The Gospel of Mark: A Theological Synthesis of the First Gospel
The account of the Gospel according to Mark contributes significantly to the understanding of Jesus, his life, and his primary mission: to announce the Good News and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was at hand, presenting himself as the Suffering Servant.
Through the narrative emphasis on Jesus’ public ministry, it is notable that the primary aim is to highlight the humanity of Jesus. Furthermore, His purpose in performing miracles was the edification of the people around Him and not of Himself. It is also evident that He is the Son of God: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
According to ecclesiastical tradition, all indications are that these accounts came directly from the apostle Peter, since John Mark was not an apostle and was a companion of Peter in his walk of faith. He was also a companion of the apostle Paul and Barnabas on missionary journeys, having even been rebuked by the apostle to the Gentiles on one of them.
During the era in which oral tradition predominated, the Gospel according to Mark was written down around 55–65 AD in Rome, before the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem (according to orthodox tradition). This inaugurated a literary genre never seen before: the euangélion (εὐαγγέλιον), the “good news.”
Throughout the narrative, Jesus demanded of His disciples and those who were healed of sicknesses and evil spirits that they maintain anonymity regarding Him, for He had the right moment to present to the world His greatest purpose: His death and resurrection, as a plan of salvation for all who believe in Him. Through His end, access to eternal life was opened—made available by the practice of faith—for both Jews and Gentiles.
