Bible Question:
Can I get some history or background on the book of Mark? |
Bible Answer: Mark recorded the life of Jesus according to the eyewitness account given by Peter and other apostles. Mark was the sone of Mary, whose home in Jerusalem seemed to be a center for Christian leaders. Mark went with his well-to-do cousin Barnabus to Antioch in Syria, from where both accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. Mark, however, left Paul and Barnabus at Cyprus and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Later Barnabus and Mark went to Cyprus, whil Paul departed for Asia Minor. About ten years later Mark was with Paul in Rome (II Tim 4:11;Col 4:10). Mark's close association with Peter is indicated in 1 Peter 5:13, where the latter speaks of Mark as "my son." It may have been during Peter's lifetime, or shortly after his death, that Mark wrote the Gospel bearing his name. Mark frequently records the reactions of Jesus, as well as others. Jesus is portrayed as a Man of action. Although Mark is not noted for extended character sketches, his peculiar portrayal of individuals is often intriguing. -from Amplified Bible |