Who

John Mark (protégé to the Apostle Peter) to Gentile Unbelievers in the early Church era

Where & When

The Gospel of Mark was most likely written at the start of Roman persecution of Christianity between AD 60 and AD 65 given the focus on Jesus’ life as an example of suffering and service, which Mark’s mentor, Peter, instructed the early church to emulate (1 Peter 2:21–25). It was perhaps penned from Rome itself, given the fact that Mark likely ministered with Peter in Rome and also given the book’s Roman flavor and theme. Arguably, Mark composed his gospel under the auspices of Peter while he was still alive, but perhaps close to his martyrdom.

Why

To portray Jesus as the conquering hero of the world, who is greater than any other Roman Caesar or warrior, and who is bestowed with supreme authority, calling upon all Gentiles to transition allegiance from Caesar to Jesus. Mark highlights Jesus’ uncontested authority by relating Jesus’ movements with a quick-strike tempo and decisive action (i.e. similar to a Roman Caesar conquering the known world), and yet one that recognizes that servanthood in suffering is the most genuine and effective leadership.

How

Be paying attention to these important terms that occur in this book:

  • Titles of Jesus (e.g., Son of God, Son of Man, Son of David, the Messiah)
  • Immediately (or Suddenly, Instantly)
  • Authority (or Dominion)
  • Kingdom (or King, Dominion, Rule, Reign)

Specifically, note the several instances in which Jesus strongly urges people to not spread the word of His miraculous work to heal or cast out demons (e.g., Mark 1:38, 43; 3:12; 5:37, 40; 7:36; 9:2, 9, 30) and yet the instances in which the news went forth anyways (e.g., Mark 1:28, 37, 45; 3:7—10; 4:41; 5:19–20; 6:33; 6:54–56; 7:25, 36). Jesus’ mission is intended to be one of relative public secrecy and directed to the individual as He garners allegiance one by one from His Kingdom citizens. Nevertheless, the public news of Him spread, leading to His rejection, suffering, and death.

Literary Outline

Jesus’s ministry is fast-paced with a lightning-strike tempo of decisive action and precision. Arguably, this is intentional for Mark to highlight Jesus as a better conqueror than Caesar, or any other ruler in history.

  • Mark 1:1 – 8:26 Jesus Exerts His Authority over Gentile Territory
  • Mark 8:27 – 10:52 Jesus’ March to Israel’s Capital—Jerusalem
  • Mark 10:53 – 16:8 Jesus Exerts His Authority upon the Capital and Is Victorious