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Background to Mark's Gospel

The Writing Of the gospel

The traditional view of Mark writing the gospel

Who?

John Mark in the New Testament. He may have lived

in the house where the last supper was held. This later became a meeting point

for early Christians so he was in contact with the new Christian community.

In the story of Jesus' arrest, a naked man

wearing only a garment is described. This may have been Mark as there was no

need to add such a detail.

When? Where?

Many of the stories imply that the gospel was

written around the destruction of the temple (70 CE. Mark's gospel is the first

of the four. The traditional view is that the gospel was written in Rome by

Mark if the new Testament but some argue that it may have been written in Syria

or Egypt.

Primary sources behind the gospel

Papias made a statement about Mark following

Jesus' disciple Peter, which can explain the detail. Jesus' words were also

written in Aramaic, the language of Jerusalem at the time.

Eyewitnesses such as the blind Bartimaeus could

have passed on Jesus' words and teachings

Divine inspiration from God may be how Mark came

to write the gospel. Some Christians therefore believe that all the gospel is

correct.

Other sources

Oral Tradition and word of mouth

Ur Markus, a first gospel written in

Aramaic

Words of Paul and Barnabas preaching in Rome.

Reasons for writing the gospel

Support for Christians in a time of need

Mark needed to stress the importance of Jesus' death