Mark - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Mark was a close associate of the Apostle Peter, the leader among Jesus’ twelve disciples. Peter called Mark “my son” in 1 Peter 5:13. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, and a colleague of the Apostle Paul (Acts 12:25; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Although Mark was not one of the original twelve disciples, he was able to learn a great deal about the life of Jesus directly from Peter. Mark based his GOSPEL, in large part on the information Peter gave him. Most Bible scholars believe that Mark wrote his Gospel in ROME, the capital of the ROMAN EMPIRE. Just as Matthew wrote his Gospel mainly for Jewish readers, so Mark wrote his Gospel mainly for Romans. Among the four Gospels, Mark’s Gospel was written first. It was written between 55 A.D. and 65 A.D., that is, about thirty years after Jesus’ death. Both Matthew and Luke included material written by Mark in their own Gospels. Indeed, almost all of Mark’s Gospel is included in Matthew’s Gospel.

OUTLINE

1. The Preparation for Christ’s Ministry (1:1-13).
   1. John the Baptist (1:1-8).
   2. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus (1:9-13).
2. Christ’s Ministry in Galilee (1:14-10:52).
   1. The Call of the First Disciples (1:14-20).
   2. Early Ministry in Capernaum (1:21-45).
   3. The Beginnings of Opposition (2:1-3:12).
   4. The Appointment of the Twelve Disciples (3:13-19).
   5. Charges Against Jesus (3:20-35).
   6. Parables (4:1-34).
   7. Mighty Works (4:35-5:43).
   8. Further Miracles and Teaching in Galilee and Beyond (6:1-8:26).
   9. Messiahship and Suffering and Related Discussions (8:27-9:50).
   10. Further Teachings on the Way to Jerusalem (10:1-52).
3. Christ’s Ministry in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37).
   1. The Triumphal Entry (11:1-26).
   2. Final Controversies with the Jewish Leaders (11:27-12:44).
   3. The Prophetic Discourse (13:1-37).
4. D. Christ’s Passion and Resurrection (14:1-16:20).
   1. Jesus Anointed and Betrayed (14:1-11).
   2. The Lord’s Supper (14:12-31).
   3. The Arrest and Trial of Jesus (14:32-15:20).
   4. The Death of Jesus (15:21-47).
   5. The Resurrection of Jesus (16:1-20).