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When Dr. Teague wrote this manuscript, he did not include an introduction or any background information concerning the Book of Mark. It was felt that some of that would be beneficial to the reader to also have some information about the book, hence this additional material for the Book of Mark.
In addition to extra material at the beginning of the book, the Editor has changed Part Two into a narrative rather than an outline. The entire text of the Book is given as it is considered in the narrative. Corrections to grammar and punctuation were done throughout the Book. Format and pagination have also been changed and added. The Book is designed to be a study guide for the reader to learn the truths of the Book of Mark.
It is the hope of this Ministry that the reader will learn much from this study of the Book of Mark.
Joseph F. Roberts, ThD, PhD
Editor & Publisher
International Missionary Baptist Publishing Ministry
Executive Director
International Missionary Baptist Ministries
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The Book of Mark is one of the four Gospels concerning the life of Jesus Christ. It is considered to be one of the first accounts of the life of Jesus. Mark, or sometimes referred to as John Mark, was a co-worker with the Apostle Paul. Many scholars have indicated that Mark gathered his material from Peter, gathering eyewitness accounts and the memories of Peter. Of course, Mark was superintended by the Holy Spirit as he put together and wrote his work. Ancient tradition certifies that Mark was a companion to the Apostle Peter. In fact, there are some ancient writers that refer to the Book as the Gospel of Peter, or Peter’s Gospel.
According to Acts 12:12, Mary was Mark’s mother and they lived in Jerusalem.
John Mark is the son of Barnabas’ sister who lived in Jerusalem. It is believed that it was John Mark’s mother’s house in which the disciples had met to pray for Peter’s release from prison. He had been arrested by Herod after the death of James. When Barnabas and Saul had returned to Antioch, Syria, John Mark accompanied them.
When they left on their first missionary journey, he went with them.
When they finally got to Perga, he decided that he would go no further and returned to Jerusalem. This was quite upsetting to Paul for, as we will see at the preparation for the second missionary journey, Barnabas and Paul could not agree with each other for John Mark to go with them. This brought about the split between Barnabas and Paul.
Many have speculated as to why John Mark returned instead of continuing on with Paul and Barnabas.1
Mark and Paul were later reconciled together, and Mark became a valuable co-worker with Paul.
To Whom Addressed
It is thought that the writer had in mind the Roman or Gentile Christians in his preparation of the book.
That it was not especially adapted to Jewish readers seems clear from the fact that it contains few references to Old Testament prophecy.
Furthermore, the explanation of Jewish words and customs would indicate that the author had foreigners in mind when he wrote….
MAIN THEME, “Christ, the Tireless Servanty of God and Man.”
The life of Jesus is portrayed as crowded with benevolent deeds.
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His devotions interrupted, ch.1:35-37. No time to eat, ch.3:20.
Yielding to such perpetual calls for service that his friends said he was unbalanced, ch.3:21. Pursued when he sought rest, ch.6:31-34….
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES. It is the shortest of the four Gospels.
The style is vivid and picturesque. Much of the subject matter is found also in Matthew and Luke, but it is not a mere repetition, for it contains many details not found in either of the others.
The Gospel of Mark opens, like that of John, with a declaration of the divinity of Jesus Christ, but unlike John he does not enlarge upon the doctrine.
However, a careful study of the book reveals the fact that the aim of the author is to let the wonderful works of Jesus testify to his deity, rather than frequent statements of the writer….
Although emphasizing Christ’s divine power, the author often alludes to his human feelings;--his disappointment, ch.3:5;--his weariness, ch.4:38;--his wonder, ch.6:6;--his sighs, ch.7:34; 8:12;--
his affection, ch.10:21.
Matthew harks back to the past, and deals largely with the prophecies for the sake of Jewish readers, and also gives much space to the discourses of our Lord.
Mark is more condense; has little to say concerning prophecy; gives only a brief report of the discourses, but lays great stress upon the mighty works of Jesus.
Nineteen miracles are recorded in this short book which demonstrate the supernatural power of the Master.
Eight, which prove his power over disease ch.1:31, 41; 2:3-12; 3:1-5; 5:25; 7:32; 8:23; 10:46.
Five, showing his power over nature, ch.4.39; 6:41, 49; 8:8, 9; 11:13, 14.
Four, demonstrating his authority over demons, ch.1:25; 5:1-13; 7:25-30; 9:26.
Two show his conquest over death, ch.5:42; 16:9.2
1 Roberts, Joseph F., The Chief: International Missionary Baptist Publishing Ministry, Smyrna, TN; copyright 2024, pp. 63, 64
2 Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc, Indianapolis, IN; copyright 1964, pp.
207, 208
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