The Gospel of Mark was likely written before 70 AD based on comments made by Christ. Early church fathers unanimously attributed it to John Mark, who was said to have recorded the memoirs of Peter. It was probably the earliest gospel written based on its more primitive style and inclusion of potentially embarrassing details. Mark seems to have targeted Roman believers by translating Aramaic terms and using some Latin expressions. It presents Jesus as the suffering servant and focuses more on his deeds than teachings, omitting his early life and genealogy.

1. The Gospel of Mark Background Information

2. Author Gospels do not name their authors. Early church fathers are unanimous. Justin Martyr (AD 150) referred to the Gospel of Mark as “the memoirs of Peter”.

3. Date Because of comments made by Christ, Mark must have been written before 70 AD. Arguments for Markan Priority At many points Mark's descriptions are the most vivid. Mark's grammar and style is often the roughest. Mark narrates potentially embarrassing or misleading details. Mark's is the shortest gospel, but within the passages he narrates, his is typically the fullest form.

4. Date Arguments for Markan Priority There is very little in Mark that is not reproduced in Matthew or Luke. There seems to be no other explanation for why Mark left out important material common to Matthew and Luke.

5. Date Arguments against Markan Priority The nearly unanimous testimony of the early church was that Matthew was the first gospel written. Why would Matthew, an eyewitness to Christ's life, depend on Mark. Certain minor agreements of Matthew and Luke against Mark exist. A large chunk of Mark is missing from Luke.

6. Background Mark seems to have targeted Roman believers. When employing Aramaic terms, he translated them for his readers. In some places, Mark used Latin expressions instead of Greek equivalents. He reckoned time according to the Roman system and carefully explained Jewish customs. Omitted Jewish elements like genealogies found in Matthew and Luke. Makes fewer references to the Old Testament.

7. Theological Themes Presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of the Lord (10:45) Focused on deeds more than teaching of Christ Omits Christ's early life, beginning with the start of Christ's ministry Demonstrated the humanity of Christ most clearly Christ's human emotions Christ's human limitations