1. A tale of mystery, conflict, irony and pathos Mark

2.  First Gospel written 65–73 CE Shortest Gospel Lacks birth and resurrection narratives  Mark 13 may refer to Jewish War, 64–70 CE  Follows format of early Christian preaching Date and Place

3.  Anonymous  Papias identifies author as “Peter’s interpreter” (1 Pet. 5:13; box 6.1)  Devout Christian Jesus is Son of God and Messiah (Mark 1:1)  Cites Hebrew scriptures as word of God  Less knowledgeable about Palestine  Assumes knowledge of Latin terms but explains Aramaic Author

4.  Roman Christians  Believe Jesus’ story is sacred history  Identify with the terrors in Mark 13  Need comfort, encouragement Are they undergoing local persecution? Are they in Rome when Nero persecutes Christians there, mid 60s CE? Community

5.  Everything happens “immediately” (Euthus!); new changes are here  Colloquial, unrefined Greek Suspension of correct grammar Use of historical present (past tense and present continuous in same sentence: “Jesus went into a Synagogue. Immediately, Jesus is speaking...”)  Intercalation Interweaves one story with another to illumine both (box 6.5)  Abrupt, confusing ending (16:8) Style

6.  Urgency  Messianic secret 4:10-12 1:43-44; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26  Ambiguity—do we really understand? 8:14 – 21  Human portrait of Jesus  Cross is central Box 6.6  Present Kingdom “Holiness is contagious” and now transforms the unclean New obedience to God is possible now  Future Kingdom Jesus returns Brings judgment and deliverance Key Themes

7.  Mark portrays disciples “negatively” They have difficulty understanding Jesus They don’t recognize who Jesus is (Messiah)  Peter correctly confesses Jesus (8:29) But only partially understands; receives rebuke Disciples misconstrue the Messianic purpose Like the blind men (Mark 8:22–26 and 10:46–52) Judas betrays Jesus; Peter denies Jesus Only women do not abandon Jesus at the cross  For Mark, discipleship is about staying in relationship, not achieving success Disciples

8.  Jesus heals people and casts out demons (1:1–8:30)  Jesus teaches (8:31–10:52) First prediction (8:31–34) Second prediction (9:30–32) Third prediction (10:32–34)  Teaching in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)  Passion and crucifixion (14:1–15:47)  Empty tomb (16:1–8)  Additional endings Outline