Gospels · New Testament

Mark

c. AD 27–30

Section: Gospels · New Testament
Events span: c. AD 27–30
Written: c. AD 55–65, from Rome (in modern-day Italy)
Author: John Mark, companion of Peter

Mark is the shortest, fastest-paced Gospel, portraying Jesus as the suffering Servant who is always on the move, “immediately” doing mighty works. It races through his Galilean ministry and miracles to the cross, calling readers to take up their own cross and follow him.

Historical setting: Roman-occupied Galilee and Judea during Jesus' ministry, the Second Temple still standing.

Key themes

Jesus the suffering Servant
Action and miracles
Discipleship and the cross
Faith and unbelief
The Son of God revealed

Key events

Galilean Ministry (Mark 1–8)

John baptizes Jesus, who is tempted and begins preaching, "the kingdom of God is at hand" Mark 1c. AD 27
Jesus calls the first disciples and heals many, casting out demons Mark 1–2c. AD 27
The Pharisees oppose Jesus over the Sabbath and his forgiving of sins Mark 2–3c. AD 28
Jesus teaches in parables and calms a storm with a word Mark 4c. AD 28
Jesus heals a demoniac and a bleeding woman and raises Jairus's daughter Mark 5c. AD 28
Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the water Mark 6c. AD 29
Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus foretells his death Mark 8c. AD 29

The Way to the Cross (Mark 9–16)

Jesus is transfigured and teaches that greatness is servanthood Mark 9–10c. AD 29
Jesus enters Jerusalem and cleanses the temple Mark 11c. AD 30
Jesus debates the leaders and foretells the temple's fall and his return Mark 12–13c. AD 30
The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Jesus' arrest Mark 14c. AD 30
Jesus is tried, crucified, and buried Mark 15c. AD 30
Jesus rises from the dead; the women find the tomb empty Mark 16c. AD 30

Key lessons

Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by service, not status; Jesus himself came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” and calls his followers to the same. Mark 10:42–44
To follow Jesus is to take up a cross; discipleship means self-denial and losing your life for his sake in order to truly find it. Mark 8:34–35
Jesus meets honest, struggling faith with grace; “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” is a prayer he answers. Mark 9:24

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 KJV

Critical scholarship view

Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.

Written: c. AD 65–70
Author: Anonymous, c. AD 70