Mark 1

Introduction to the gospel of Mark—Most Bible scholars think that the author of this gospel is John Mark, who went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but then turned back at Perga and Pamphylia, for a reason not mentioned (Acts 13). But whatever it was, Paul and Barnabas had a rather severe contention over Mark before their second journey; Paul didn’t want him to go, but Barnabas did. The disagreement was of such that they split and went their separate ways (Acts 15:36-40). Yet Mark eventually became acceptable and helpful to Paul in his work (II Tim. 4:11). It is widely believed that Mark was a close companion of Peter since the latter calls him “my son” in I Peter 5:13. And that belief has led many to conclude that Peter was the human source for much of this gospel.

Mark’s audience in the book is Roman—again, this is surmise, since the gospel doesn’t specify to whom it is written. But there is a lot of action in the book and not a lot of intricate theology, and that would appeal to the Romans. Occasionally Mark explains Jewish customs which the Gentiles wouldn’t have understood. Regardless, it’s the shortest of the gospels, but strong, powerful witness for the deity of Christ.

Much of the material in the gospel is also found in Matthew and I’ve covered it there, so I won’t go into as much detail here, but I will hit the main point of each section.

The work of John the Baptist (vs. 1-8)—Mark covers nothing about the birth of Jesus, but starts with John the Baptist. His work is the fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 40). John’s work was preparatory of Christ’s: “And he preached, saying, 'There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose'” (v. 7). He will have disciples for many years afterwards, as is clear from Acts 18.

Jesus’ baptism and temptation (vs. 9-13)—Again, Mark gives a very brief synopsis of these events. He does mention the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove (v. 10), and the Father’s pronouncement of pleasure upon the Son (v. 11). Two verses with almost no details are given to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and temptation (vs. 12-13).

Jesus’ preaching and the call of the first four disciples (vs. 14-22)—Mark completely skips Jesus’ first year of preaching; John is the only one who deals with that in much detail. Christ’s Galilean ministry took place in his second year of preaching. Peter, Andrew, James, and John knew the Lord almost from the beginning of His ministry, so when He called them to the apostleship, they were ready to follow Him. Apparently, it wasn’t too much of a hardship, at least on James and John’s father; they must have had some degree of wealth because verse 20 speaks of “hired servants.”

Jesus casts out an unclean sprit (vs. 23-28)—Here is the first “real” action of Christ recorded by Mark. He goes into a synagogue and casts out a demon. The people responded with astonishment: “Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him’" (v. 27).

More healing and preaching (vs. 29-39)—One of the reasons it is believed that Mark wrote for a Roman audience is all the miracles He performed. The Romans, being a very powerful empire, would have been impressed by the miraculous abilities and powers of Christ. So it’s not terribly surprising the Mark begins his gospel with a lot of mighty works that Jesus did. It would be eye catching to the Romans and impressive to them.

He heals a leper (vs. 40-45)—Another great miracle. In verses 43-44, Jesus told the man, “And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone.’” The reason Jesus didn’t want all of this broadcast is stated in verse 45: “he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places.” Jesus wasn’t able to travel as freely the more His reputation spread.