The Gospel of Mark: The Servant Introduced

Welcome to "Understanding the Bible Online." In this course, we will take an in-depth look at the Gospel according to Mark. Did you know that Mark was actually the first Gospel written? While the New Testament begins with the Gospel of Matthew, many Bible scholars believe that Matthew and Luke took content cues from Mark. Written around 55 AD, Mark's Gospel was crafted to address a Gentile audience, likely in Rome, with the goal of presenting Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

In Mark's introduction, he begins with "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." This sets the tone for his entire Gospel, aiming to prove to the unbelievers of his time that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah and the Son of God. Our goal in this course is to explore how Mark constructs his narrative to support this claim and to help you understand the significance of his message in both historical and theological contexts.

Throughout this course, we will delve into the themes and structure of the Gospel of Mark, examining its unique approach to presenting Jesus' life and ministry. We hope this study will not only enhance your understanding of Mark's Gospel but also deepen your appreciation for its role in the New Testament and its impact on early Christian communities. Join us as we uncover the richness of Mark's account and its relevance for believers today.