The document discusses theories about the origins and authorship of the Gospel of Mark. It suggests that some early sources identify the author as Mark, the companion of Peter, and that the gospel was written based on Peter's oral preaching in Rome. The document also notes that the gospel contains many Latinisms and phrases peculiar to Rome, supporting the idea that it was written for a Roman audience. Finally, it summarizes that the gospel emphasizes Jesus' humanity and portrays him as a man of action focused on serving others through his teachings and miracles.

1. SYMBOL: The Lion: a reference to Gen 49:10

2.  Several early sources say this is taken from notes
based on the oral preaching of St. Peter in ROME
recorded by his hermeneut or ‘secretary’ or scribe

3.  Some identified him as “John Mark” mentioned in Acts
 There are many comparisons to Peter’s letters
 Many Latinisms & phrases peculiar to the city of Rome
 “there is more evidence for Peter being in Rome than for
Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon….” Why the doubts?
Matters of religious faith prompt deep feelings!
 Apostolic Requirement: Peter connection makes sense

4.  65 – 75 AD
 Controversy about whether it was written before or
after the critical date of 70 AD Destruction of
Temple; most now say before, however!....
 One early source states he had versions of Mt. & Lk!
 His versions of all stories are more detailed

5. Storytelling
 Unanimously called “oral” in style
 Famous repeating “and….and….and…..and”
 One early commentator said it is “not in good order”
 It is like someone has to tell a story as
as soon as he remembers it
• certainly not ‘polished’
• it has the detail and excitement of an
eyewitness account
• Latinisms point to Roman audience

6.  Jesus is the Son of God [1:1; 15:39] this is the
‘secret’ driving the story’s tension; he always says,
“Tell no one” until it is finally revealed in His
climactic admission at His trial [14:62]

7.  Each believer must follow in His footsteps of humble
service; His life/suffering are a model for His
followers [Jeremiah]; some believe Mark was writing
for the persecuted community of Rome after the
Martyrdom of Peter and Paul by Nero

8.  Most of the Gospel is taken up with the Passion; it
has been called a “Passion Narrative w/a Prologue”

9.  Jesus’ humanity is emphasized as by someone who knew Him;
emotions of anger, frustration, relief, mourning are realistically
portrayed; some feel he was writing in reaction to Gnostics or others
who denied Jesus’ humanity; in the 2nd century, Irenaeus claimed
Peter had come to Rome partially to battle the founder of the
Gnostics, Simon Magus (the same mentioned in Acts 8)

10.  Jesus’ teaching or preaching are rarely recorded in detail
(in contrast to Matthew’s “New Moses”); he is depicted as a
‘man of action’ – he sees the person in need, feels the need
& acts upon it; this fits in with the DISCIPLESHIP Theme
perfectly; every comparable action story from the other
Gospels in Mark is longer, more detailed & believable