The Gospel According to Mark
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary
Dale Maxfield
I. Authorship: Nothing in the Gospel identifies its author by name since the label “according to Mark” was added later.
-John Mark is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles;
-usually portrayed as Paul’s companion but 1 Peter describes him as Peter’s co-worker.
-Mark was Peter’s interpreter and wrote down what he remembered about the Lord.
-Mark’s Gospel probably written ca. AD 64-67
-the patristics agree that Mark is the author of this Gospel
-Peter was probably a source but not the sole source for Mark
II. Literary Structure and Content:
-a tight theological/ geological structure
-from Galilee to
-the authority of Jesus is highlighted
-it is Mark who creates the literary genre of “Gospel”
-Mark had these traditions to work with: sayings, parables, controversies, healing stories, miracles and probably a passion narrative
-his intention was to equip these early Christians to face persecution and deepen their faith
III. Marcan Theology
-focus is the
- repent and believe the good news; the kingdom is at hand
- to understand the kingdom, one must look at Jesus the healer, teacher and crucified one.
- the cross is what balances the miracles stories
- Christological titles used: Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, Lord, Son of David, Suffering Servant and Suffering Just One
- peculiar to Mark is the “messianic secret” where Jesus commands people to be silent about his action or identity
- Jesus is not the kind of Messiah that was anticipated; only through his death and resurrection is he the Messiah
- the response to Jesus’ call is discipleship which is being with Jesus, following him, sharing in his mission of preaching and healing
IV. Mark’s Outline:
1 Prologue
2 Jesus Authority is Revealed
a. Call of the First Disciples
b. The Eventful Day in
c.5 Conflict Stories
3 Jesus is Rejected In Galilee
4 Jesus Misunderstood by Disciples
5 Jesus Instructs the Disciples on the Way to
6 Passion Week in
7 Jesus’ Death in
8 Later Endings