AUTHOR,
Mark, the son of Mary of Jerusalem
Ac 12:12
Referred to as John Mark, in
Ac 12:25
A relative of Barnabas
Col 4:10
Associated with Paul and Barnabas on their First Missionary Journey
Ac 12:25 13:5
Temporarily alienated from Paul
Ac 13:13 15:37-39
Afterwards restored to his friendship
2Ti 4:11
Ancient tradition certifies that Mark was a companion of Peter. The book is
called Peter's Gospel by some very ancient writers. It is generally conceded
that Peter may have furnished, or suggested, much of the material found in the
book.
TO WHO
ADDRESSED.
It is thought that the writer had in mind the Roman or Gentile Christians in his
preparation of the book. That it was not especially adapted to Jewish readers
seems clear from the fact that it contains few references to Old Testament
prophecy. Furthermore, the explanation of Jewish words and customs would
indicate that the author had foreigners in mind when he wrote. See,
Mr 3:17 5:41 7:1-4,11,34
MAIN
THEME,
"Christ, the Tireless Servant of God and Man."
The Life of Jesus is portrayed as crowded with benevolent deeds.
His devotions interrupted
Mr 1:35-37
No time to eat
Mr 3:20
Yielding to such perpetual calls for service that his friends said he
was unbalanced
Mr 3:21
Pursued when he sought rest
Mr 6:31-34
KEY WORD,
"Straightway," indicating immediate action, repeated throughout the
entire book.
DISTINCTIVE
FEATURES.
It is the shortest of the four Gospels. The style is vivid and picturesque. Much
of the subject matter is found also in Matthew and Luke, but it is not mere
repetition, for it contains many details not found in either of the others. The
Gospel of Mark opens, like that of John, with a declaration of the divinity of
Jesus Christ, but unlike John he does not enlarge upon the doctrine. However, a
careful study of the book reveals the fact that the aim of the author is to let
the wonderful works of Jesus testify to his deity, rather than frequent
statements of the writer.
Many personal touches are found in this gospel, as "was with the wild
beasts,"
Mr 1:13
"He surnamed them Boanerges"
Mr 3:17
"Jesus was much displeased"
Mr
10:14
"They were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid"
Mr 10:32
"The common people heard him gladly"
Mr 12:37
"Is not this the carpenter?" &c., &c.
Mr 6:3
Although emphasizing Christ's divine power, the author often alludes to his
human feelings;-- his disappointment
Mr 3:5
his weariness
Mr 4:38
his wonder
Mr 6:6
his sighs
Mr 7:34 8:12
his affection
Mr 10:21
Matthew harks back to the past, and deals largely with the prophecies for the
sake of Jewish readers, and also gives much space to the discourses of our Lord.
Mark is more condensed; has little to say concerning prophecy; gives only a
brief report of the discourses, but lays great stress upon the mighty works of
Jesus. Nineteen miracles are recorded in this short book which demonstrates the
supernatural power of the Master.
Eight, which prove his power over disease
Mr 1:31,41 2:3-12 3:1-5 5:25 7:32
8:23 10:46
Five, showing his power of nature
Mr 4:39 6:41,49 8:8,9 11:13,14
Four, demonstrating his authority over demons
Mr 1:25 5:1-13 7:25-30 9:26
Two, show his conquest over death
Mr 5:42 16:9
SYNOPSIS.
The book may be divided in six parts--
Part 1,
The Introductory and Preliminary Events leading up to the
Public Ministry of Christ
Mr 1:1-13
In this first chapter Mark plunges abruptly into his subject, and pours forth a
torrent of description in the first thirteen verses.
He opens with the announcement that Jesus is the Son of God
Mr 1:1
He then dwells upon the five preparatory steps for his work,
(1) The coming of his herald
Mr 1:2-8
(2) His baptism with water
Mr 1:9
(3) His enduement with the Holy Spirit
Mr 1:10
(4) The divine witness to his Sonship
Mr 1:11
(5) His conflict with his arch enemy
Mr 1:12,13
Part
II.
The Early Galilean Ministry
Mr 1:14 - 7:23
(Mark omits entirely the early Judæan Ministry, See)
Joh 2:13 - 4:2
Part III.
The tour to Tyre and Sidon
Mr 7:24-30
Part IV.
Christ's teaching and work in Northern Galilee
Mr 7:31 - 9:50
Part V.
The closing Ministry in Perea, and the journey toward Jerusalem.
Mr 10:1-52
Part VI.
The events of Passion Week
Mr 11:1 - 16:8
(
Outline from Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible)