The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is thought to be the 1st (chronologically) of the gospels.  Interesting considering that John Mark was a 2nd generation Christian.  John is his Jewish name and Mark is his Roman name.  Both names are used at different times in Paul's writings.  The Gospel of Mark was written about 55 A.D. by the son of Mary who was a prominent Christian women who lived in Jerusalem and who provided her home for church meetings.  This home is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 12) and was the home to which Peter went when the Angels miraculously released him from prison.

Many biblical scholars believe that Mark was a convert of Peter and became his scribe.  As a boy he would have been able to see and hear Jesus because of his mother's support of the Christ.  As an aide to Peter, he would have heard the many stories of the Great fisherman.  He was also cousin to Barnabas which made him available to Paul in one of his early missionary journeys.  Imagine the great wealth of knowledge that John Mark had as he walked and talked and listened to some of the great giants of the early Faith.  He was with Jesus and the disciples, he ministered with Peter and with Paul.  He becomes a leader in the early church and a disciple to the gentiles.  He helped Barnabas to establish the church in Cyprus and became and founded the church in Alexandria.  His account of the life of Christ in his gospel account is quoted extensively by the other gospels.  It is thought to have been written to the Christians in Rome.  It is another great account of God in the flesh, the one that we call Jesus.

For those who are reading through the Bible with me this year.....I am glad to share with you in the reading of this young man's account of the life and ministry of our Savior and our Lord.