The author of this Gospel is named, although it is generally agreed that it was written by Mark. John Mark (to give him his full title) (Acts 12:12,25; 15:37) was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). He came to faith thanks to the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). While Peter was imprisoned by Herod disciples in Jerusalem meet at his mothers house to pray for him (Acts 12:12).

Mark was at the center of Paul and Barnabus� falling out as they planned their second journey together (Acts 15:36-38). They ended up falling out completely and going their separate ways. Paul took Silas and Barnabus took Mark. (Acts 15:39-41).

We don’t hear of Mark again until Paulââ?¬â?¢s imprisonment by which time it’s clear that there has been some form of reconciliation as Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark with him. (2 Timothy 4:11).

We don’t know when Mark wrote his account of the life of Jesus but we do know that it was directed at a Roman audience. This is possibly why there is no reference to Jesus ancestry or his childhood but simply gets straight down to declaring the fact that He is the Son of God.

Mark’s emphasis is on Jesus’ work as a servant of the Lord and of men, making clear the link to Isaiah’s prophecies.

Ancient sources suggest that Mark was in fact a student of Peter. His Gospel is thought to be a record of Peter’s preaching on the life of Christ. A number of the events referred to in Mark, which are also in other Gospels name Peter as being there. The other Gospels do not. A brief outline to the Gospel of Mark can be found in Peters sermon to the Roman Cornelius (Acts 10:34-43).

A number of details in Mark suggest that it was written for a gentile (non Jewish) audience. For example he explains Jewish customs and translates several Aramaic terms. On top of this Mark quotes the Old Testament only once. (This would have little significance to a non Jewish audience).

However, as mentioned above there are also clues that it was written specifically Roman audience. Marks revelation that Jesus forbid women to divorce and remarry is but one example. This was customary for Jews but for Roman women such action was allowed. Also he specially translates a Greek term into Latin. (Mark 12:42).

More than the other Gospel accounts Mark traces events in chronological order. While Mark is the shortest of the Gospels he delivers the incidents which are in the three synoptic Gospels in the most detail.

Hopefully that as given you some idea about the context of Mark’s Gospel. Coming in the next few days will be a look at first chapter.