Who wrote the book of Mark? Who was the author of Mark?

Answer

The Gospel of Mark, authored by John Mark, is widely regarded as the earliest Gospel by most scholars and commentators, although some argue for the priority of Matthew. Positioned after Matthew in the New Testament canon, Mark provides a unique perspective on Jesus. Unlike Matthew’s focus on the Jewish audience, Mark’s target audience is non-Jewish. It presents information succinctly and explains Jewish customs and traditions that may be unfamiliar to non-Jewish readers (for example, Mark 7:3-4). Mark depicts Jesus as God’s servant, distinct from Matthew’s emphasis on kingship, offering a diverse portrayal of the Son of God.

Although the Gospel does not explicitly name Mark as the author, Christian tradition attributes it to him with strong rationale. Eusebius, citing Papias, asserts that Mark based his writing on Peter’s preaching. This accounts for the non-chronological order and focus on Jesus’ deeds. Early church leaders such as Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Clement, and Tertullian support this traditional belief. Mark likely penned his Gospel in Rome following Peter’s passing, explaining the intended non-Jewish readership.

Internal evidence indicates Peter’s influence on Mark’s Gospel. These indications are elaborated by apologist J. Warner Wallace (https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/the-brief-case-for-peters-influence-on-marks-gospel-bible-insert/, accessed 3/11/24). Peter is frequently mentioned, showing a level of familiarity, and is both the first and last disciple referenced in the text (Mark 1:16;Mark 16:7). The use of Peter’s name as “bookends” for the Gospel is an example of a literary technique called “inclusio,” which, in Mark’s case, serves to cite an eyewitness. Mark intentionally excludes details about Peter that may have been known to his audience.

It would be seen as embarrassing to him (see Mark 5:21-34; cf: Luke 8:42-48).

The Mark who wrote the book is believed to be John Mark, mentioned in other parts of Scripture. In the book of Acts, the early church met in his mother’s house «And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. », (Acts 12:12). John Mark was also a companion of Paul and Barnabas «And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.», (Acts 12:25) and a cousin of the latter «Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) », (Colossians 4:10). However, Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas at a point in their first missionary journey, probably out of discouragement «Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. », (Acts 13:13). Paul lost trust in him due to his actions, leading to an eventual rift «But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. », (Acts 15:38). Given Mark’s unimpressive resume, Paul’s later commendation of Mark indicates a remarkable turnaround (Philemon 1:23-24).

3-24). Toward the end of Paul’s life, we witness a complete reconciliation between Paul and Mark «Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. », (2 Timothy 4:11).

God can work through anyone, including someone previously considered unreliable and a deserter.