2. Context for Gospel of Mark Author:  Written by John Mark  Son of Mary from Acts 12  Cousin of Barnabas  Mark went with Paul & Barnabas on 1 st missionary journey.  Mark deserted them  Paul eventually saw Mark as profitable for ministry.

3. Context for Gospel of Mark Author:  Mark was Not an Apostle  He was the companion of the Apostle Peter.  Mark wrote from the eyewitness account of the Apostle Peter

4.  “Mark having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately whatsoever he remembered. It was not however, in exact order that he related the sayings or deeds of Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor accompanied him. But afterwards, followed Peter…wherefore Mark made no mistake in thus writing some things as he remembered them. For of one thing he took especial care, to omit none of the things he had heard, and not to put anything untrue into the statements.”

5. Context for Gospel of Mark Audience:  Written to Gentile Roman Christians  Explains why no genealogy in Mark  Also contains least amount of OT references  Gospel most likely written sometime around AD – 55-65.

6. Context for Gospel of Mark Purpose & Theme:  Mark presents Jesus as the Serving and Suffering Savior.  Mark focuses on the deeds and actions of Jesus not his teaching.  Mark emphasizes the humanity of Christ.  The Synoptic Problem

7. 3 Parts to Mark’s Gospel Message 1) The Beginning of the Gospel 2) The Preparation to the Gospel 3) The Person of the Gospel