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Who is the author of this book? Ever since the 2nd century the tradition has held that the author was Mark, a personage known to us from the New Testament under the name of John, who was also called Mark (Acts 12:25). He accompanied his cousin Barnabas on a mission (Acts 13:5, 13; 15:39). He also became a companion of Paul for a time, but later separated from the latter, taking with him his cousin due to disagreement with Paul (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39). Toward the end, however, we find him once again a valuable helper of Paul (Col 4:10; Philem 24; 2 Tim 4:11). He must have had connections with Peter (Acts 12:12; 1 Pet 5:13), and it is thought that his Gospel reflects chiefly the preaching of the first apostle.
According to the majority of present-day scholars, this Gospel was written shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. It was written in Greek, perhaps at Rome, and is addressed to Christians of non-Jewish origin. By reason of its date, Mark’s is the first Gospel known to history, the one that inaugurates this genre of writings that put us in touch with the actions and words of Jesus and with the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. And, in fact, both Matthew and Luke were familiar with the text of Mark when they wrote their own works; they complete or correct his Gospel in light of the information available to them and according to the needs of their readers. This explains why Mark was neglected by the Fathers and, until the recent reform, by the Liturgy. And yet what an extraordinary picture of Jesus he gives us!
Mark’s language and talent are those of a popular storyteller. His work follows no particular order; its grammar is rudimentary, its vocabulary limited. In its expression it is often monotonous and schematic, but it can suddenly become animated, varied, and impressive; at such moments, its style is lively and picturesque.
Mark does not intend to paint a portrait or write a biography of Jesus, but rather to draw his readers’ attention to the mystery of Christ’s person. He also puts readers in the presence of the events, and forces them to participate in the action. Unlike the other Gospels, Mark’s begins abruptly with the preaching of John the Baptist and places us in the midst of the ongoing action.
This Gospel reports few of Jesus’ discourses, but does like to tell the stories in detail. Rather than any teaching, it is the fate and work of Jesus that are meant to elicit the readers’ response.
The Gospel of Mark may be divided as follows:
I: Preparation for the Mission of Jesus (1:1-13)
II: Is Jesus the Messiah? (1:14—8:30)
III: The Mystery of Jesus Is Revealed (8:31—16:8)
Appendix: The Longer Ending (16:9-20)