry 1:2 – 13
1. The ministry of John the Baptist 1:2 – 8
2. The baptism of Jesus 1:9 – 11
3. The temptation of Jesus 1:12 – 13
II. The Servant's early Galilean ministry 1:14 – 3:6
A. The beginning of Jesus' ministry 1:14 – 20
1. The message of the Servant 1:14 – 15
2. The first disciples of the Servant 1:16 – 20
B. Early demonstrations of the Servant's authority 1:21 – 34
1. Jesus' teaching and healing in the Capernaum synagogue 1:21 – 28
2. The healing of Peter's mother-in-law 1:29 – 31
3. Jesus' healing of many Galileans after sundown 1:32 – 34
C. Jesus' early ministry throughout Galilee 1:35 – 45
1. The first preaching tour of Galilee 1:35 – 39
2. The cleansing of a leprous Jew 1:40 – 45
D. Jesus' initial conflict with the religious leaders 2:1 – 3:6
1. The healing and forgiveness of a paralytic 2:1 – 12
2. The call of Levi and his feast 2:13 – 17
3. The religious leaders' question about fasting 2:18 – 22
4. The controversies about Sabbath observance 2:23 – 3:6
III. The Servant's later Galilean ministry 3:7 – 6:6a
A. The broadening of Jesus' ministry 3:7 – 19
1. Jesus' ministry to the multitudes 3:7 – 12
2. Jesus' selection of 12 disciples 3:13 – 19
B. The increasing rejection of Jesus and its result 3:20 – 4:34
1. The increasing rejection of Jesus 3:20 – 35
2. Jesus' teaching in parables 4:1 – 34
C. Jesus' demonstrations of power and the Nazarenes' rejection 4:35 – 6:6a
1. The demonstrations of Jesus' power 4:35 – 5:43
2. Jesus rejection by the Nazarenes 6:1 – 6a
IV. The Servant's self-revelation to the disciples 6:6b – 8:30
A. The mission of the Twelve 6:6b – 30
1. The sending of the Twelve 6:6b – 13
2. The failure of Antipas to understand Jesus' identity 6:14 – 29
3. The return of the Twelve 6:30
B. The 1st cycle of self-revelation to the disciples 6:31 – 7:37
1. The feeding of the 5,000 6:31 – 44
2. Jesus' walking on the water and the return to Galilee 6:45 – 56
3. The controversy with the Pharisees and scribes over defilement 7:1 – 23
4. Jesus' teaching about bread and the exorcism of a Phoenician girl 7:24 – 30
5. The healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment 7:31 – 36
6. The preliminary confession of faith 7:37
C. The 2nd cycle of self-revelation to the disciples 8:1 – 30
1. The feeding of the 4,000 8:1 – 9
2. The return to Galilee 8:10
3. Conflict with the Pharisees over signs 8:11 – 13
4. Jesus' teaching about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod 8:14 – 21
5. The healing of a blind man near Bethsaida 8:22 – 26
6. Peter's confession of faith 8:27 – 30
V. The Servant's journey to Jerusalem 8:31 – 10:52
A. The 1st passion prediction and its lessons 8:31 – 9:29
1. The 1st major prophecy of Jesus' passion 8:31 – 33
2. The requirements of discipleship 8:34 – 9:1
3. The Transfiguration 9:2 – 8
4. The coming of Elijah 9:9 – 13
5. The exorcism of an epileptic boy 9:14 – 29
B. The 2nd passion prediction and its lessons 9:30 – 10:31
1. The 2nd major prophecy of Jesus' passion 9:30 – 32
2. The pitfalls of discipleship 9:33 – 50
3. Lessons concerning self-sacrifice 10:1 – 31
C. The 3rd passion prediction and its lessons 10:32 – 52
1. The 3rd major prophecy of Jesus' passion 10:32 – 34
2. Jesus' teaching about serving 10:35 – 45
3. The healing of a blind man near Jericho 10:46 – 52
VI. The Servant's ministry in Jerusalem chs. 11 – 13
A. Jesus' formal presentation to Israel 11:1 – 26
1. The Triumphal Entry 11:1 – 11
2. Jesus' judgment on unbelieving Israel 11:12 – 26
B. Jesus' teaching in the temple 11:27 – 12:44
1. The controversy over Jesus' authority 11:27 – 12:12
2. The controversy over Jesus' teaching 12:13 – 37
3. Jesus' condemnation of hypocrisy and commendation of reality 12:38 – 44
C. Jesus' teaching on Mt. Olivet ch. 13
1. The setting 13:1 – 4
2. Warnings against deception 13:5 – 8
3. Warnings about personal danger during deceptions 13:9 – 13
4. The coming crisis 13:14 – 23
5. The 2nd Coming of the Son of Man 13:24 – 27
6. The time of Jesus' return 13:28 – 32
7. The concluding exhortation 13:33 – 37
VII. The Servant's passion ministry chs. 14 – 15
A. The Servant's anticipation of suffering 14:1 – 52
1. Jesus' sufferings because of betrayal 14:1 – 11
2. Jesus' sufferings because of desertion 14:12 – 52
B. The Servant's endurance of suffering 14:53 – 15:47
1. Jesus' Jewish trial 14:53 – 15:1
2. Jesus' Roman trial 15:2 – 20
3. Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial 15:21 – 47
VIII. The Servant's resurrection ch. 16
A. The announcement of Jesus' resurrection 16:1 – 8
B. The appearances and ascension of Jesus 16:9 – 20
1. Three post-resurrection appearances 16:9 – 18
2. Jesus' ascension 16:19 – 20
Map Locations to Plot
1. Judea and Jerusalem, 1:4..."John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (NASB)
2. Jordon River, 1:5..."And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins." (NASB)
3. Nazareth and Galilee, 1:9..."In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." (NASB)
4. Capernaum, 1:21..."They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and {began} to teach." (NASB)
5. Idumea / Tyre / Sidon, 3:8..."...and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him." (NASB)
6. Gerasenes, 5:1..."They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." (NASB)
7. Decapolis, 5:20..."And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed." (NASB)
8. Bethsaida, 6:45..."Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of {Him} to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away." (NASB)
9. Dalmanutha, 8:10..."And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha." (NASB)
10. Jericho, 10:46..."Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar {named} Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road." (NASB)
11. Mount of Olives, 11:1..."As they *approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He *sent two of His disciples..." (NASB)
12. Gethsemane, 14:32..."They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." (NASB)
2. Jordon River, 1:5..."And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins." (NASB)
3. Nazareth and Galilee, 1:9..."In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." (NASB)
4. Capernaum, 1:21..."They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and {began} to teach." (NASB)
5. Idumea / Tyre / Sidon, 3:8..."...and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him." (NASB)
6. Gerasenes, 5:1..."They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." (NASB)
7. Decapolis, 5:20..."And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed." (NASB)
8. Bethsaida, 6:45..."Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of {Him} to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away." (NASB)
9. Dalmanutha, 8:10..."And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha." (NASB)
10. Jericho, 10:46..."Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar {named} Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road." (NASB)
11. Mount of Olives, 11:1..."As they *approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He *sent two of His disciples..." (NASB)
12. Gethsemane, 14:32..."They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." (NASB)
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