Mark was written by John Mark around 50-60 AD for Gentile audiences. It focuses on portraying Jesus as the tireless servant of God through his deeds and suffering. The Gospel highlights Jesus' miracles, conflicts with religious leaders, and obedient death, culminating in his resurrection and commissioning of disciples to preach the gospel. With vivid detail, Mark emphasizes that Jesus came to serve through his actions, not just his words.

2. THEME The theme of the Gospel of Mark is Christ, “the tireless servant of God and man”

3. AUTHOR John Mark, the son of Mary of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) and one considered to be a convert of Peter, wrote the second Gospel which was called “Peter’s Gospel” by some ancient writers. Ancient tradition certifies that he was a companion of Peter. Relative of Barnabas ( Colossians 4:10)

4. Mark also accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey. Because he turned back at Perga, he became the reason for the apostles parting company for their second journey.(Acts 13:13) Barnabas was determined to give him a second chance and Mark became successful. The Apostle Paul recognized this and spoke of him as being profitable (11 Timothy 4:11).

5. 2Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

6. DATE Mark, the first Gospel to be written, was penned between 50 and 60 A.D.

7. TO WHOM WRITTEN It is evident from the book’s literary style that Mark wrote his Gospel primarily for Roman or Gentile readers. Many Latin words, such as centurion and legion, are used and Jewish words and customs are explained.

8. The book contains few references to the Old Testament. The average Roman cared little for doctrine and teaching but a great deal for action. Therefore Mark’s biography is filled with scenes of energy and movement. In this Gospel, the deeds, not the words, of Jesus are emphasized: nineteen miracles are recorded, but only four parables are listed.

9. COMMENTS Undoubtedly, Mark represented the more accurate course and order of the incidents in the life of Jesus. Mark’s writings, the simplest and shortest of the Gospels, are rich in detail ,dramatic, graphic, and animated in style.

10. It was written not long after the terrible persecutions began under Nero. The Christians were subject to horrible punishments, and when the Gospel is read with the bloody catastrophe as a background, we see why Mark stressed the sufferings of Jesus and gave prominence to His passion.

11. The order of the book is chronological, geographical and topical. It contains the same basic matter as Matthew, though in a different arrangement

12. CONTENTS 1. The Arrival and Identity of the Servant (1:1-11) Mark’s Gospel begins with the ministry of John and the baptism of Jesus. No mention is made of Jesus’ birth or infancy; neither is a genealogy given.

13. 2. The Fidelity of the Servant (1:12-13) Mark 1:12, 13 record Jesus’ victory over Satan in the wilderness.

15. in 1:21-2:12, He performed His first works;

16. in 1:16-3:35, He enlisted subjects for His kingdom.

17. He explained His kingdom in 4:1-34,

18. and conquered nature, demons, disease, and death in 4:35-5:43.

20. 4. The Servant Obedient to Death (14:1-15:47) Jesus Christ knew that He had one mission in life to provide salvation for mankind by becoming the sinless Lamb slain for man’s sin. In chapter 14, He prepared for His death in the garden; He yielded to death in chapter 15.

21. 5. The Risen and Glorified One Still a Servant (16:1-20) The resurrection of Jesus proved that He conquered death. He sent forth His followers to proclaim His triumph. He arose! Now the Servant still continues to serve as He works through us.

22. FIRST OF ALL THE COMMANDMENTS MARK 12:28-31

23. Mark 16:15-18 Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

24. Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

25. Summary Shortest gospel Most Miracles recorded : 19 8 Over disease 5 over nature 4 over demons 2 over death