| |
The Gospel of Mark
is the earliest written document on the
life of Jesus that is preserved for us
today. But Mark is more than a historical
account or an attempt at objective
biography. It is a story that seeks to
draw readers into its world, to lead them
to a faith in Jesus as the Christ the Son
of God, and to motivate them to a truer
discipleship.
Christian tradition has long suggested
that the author of the Gospel was
"Mark," a companion of Peter
who is mentioned in Colossians 4:10, 2
Timothy 4:11, and Philemon 24 and called
"John Mark" in Acts 12:12, 25
and 15:37-39. Peter does occupy a unique
role in this Gospel, but nowhere does the
author ever explicitly identify himself.
We will continue to call this Gospel
"Mark's," but its actual
authorship remains uncertain. Based on
the kinds of unrest described in chapter
13 which are consistent with Nero's
persecution of Christians and the Jewish
revolt against Rome which culminated with
the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple
in 70 A.D, most
scholars conclude that this Gospel was
written sometime in the late 60's A.D.
There are many factors which point to the
likelihood that Mark was composed for a
community outside of Palestine. Christian
tradition has suggested Rome as its
originating location, but any number of
places within the Roman Empire could also
be possible.
Most scholars also
agree that Mark served as a source for
the Gospels attributed to Matthew and
Luke. Though these other two Gospels,
along with John, may provide a more
polished and fuller account of Jesus'
ministry, Mark remains, I think, as the
most compelling story which hopes to
draws its readers into a relationship
with Jesus Christ, the Son of God who
suffered and died for us. This Gospel
also highlights the nature of
discipleship lived out in the shadow of
Christ's cross and what it means for us
as followers of Jesus to be "MARKed
for Life!"
For further
information on the Gospel of Mark:
One
excellent source is the Bible
Tutor at the
Luther Seminary site.
For a
comprehensive listing of internet resources on
Mark, click HERE.
|
|
