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An introduction to the book of Mark.
Mark may have become a follower of Jesus
when he was a young man
living with his mother in Jerusalem.
In fact, it seems that their home
was used as a meeting place
by the early Christian congregation.
While Mark may have had
limited contact with Jesus,
he enjoyed association
with the apostles Peter and Paul
as well as Mark’s cousin Barnabas.
He had the privilege
to assist Paul and Barnabas
in the missionary work.
His ministry also took him
to such distant places as Babylon and Rome.
Perhaps between the years 60 and 65 C.E.,
while in Rome,
Mark wrote an account of Jesus’ life.
This became the third Gospel to be circulated
among the early Christian congregations.
Although most of Mark’s information
is also contained in the other Gospels,
he does include some unique details.
For example,
it is evident that this book was written
with a non-Jewish audience in mind,
especially the Romans.
Mark explains Jewish expressions
and customs that would have been unfamiliar
to Romans and other non-Jews.
He may have obtained much of his information
from Peter,
who was an eyewitness
of practically all that Mark recorded.
Peter’s eyewitness testimony may be seen
in Mark’s vivid descriptions
of Jesus’ activity and feelings.
The book contains 16 chapters
and is the shortest of the four Gospels.
It covers the time period from 29 to 33 C.E.
Chapters 1 to 10
begin with John the Baptizer’s ministry
and Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
Then Mark describes
Jesus’ exciting three-and-a-half-year ministry.
These chapters recount
Jesus’ selection of his apostles,
many of his miracles,
and examples of his tender care
and concern for people.
Chapters 11 to 15
outline Jesus’ final week of activity
leading up to his arrest and execution.
Did you know?
Mark was likely the young man who ran away,
leaving his garment behind,
on the night Jesus was arrested.
Finally, chapter 16 shows
that three faithful women
are the first to discover
that Jesus has been resurrected!
As you read this Gospel,
note how Jesus demonstrated his power
over sickness, death,
and the forces of nature;
how he showed his tender care
and concern for people;
and how he zealously carried out
his Father’s will
—providing a glimpse of his future rulership
as King of God’s Kingdom.

Introduction to Mark