1. The Gospel According to Mark

2. Gospel?
aretalogy - divine works
memoir of a sage
bios

3. Characteristics
Jesus is the powerful King, bringing the Kingdom of God
Jesus tries to keep his identity hidden at the beginning of the Gospel (Messianic Secret)
Mark writes a brief account in rapid prose with occasional intimate detail
Mark displays literary finesse through the use of bookends and sandwiches.

4. Background Who is the Author?
John Mark, recording the memories of Peter
Where was it written?
In Rome
When was it written?
late 60’s AD
To Whom was it written?
Gentile Christians

5. Palestine
in the Time of Jesus