Mark

Author
The text of the gospel does not attribute this gospel to a specific author, but the earliest information about the gospel attributes it to John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10). His mother hosted a house church in Jerusalem (Ac 12:12). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch (Ac 12:25) and on their first missionary journey (Ac 13:5). He returned to Jerusalem in the middle of this trip (Ac 13:13), which was a source of dispute later on (Ac 15:37). Mark accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus, Barnabas' home (Ac 4:36, 15:39). Mark later traveled with Peter (1 Pt 5:13) and also linked up with Paul (2 Ti 4:11, Plm 24).

Recipients
The gospel does not record a specific recipient but early tradition has this gospel being addressed to the church at Rome to encourage them in the faith. One distinctive feature of this gospel is Mark's translation of Aramaic expressions (Mk 3:17, 5:41, 7:34, 15:34), which would be necessary if his readers were unfamiliar with Aramaic. This fits well with the Roman hypothesis.

Place of Origin and Date
The gospel does not have any specific references that allow us to determine a place of origin or date when it was written. Early tradition tells us that Mark wrote the gospel as a result of his travels and association with Peter. This would probably date the book around 60 A.D.

Immediate Occasion
No immediate occasion for the writing of this gospel is indicated by the author. Any occasion that may have existed will have to be shown from the internal evidence of the gospel itself.

Main Theme and Focus
The main theme of the gospel is the crucifixion of Jesus. Mark devotes nearly one third of the entire volume of this gospel to the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. This is by far the most outstanding feature of the gospel.

Additionally, the gospel is very fast- paced. It does not concern itself with what Jesus taught (like Matthew) but with what Jesus did. It begins with scarcely a mention of John the Baptist and jumps right into Jesus' ministry and conflict with the Jewish leaders (Mk 3:6), hurtling towards his meeting with the cross in Jerusalem.

This theme and style point to the gospel being used to perhaps encourage the saints in Rome during a time of persecution, showing the role of suffering in the kingdom.

Key Passages for Today
Mk 1:14-20 Jesus calls disciples.
Mk 1:35-39 The priorities of Jesus' life.
Mk 3:6 The threat upon Jesus' life.
Mk 3:13-19 The appointing of the Twelve.
Mk 6:12, 30 The discipling of the Twelve.
Mk 10:35-45 Greatness in the kingdom.
Mk 14-15 The crucifixion of Jesus.
Mk 16:1-8 The resurrection of Jesus.