Mark

About Mark

Mark is the shortest and fastest-moving Gospel, rushing from scene to scene with the word 'immediately' as Jesus announces that the kingdom of God has come near. It presents Jesus as the powerful Son of God who is also the suffering servant, giving His life as a ransom for many, and it devotes a striking share of its pages to His final week. Likely written for Christians facing persecution in Rome, Mark shows what it costs, and what it means, to follow a crucified Messiah.

Written by

Early church tradition says John Mark wrote this Gospel based on the preaching of the apostle Peter, though the book itself never names its author.

When

Most scholars date Mark to around AD 65 to 75, making it, in the view of most, the earliest of the four Gospels.

Themes

• Jesus the Son of God
• The kingdom of God is near
• The suffering servant
• The cost of following Jesus

Key verses

• Mark 1:14-15After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
• Mark 8:29“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
• Mark 10:45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”