Session 35 - Gospel of Mark Highlights

Key Points:
Mark travelled with Paul and was a disciple of Peter.  Not one of The 12, but a young follower.  His mother is thought to be the owner of the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held and also the first Novena at Pentecost.

Mark’s gospel thought to be:
A)First Gospel written (60-70AD?)
B)“Peter’s Gospel”
C)Source document for Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels.  (80-90% of Mark is in Matthew, 50% of Mark is in Luke. All but 31 verses are part of “Matthew”or “Luke.” )

Mark’s is shortest of Gospels: No Genealogy of Jesus, very short Resurrection account.

Emphasizes Jesus’ ACTIONS instead of his WORDS. (Unlike Matthew’s.)

Written to gentile CHRISTIANS, probably in Rome.  (As opposed to Matthew, which was written originally for primarily JEWISH converts.)

“Messianic Secret”

Jesus is also the Suffering Servant

The disciples don’t understand Jesus during his earthly ministry.  They’re downright stupid, including Peter!
(Again, Peter is relaying incidents in retrospect to Mark. Peter didn’t understand Jesus well until AFTER the Resurrection.)

Despite it’s shortness, Mark gives details in stories that Matthew and Luke don’t include.

“Mark’s” writings end with Chapter 16:8.
The rest of 16 was added by another author by the end of the 1st Century, but still canonical per the Church.

Don’t try verse 18 at home!!!  It should be understood as hyperbole!!