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{{Gospels}} The '''Gospel of Mark''' is the second [[Gospel]] of the [[New Testament]]; chronologically the first Gospel written. Like the other four gospels; Mark (known as John Mark) was one of the 12 disciples who used [[Apostle Peter |Peter]] as the primary source of his gospel as well as his own personal experiences.

Most modern scholars date this gospel to around 70 AD a time of great peril of [[Apostle Mark|Mark the churchApostle]], also known as John Mark, when is widely attested by the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem; the city where the community first started off. It was written mainly for a Gentile audience ancient Church as evidence can be seen for the lack author of Jewish customs this gospel. He traveled with [[Apostle Paul|Paul]] and [[Apostle Barnabas|Barnabas]] and later aided Peter (71Pt 5:3-1113).) and it’s concentration of Jesus According to tradition, Mark subsequently used Peter's teaching as hero an action manhis primary source for this gospel, exorcist, healer adding to it his personal experience and miracle worker. <ref>[http://en.wikipediaother church traditions.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark]''Gospel of Mark at Wikipedia''</ref>

As with the other gospels, the exact date of writing is uncertain. Because of its connection with Rome and its lack of any clear reference to the destruction of Jerusalem (13:2), the Gospel of Mark may be dated shortly before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Many believe this was the first of the four gospels written. ==ContentsBackground ==According to some Church Fathers, Mark is most brief writing for the Christian community of Rome, which either was experiencing the great persecution by Nero (beginning in AD 64) or was caught up in the gospels which centers around apocalyptic fervor occasioned by the Jewish war. Mark tells the story of Jesus so readers may see their own suffering as a prelude to the glorious Second Coming of Jesus and may discern the reward of those who endure to the main them end. == Major Theme ==The major theme of this gospel is Jesus Christ as the ''Servant '' and ''Sacrifice''.Other sub-themes include: # The Suffering of the suffering Messiah (8:27-33) Being rejected by the elders and chief priests and the passion [crucifixion] of Jesus Christ. This suffering was analogous for his immediate disciples [[disciple]]s who say as their Messiah tribulations.# The Messianic Secret messianic secrete (1:34, 44; 8:30) One of the main reasons he wanted to be secret was to avoid public attention of the Romans and Jewish religious authorities such as the Sanhedrin (via Saducee and [[Pharisee ]] agents) who saw him as a threat. Later in the New Testament, Paul in his writings, used this description of Jesus because we are lost without him if we are in the world (non-Christian.)# Discipleship (8:34-38) Only the gospel saves and will be with you forever. Invitation to be in the presence of God and the holy angels.

Outline Prologue: ''See also, the main entry for [[Jesus Christ]] which discusses these themes in more details.'' #Preparation for the Ministry (1:1–13) #The Galilean Ministry: The Kingdom Is at Hand (1:14–6:29) #Jesus manifests the power of the kingdom (1:14–45) #Israel is divided over Jesus’ authority (2:1–5:43) #Nazareth divided: doubters and disciples (6:1–13) #The Forerunner beheaded (6:14–29) #Ministry Beyond Galilee: The Kingdom and the World (6:30–9:50) #Jesus relates to the Jews (6:30–7:23) #Jesus relates to the Gentiles (7:24–8:26) #The glory of the kingdom revealed (8:27–9:13) #The response of this world (9:14–50) #Journey to Jerusalem: The Kingdom's Discipline (10:1–52) #Ministry in Jerusalem: Rejection, Persecution (11:1–16:20) #The Messiah made manifest (11:1–13:37) #Betrayal and Passover meal (14:1–31) #The Passion (14:32–15:47) #The Resurrection (16:1–20.)<ref>'' Orthodox Study Bible P 1328 ''</ref> See under main entry [[Jesus Christ]] which discusses these themes in more details.

Early minority manuscripts end the gospel at :''See also, [[Mark 16]]''<ref>[http:8, however Majority Manuscripts (Byzantine) has 12 more verses and so therefore ends at verse 20//www.ccel.org/ccel/burgon/mark.iv. Early tradition suggests the longer ending to be valid and therefore historical because early Church Fathers such as Ireneaus quote from these versesi. There is one manuscript called html The Case of the Freer Logion manuscript (dated fourth-fifth century) which says “And they reported all the instructions briefly to Peter’s companionsLast Twelve Verses of S. Afterwards Jesus himselfMark’s Gospel, through them, sent forth from east to west the scared and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation amenStated.” <ref> '' New American Bible P 1140 '']</ref> Although this is not considered canonical, it maybe an early Christian tradition of how the author first assembled his companions into preaching. This hints of the authorship of Mark via Peter due to him giving out the commandments of his disciples.

== See also==* Early minority manuscripts end the gospel at Mark 16:8, however Majority Manuscripts (Byzantine) has 12 more verses and so therefore ends at verse 20. Early tradition suggests the longer ending to be valid and therefore historical because early Church Fathers such as [[Mark 16Irenaeus of Lyons|Ireneaus]]quote from these verses. There is one manuscript called the Freer Logion manuscript (dated fourth-fifth century) which says “And they reported all the instructions briefly to Peter’s companions. Afterwards Jesus himself, through them, sent forth from east to west the scared and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation amen.” <ref> '' New American Bible P 1140 ''</ref> Although this is not considered canonical, it maybe an early Christian tradition of how the author first assembled his companions into preaching. This hints of the authorship of Mark via Peter due to him giving out the commandments of his disciples.

==References==

*The main Orthodox source for this article was ''The Orthodox Study Bible *Wikipedia*New American Bible'', 2008.

==External linksOrthodox Reading material =={{stub}}* [http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Mark-Suffering-Orthodox-Companion/dp/1888212543 The Gospel of Mark: the suffering servant(Orthodox Bible Study Companion) (Orthodox Bible Study Companion Series)], Lawrence R. Farley.

[[CategoriesCategory:ScriptureGospels]][[categoriesCategory:New Testament]][[Category:Scripture]]