The Gospel writers started their narrative differently. Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Luke started with the birth of John the Baptist. John, on the other hand, took off from the opening phrase of Genesis “in the beginning”. Mark announced with a bang, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
The church at that time had been facing a lot of challenges. False gospel (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4) and false Christ (1 John 5:1-6) had been introduced into mainstream Christianity of those days. Well, not surprisingly, because Jesus had told the disciples ahead that “false christs and false prophets will arise” (Mark 13:22).
Mark wasn’t an apostle of Jesus Christ. John Mark was first mentioned in Acts 12:12. He initially travelled with Paul and Barnabas. An argument ensued between Paul and Barnabas because of Mark. Paul refused to take him along in their next missionary journey because Mark abandoned them midway in their previous journey (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39). Colossians revealed that Barnabas and Mark were related, some translations say cousins, others Mark was Barnabas’ nephew. (Colossians 4:10) Paul and Mark had evidently reconciled as can be seen in Colossians. On his farewell letter, Paul states that Mark is very useful to him for ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11) John Mark, a young man, followed Jesus after His arrest. However, he had to flee because he was about to be seized (Mark 14:51-52).
1 Peter, written after the events of Acts 12, 13, and 15, reveals that Mark was now accompanying Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Peter gestured that they were at Babylon. Early Christians understood Babylon as Jerusalem, not Rome, the Great City where Jesus was crucified (Revelation 11:8; Revelation 18:21). Revelation 18:20-21 announced the fulfillment of God’s judgment against the Great City, as prophesied by Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:36-38).
Mark’s Gospel was generally accepted to be dated in the mid-50s AD, written after the events of Acts 13 (48 AD) and 15 (48-49 AD), and before Mark wrote on behalf of Peter around 64 AD (1 & 2 Peter; 1 Peter 5:13). Consequently, Peter holds the authority behind the Gospel of Mark.
So, why did Mark open his Gospel with the statement “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and emphatically declare that Jesus is the Son of God?
Perhaps 1 John could shed some light. Believed to be written by John, while exiled at Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Seven times 1 John refers to Jesus Christ as the Son of God (1 John 3:8; 4:15; 5:5; 5:10; 5:12; and 5:20). And here are the statements that stand out:
> “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)
> “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)
> “If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:9-12)
> “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
> “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)
Clearly, 1 John and Mark’s Gospel were written to defend the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John was written about a decade later, indicating that false teachings about Christ Jesus were widespread and persistent. Mark practically opened and closed his Gospel with the declaration that Jesus is the Son of God.
It is best, therefore, to keep that in mind as we study the Gospel of Mark. It’s a defense of Christ’s divinity.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 