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I. To Whom:
- a. The book is supposed to have been written to Romans for the following reasons:
[Just because written to Romans does not remove its universal message].
- i. When Mark first mentions the Jordan he is sure to write, “the river Jordan” (1:
5; compare Matt 3:5, 6; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:28).
ii. He wrote of the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fasting (2:18), which
would have been unnecessary information for Jews.
iii. He wrote, “the time of figs was not yet” (11:13), which would have been
something known to the Jew.
iv. Explains Jewish customs (777:3, 4, 11).
- b. These extra explanations have caused many to conclude that he was writing to
those not familiar with Palestine; hence Romans.
- i. However, we must note that these are only conclusions that have been
drawn based upon little evidence.
ii. Suffice it to say, however, that Mark’s gospel account is for all.
- II. Date:
- a. As was previously discussed, it is not always easy, nor are we always able to
accurately place a precise date on certain books of the New Testament.
- i. This is the case with the book of Mark.
ii. It has long been held by many scholars to be the first gospel record written;
with this your teacher concurs.
- b. The best date to be placed on the book would be between 56 & 60 A.D.
- i. Besides this nothing can be stated with certainty.
ii. The date, however, remains of little importance as compared to the
material contained therein.
III. Author:
- a. The author is undoubtedly “John whose surname was Mark” (Ac 12:12) for the
following reasons:
- i. There is uniformity of agreement by early Christian writers and historians,
such as: Papias (who wrote only 78 years after the death of Jesus), Irenaeus
(who wrote during the same 2nd century), Eusebius, Origen, Epiphanius, and
Jerome.
ii. There is an overwhelming absence of doubt among ancient and modern
scholars.
iii. When a writing is 1st put into circulation, as was Mark’s gospel record, we
must understand that its author was/is known to the readers. As in Mark’s
case, none are ever recorded as questioning him as the author.
- b. Mark was not an apostle, but many believe that he had personal contact with
Jesus (some believe him to be the young man about whom he writes in 14:51, 52).
- i. Because of his mother’s association with the apostles (Ac 12:12), which led
to his association with them, it is reasonable to conclude that he was one of
the disciples of Jesus, and a part of the 120 after His resurrection.
ii. He was the nephew of Barnabas (Col 4:10), whose name was actually
John (a Greek name—Ac 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13).
iii. Later he was referenced by the Roman name (Mark[us]—15:37-39; 1 Pet
5:13; Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11; Phile 24).
iv. The name Mark means: he who gives a defense.
v. A surname was a name added, sort of as a nickname, which is descriptive
of a person’s character or occupation.
IV. Purpose:
- a. It may be noted that the record was primarily written to give the Romans an
account of the life and ministry of Jesus.
b. He seems to focus primarily on Jesus’ purpose.
c. Theme: “Believe the gospel”—1:14, 15.
- i. Uses the term believe[ed, eth] 17x.
- 1. Matthew: 9x.
2. Luke: 10x.
3. John 96x.
- ii. 10:45.
- 1. Shown—“came.”
2. Service—“not to be ministered unto.”
3. Sacrifice—“to give his life a ransom for many.”
- iii. Starts and ends with the concept of the gospel:
- 1. 1:1.
2. 16:15.
- d. To prove that Jesus is the Son of God (1:1; 14:62; cf. John 20:30,31), who offers
salvation, which is why Jesus came to earth (10:45; 2:17).
V. Interesting Facts:
- a. He records more of the events of Jesus’ life than he does of His teachings (cf. Ac
1:1).
b. He records 31 miracles (1:23-27, 29-31, 34, 39, 40-42; 2:1-12, 8; 3:1-5, 10, 11,
22; 4:35-41; 5:1-20, 25-34, 35-43; 6:5, 30-44, 48-49; 6:51, 55, 56; 7:24-30, 31-37;
8:1-9, 22-26; 9:2-4, 14-29; 10:46-52; 11:12-14, 20, 21; 16:9) and only 4 parables (4:
3-9, 14-20, 26-29; 30-32; 12:1-9).
c. He begins with the ministry of John and Jesus and surpasses the account of the
virgin birth.
d. Gives the purpose of John’s baptism (1:4), which:
- i. Destroys Billingsly doctrine, and...
ii. Shows that those of the 120 were not in need of being baptized again of
the day of Pentecost.
- e. Importance of prayer—1:35.
f. Only record of the blind healing as recorded in 8:22-26.
- i. 2 Miracles haven taken place.
ii. Made to see.
iii. Made to comprehend what was seen.
- g. The bare principle of divorce—10:11, 12.
- i. Simplistic teaching.
ii. Matthew gives acceptation to the rule (Matt 19:9).
- h. Clarification on riches—10:24.
- i. Not just being rich (Matt 19:23, 24).
ii. Those who “trust in riches.”
- i. The signs were to be in the lifetime of the generation then present—13:30.
j. Mark gives the clearest, most simplistic statement of the great commission and
man’s salvation—16:15, 16.
k. Deals with death of John—6:14-29.