What follows is the record of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. After the introduction of Jesus at His baptism, Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee and called the first four of His twelve disciples. It does not begin with a genealogy as in Matthew, because Gentiles would not be interested in His lineage. It is simply written, moving quickly from one episode in the life of Christ to another. This gospel is unique because it emphasizes Jesus’ actions more than His teaching. Mark 16:15: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. Mark 12:33: “To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” Mark 10:14-15: “He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 1:17: “‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’” Mark 1:11: “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love with you I am well pleased.’” He desired that they have a biographical story of Jesus Christ as Servant of the Lord and Savior of the world in order to strengthen their faith in the face of severe persecution and to teach them what it meant to be His disciples. Mark wrote as a pastor to Christians who previously had heard and believed the Gospel (Romans 1:8). Whereas Matthew is written primarily to his fellow Jews, Mark’s gospel appears to be targeted to the Roman believers, particularly Gentiles. The Gospel of Mark was likely one of the first books written in the New Testament, probably in A.D. However, near the end of Paul’s life he called for Mark to be with him (2 Timothy 4:11). His mother was a wealthy and prominent Christian in the Jerusalem church, and probably the church met in her home. Mark joined Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but not on the second because of a strong disagreement between the two men (Acts 15:37-38). It is generally agreed that Mark is the John Mark of the New Testament (Acts 12:12). From Peter he received first-hand information of the events and teachings of the Lord, and preserved the information in written form. Although the Gospel of Mark does not name its author, it is the unanimous testimony of early church fathers that Mark was the author. He was an associate of the Apostle Peter, and evidently his spiritual son (1 Peter 5:13).
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