LEAVE A MARK

A Study in the Gospel of Mark 

Mark, who was the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately all that he remembered, whether of sayingss or doing of Christ, but not necessarily in order of the actual events. 

Mark was young, perhaps in his teens, at the time of Jesus' death and resurrection.  Evidently his mother, Mary, was a well-to-do widow who had come to faith in Christ. Many surmise that Mary's house was the site of the Last supper (14:12-26) and the home where the disciples gathered at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4); some believe that Mark was the young man who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane (14:51-52).  

Mark also enjoyed a very close relationship with Peter.  In fact, Peter may have led Mark to Christ because he calls Mark "my son" (1 Peter 5:13).  After Paul's release from prison in A.D. 62, Mark may have stayed in Rome to work closely with Peter.  Mark probably left Rome in about A.D. 65 or 66, during Nero's intense persecution.  Both Paul and Peter were executed by Nero in about A.D. 67 or 68.  According to tradition, Mark died soon after.

The outline of the Gospel of Mark closely follows the skeleton of Peter's preaching (Acts 10:36-41).  

Mark presents the Gospel History.  The first 13 verses set it up with clarity.  It is the story of the life of the son of God who gave Himself redemptively for the world.  As you read the gospel you are challenged to discover the mystery of the Person of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the point of Mark's story.  

CHRIST'S SERVICE OCCUPIES THE BULK OF MARK

CHRIST'S SACRIFICE CLOSES THE BOOK