Opening up Mark's gospel

Written in Rome before the destruction of Jerusalem in ad 70, Mark’s Gospel has a sense of urgency in its presentation of the life and ministry of Jesus, moving the reader’s attention swiftly from one event to another.

Its author, John Mark, focuses on Jesus’ declaration and demonstration of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Mark was a close companion of Peter and much of his Gospel’s content has Peter’s imprint upon it. It has been described as a ‘missionary Gospel’ enabling the reader, especially one who is encountering Jesus for the first time, to come to a clear understanding of the true nature of who he is and the purpose of his coming.