A tale of mystery, conflict, irony and pathos

MarkMark

First Gospel written 65–73 CE• Shortest Gospel• Lacks birth and resurrection narratives

Mark 13 may refer to Jewish War, 64–70 CE

Follows format of early Christian preaching

Date and PlaceDate and Place

Anonymous Papias identifies author as “Peter’s

interpreter” (1 Pet. 5:13; box 6.1) Devout Christian

• Jesus is Son of God and Messiah (Mark 1:1) Cites Hebrew scriptures as word of God Less knowledgeable about Palestine Assumes knowledge of Latin terms but

explains Aramaic

AuthorAuthor

Roman Christians Believe Jesus’ story is sacred history Identify with the terrors in Mark 13 Need comfort, encouragement

• Are they undergoing local persecution?• Are they in Rome when Nero persecutes

Christians there, mid 60s CE?

CommunityCommunity

Everything happens “immediately” (Euthus!); new changes are here

Colloquial, unrefined Greek• Suspension of correct grammar• Use of historical present (past tense and present

continuous in same sentence: “Jesus went into a Synagogue. Immediately, Jesus is speaking . . .”)

Intercalation• Interweaves one story with another to illumine

both (box 6.5) Abrupt, confusing ending (16:8)

StyleStyle

Urgency Messianic secret

• 4:10-12• 1:43-44; 5:43; 7:36;

8:26 Ambiguity—do we

really understand?• 8:14–21

Human portrait of Jesus

Cross is central• Box 6.6

Present Kingdom• “Holiness is

contagious” and now transforms the unclean

• New obedience to God is possible now

Future Kingdom• Jesus returns• Brings judgment

and deliverance

Key ThemesKey Themes

Mark portrays disciples “negatively”• They have difficulty understanding Jesus• They don’t recognize who Jesus is (Messiah)

Peter correctly confesses Jesus (8:29)• But only partially understands; receives rebuke• Disciples misconstrue the Messianic purpose• Like the blind men (Mark 8:22–26 and 10:46–52)• Judas betrays Jesus; Peter denies Jesus• Only women do not abandon Jesus at the cross

For Mark, discipleship is about staying in relationship, not achieving success

DisciplesDisciples

Jesus heals people and casts out demons (1:1–8:30)

Jesus teaches (8:31–10:52)• First prediction (8:31–34)• Second prediction (9:30–32)• Third prediction (10:32–34)

Teaching in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37) Passion and crucifixion (14:1–15:47) Empty tomb (16:1–8) Additional endings

OutlineOutline