Gospel of Mark Fast Facts Flashcards
When was the Gospel of Mark likely written, and what historical context influenced it?
Likely after 70 CE, reflecting on events through the lens of the Jewish Revolt against Rome (66–73 CE), especially referencing Vespasian’s tax on Judeans (Mark 12:13-17).
How much time passed between Jesus’s crucifixion and the writing of Mark’s Gospel?
Approximately 40 years; Mark was written around 70 CE, while Jesus was crucified around 30 CE.
Who is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Mark?
The gospel is anonymous, written in the third person with no claim of eyewitness authorship. The title “According to Mark” was added later.
How many endings does the Gospel of Mark have, and when were they added?
Three endings: the oldest at Mark 16:8, the “longer ending” added ca. 150 CE, and a “shorter ending” added in the fourth century CE.
What is the “Bath Qol” and where is it used in Mark?
A “voice from heaven” literary device, seen in Mark 1:11 and Mark 9:7, to affirm Jesus’s divine sonship and authority.
What is “Speech in Character” and how is it used in ancient narratives like Mark?
A literary device where authors create speeches for historical figures to reflect the author’s intended message; common in Greco-Roman education.
Describe the “2-Level Drama” device used in Mark and give an example.
A narrative with both literal and symbolic meanings; in Mark 5:1-13, Jesus casts demons named “Legion” into pigs, symbolizing a critique of the Roman Legion in Judea.
Why must the Gospel of Mark be read as both a narrative and a crafted story?
The gospel combines older traditions with the author’s own perspectives and literary devices, influenced by the Jewish War and the Roman context post-70 CE.
What manuscript evidence shows the evolving title of the Gospel of Mark?
Earliest manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus had no title; later edits added “According to Mark” and eventually “Gospel according to Mark.”
