Synopsis: The Gospel of Mark was written by John Mark who was the cousin of Barnabas, the Apostle Paul’s companion and fellow minister of the Gospel. Acts chapter 13 records that John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas sometime during their first missionary journey and the Apostle Paul lost confidence in him. This event caused a rift between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, eventually leading to the two men separating and going their separate ways. However, the Apostle Paul and John Mark reconciled years later as indicated in 2 Timothy 4:11. In this Gospel, Mark presents the LORD Jesus Christ as a servant. It is the shortest of the four Gospels, containing only 16 chapters, and it is the Gospel that many people have memorized and performed on the stage.
Key Verses: “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thy house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:10-13
“When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17
“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness but is in danger o eternal damnation.” Mark 3:20
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Mark 7:6-7
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26