Mark Introduction (The Open Bible)

Author of the Book of Mark

According to Acts 12:12, Mark’s mother Mary had a large house that was used as a meeting place for believers in Jerusalem. Peter apparently went to this house often because the servant girl recognized his voice at the gate (Acts 12:13–16). Barnabas was Mark’s cousin (Col. 4:10), but Peter may have been the person who led him to Christ (Peter called him “Mark my son,” 1 Pet. 5:13). Scripture often refers to John (also called Mark) when referencing Mark. (Acts 12:12, Acts 12:25, Acts 15:37).

The early church uniformly attested that Mark wrote this gospel. Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen are among the church fathers who affirmed Marcan authorship.

Mark Key Verse

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45). This theme repeats many times through Mark highlighting Jesus life as service and sacrifice.

Time of Mark

Many scholars believe that Mark was the first gospel written but the exact date is uncertain. It is also believed that this book was written to Gentiles rather than Jews mainly because of the way Mark translated Aramaic names, phrases and customs so the readers would better understand (Mark 3:17; 5:41; 7:34; 15:22).