We are going to read through the book of Mark.  As a way to get started, I like to share just a touch of backstory, or context. I am referencing my Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (NASB), whose Executive Editor is Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. This is an excellent resource and I highly recommend it. It is a very high-quality Bible that I enjoy having in a form I can hold in my hands.

The book of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels. About 93% of the material in Mark is covered by Matthew and Luke, but Mark does give more vivid details in his brief account. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the superhuman power of Jesus. Christ is presented as God’s Son in action, demonstrating His divinity by His miracles. Mark tells more of what Jesus did and less of what Jesus said. Like a motion picture camera, the author rushes from one dynamic scene to the next. he uses “immediately” about 40 times to make the transitions. Judging from only a few references to the Old Testament, his translations of Aramaic expressions, and the themes of power, it is safe to say that Mark’s gospel was aimed at those who lived outside Palestine. 

Very early tradition states that Mark, the son of Mary of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12), wrote this Gospel. We know that since John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10) he may have been a Levite (Acts 4:36). Many scholars believe that Mark was the young man described in Mark 14:51, 52. Mark traveled with the Apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Act 12:25), but Mark turned back (Acts 13:13). For this reason, Paul refused to consider taking him along on the second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-39). Since both Paul and Barnabas had strong opposite feelings about the matter, they decided to go different directions, Paul with Silas and Barnabas with Mark. However, much later, Paul felt differently about Mark (II Tim. 4:11).

As we read and study the Gospel of Mark, we will not only seek to understand the word in context of the times, but also seek the timeless principles that apply throughout time to any period, like today… and beyond.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please let Holy Spirit open up our minds to fully understand the depth of the knowledge you have captured in these scriptures. Prepare us to receive, learn and grow. Help us to understand Your word in proper context and also how to apply it to our lives today.  Thank You that Your word is more than just text on a page, but a history of Your relationship with man and the instructions You want us to receive to direct all aspects of our lives. In the name of Yeshua, our Messiah, we pray. Amen.  

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ