Mark
About the author
The book doesn't say who wrote it. But traditionally it is accepted that John Mark wrote it. John is a Hebrew name and Mark is a Greek name.
He is a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4#10); Their household probably had a prominent role in the early church - Act 12:12 - Peter goes there after freed by an angel. Mark was a co-worker of Paul (Colossians 4#10) and Peter (1 Peter 5:13).
Mark is well placed to write the gospel because of these reasons.
About the book
- written 35 - 40 years after Jesus' resurrection
- book of action - no genealogy; no long teachings of Jesus
In just 30 - 40 years after Jesus' resurrection, this book was written – an astonishingly brief period considering the historical events we study today. For example, accounts of Alexander the Great and ancient mysteries were often written centuries after their occurrence, yet we still regard them as credible sources.
In the case of Jesus, there were eyewitness accounts which not only clarify his story but also reveal further evidence within the Bible itself. In addition to biblical accounts, non-biblical historical records exist. One such example is Josephus, a Jewish historian from Judea who wrote about Jesus. Thus, when discussing the biblical account of Jesus, it is essential to recognize the validity and well-researched nature of these sources.
While some may not accept Jesus' divinity or resurrection, few dispute that he lived, had disciples, claimed to be the Messiah, died, and was believed by his followers to have risen again. This forms the foundation of our understanding of Jesus' history.
Book of Mark is action-oriented. Unlike Matthew, where Jesus is merely one of the characters, Mark's Gospel brims with action and intensity. Although it contains passages of teachings and parables, Mark stands out for its pulsating energy compared to the other Gospels.