Name
The title “Mark” comes from the name of the book’s author.
Author
Although Mark is technically anonymous, there is significant external evidence and information within the Gospel itself that corroborates Mark’s authorship. The Mark that wrote the book is known as John Mark (John is a Hebrew name, Mark is a Latin name), the son of a widow named Mary, who lived in Jerusalem.
Genre
Gospel
Literary Form
Narrative. The Gospel of Mark includes five major sections: a prologue (1:1-13), Jesus’ ministry in and around Galilee (1:14-8:21), Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (8:22-10:52), Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem (11:1-16:8), and an epilogue (16:9-20).
Time Frame
It is impossible to date the writing of the Gospel of Mark with certainty. Scholars all agree the book had to be written prior to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Many scholars accept a date range of between A.D. 67-69, assuming the book was written after Peter and Paul’s deaths. Another view (and my belief) is that the book was written between A.D. 57-59 based on the premise that Luke had use of Mark’s material when he wrote Acts.
Emphasis
The emphasis of the Gospel of Mark is on Jesus’ actions more than His teachings. Mark recorded 18 of Jesus’ miracles, but only four of His parables and one major discourse (13:3-37).
Mark’s portray of Jesus focuses on His divinity as the Son of God. This is seen in Jesus’ baptism (1:11), the demons who recognize Him (3:11 and 5:7), His transfiguration (9:7), Jesus’ own confession 14:61-62, and the Roman centurion (15:39).
 Outline
- Jesus’ baptism in preparation for public ministry (1:-1:13)
- Jesus’ early ministry in Galilee (1:14-3:6)
- Jesus’ later ministry in Galilee (3:7-6:6a)
- Jesus’ ministry and beyond the region of Galilee (6:6b-8:30)
- Jesus’ Â journey to Jerusalem (8:31-10:52)
- Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37)
- Jesus’ betrayal, suffering and death in Jerusalem (14:1-15:47)
- Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (16:1-8)
- Jesus’ appearances and ascension (16:9-20)
