1. Gospel: “Good tidings” “Good report” “Good news”
Mark (John Mark)
Gospel: “Good tidings”
“Good report”
“Good news”

2. Mark Early church unanimously agreed it was written by John Mark
He wrote down the preaching and teachings of Peter (he was a close associate—wait until Acts)
Most agree that it is the 1st of the 4 gospels to be written
Probably 50 – 60 A.D.
Purpose of book: Possibly written after Nero set fires to Rome (and blamed it on Christians—64 A.D.) to prepare for future persecutions as there are multiple references to suffering and discipleship; to proclaim Jesus as Son of God, who calls disciples to repent; to believe the Gospel; to bear the cross.

3. Audience:
To the church in Rome (probably), or at least to Gentile (non-Jewish) readers:
He explains Jewish customs, translates Aramaic words, and seems to have a special interest in persecution and martyrdom (which were concerning to Romans).
Mark’s Gospel is simple and succinct; very quick (using “Immediately” often). The book is characterized as “The beginning of the gospel”, as Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection are just the beginning for us. 
The “oddity” or “humanity” of Jesus

4. Themes
Law Themes: Repentance; political and religious opposition; uncleanness; authoritative teaching; hard-heartedness
Gospel Themes: Gospel; Baptism; compassion; mercy; cleansing; authoritative teaching; ransom; Lord’s Supper

5. Emphasis 1. The cross. Both the human cause and divine necessity.
2. Discipleship.
3. The teachings of Jesus. (Emphasis on Jesus as teacher: “teacher”, “teach”, or “teaching” and “Rabbi” used 39 times.)
4. The Messianic secret: On several occasions Jesus warns his disciples or the person for whom he has worked a miracle to keep silent about who he is or what he has done.
5. Son of God

6. Organization But who IS John Mark? Two main parts:
Jesus’ public ministry
Jesus’ Passion
But who IS John Mark?
Associated with Peter. First mentioned in Acts 12:12, as his mother had a house in Jerusalem that served as a meeting place for early believers. Mark travels with Paul and Barnabas at times, but had a falling out with Paul (he deserted them in Perga). Mark works hard to win back Paul’s favor, and appears to have done so by the end of Paul’s life. He’s mentioned numerous times in Acts, and then again in Col. 4:10 and 2 Ti. 4:11.

7. The Twelve Disciples Brothers Peter and Andrew: fisherman
Brothers James and John: fisherman
Philip: fisherman
Bartholomew: a.k.a. Nathanael
Matthew, a.k.a. Levi: a tax collector
Thomas: also known as the twin
James: son of Alphaeus
Thaddeus: a.k.a. Judas, son of James
Simon the zealot: a fierce patriot of Judaism
Judas Iscariot: greedy betrayer of Jesus

8. The Martyrdom of St. Mark
By Fra Angelico, circa. 1433