The Gospel of Mark 1:1-8

Eric Salgado 11/10/2023

The early church fathers anonymously affirm that Mark wrote this gospel (Papias, Bishop de Hierapolis in the year 140 A.D) and (Justin martyr in the year 150 A.D) mark prepared this gospel primarily for the Christians in Rome and Italy in the second half of the decade 60 to 70 A.D after the death of Peter who was martyred in Rome during this period. It was written during the persecution of Nero against Christians in A.D 64. Mark's task was to project Christian faith in a climate of uncertainty where Martyrdom had been a reality.

This book of Mark is a witness document not historical or biographical but of proclamation characterized by simplicity and straightforwardness. He wrote this Gospel as an interpreter of Peter and wrote down whatever he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord.  Mark did not hear the Lord nor did he follow him, but drew connected, and recorded the things he remembered based on the ministry of the apostle Peter.

Mark was a close companion to the apostle Peter and many times appeared in the Book of Acts when he's known by John who was also called Mark ( acts 12:12,25;15:37,39) John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (col 4:10) who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary trip. In Acts 13:13 he deserted them along the way in Perga and returned to Jerusalem. On one occasion Barnabas wanted Paul to take John Mark on the second missionary journey but Paul refused, resulting in the separation of Paul and Barnabas. These events gave John Mark strength and maturity. Later he was mentioned by Paul as a fellow Worker and a useful man for Paul. (2 Timothy 4:11) John Mark was fully restored to ministry due to the ministry of Peter and his closeness to him.

Let's begin again after these brief explanations of history and background in the book of Mark 1:1-8.

1:1 The beginning of the gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ the son of God is originated by God the Father, he is the one who initiates the redemptive activity providing salvation for men.

The term Gospel or evangel was not first invented or expressed by Christians, but this concept was known also by pagan and Jewish cultures. Mark makes a distinction that this gospel is of Jesus Christ The Messiah is from Him, through Him, and to Him. He begins with the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry; he announces Jesus coming as an event that brings about a radically new state of affairs for mankind. Mark's main interest is to describe the historical context of the primitive Christian message of salvation and also clarify that the gospel of salvation is only one and for those that want to distort or add or preach any other gospel contrary to the preaching of this word let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:7-9)

1:2-3 This reference to Isaiah the prophet indicates that the gospel receives its proper interpretation only in the light of the common salvation promise in the prophetic word. In Exodus 23:20 God promised to send his messenger before the people on a first exodus through the wilderness through Canaan and later in Isaiah 40:3 the messenger announced the second exodus through the wilderness to the final deliverance prepare for God's people. This messenger comes, he will announce the way with urgent appeal, prepare the way for the Lord to enter your hearts by repenting of your sins so that Christ can come in and make straight paths and holy temples of your lives. (Isaiah 26:7 ) the path of the righteous is level, you make level the way of the righteous.

John's career was the result of divine appointment in fulfillment of prophecy. After the absence of a prophet for more than 300 years John appears in the wilderness as a crucial figure in the history of revelation and redemption. The most important event in the life of Israel. The decisive turning point in the history of salvation was at hand John comes in board witness to the supreme dignity and power of the Messiah.

1:4-5) The concept of repentance was deeply rooted in the wilderness tradition to (Turn, Repent) a return to the original relationship with the Lord. This means the wilderness to the beginning of God's history with his people there. A time in the wilderness as in Israel's time a period of true Sonship to God. as Israel long ago had been separated from Egypt by a pilgrimage through the waters of the Red Sea. The nation is encouraged again to experience separation. The people are called to a second exodus in preparation for a new covenant with God.

They return to a place of judgment and grace, from pride to humility, from disobedience and rebellion to a desire to begin once more. The people of Jerusalem and Judea go out to the wilderness to be baptized by John. Take notice this baptism gave them no power to live a pure life. It was only a preparation for one who was far greater than John, Jesus Christ will give them the Holy Spirit, which like fire would burn up the useless chaff of the heart, leaving the pure wheat to feed and strengthen the life. (quote)

1:6 The clothing of John the Baptist was typical of the poorer classes and the prophets. His food and clothing show that he was a man of the wilderness, a nomad his explicit identification with Elijah whom they expected to come before the Messiah.

1:7-8 John the Baptist never stopped declaring God's truth. He knew that after him there was a mightier one, a greater one. The only one Messiah will be coming soon. He affirms he is not worthy to perform the most menial task John places himself below the level of the Messiah a slave. John minister of outward baptism for repentance and the forgiveness of sin and Christ is the author of a spiritual baptism new life. Let us remember. The baptism by water does not regenerate, but only the work of Christ in sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate. Without the work of Christ in the heart of the elect a baptism is merely water. Let us be aware and know what John the Baptist wants us to know to those ministers and servants of the gospel of grace they cannot baptize in the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, as an example to follow; (1 Timothy 2:5) we must avoid the error that there are several paths to God the Father. Only Christ is the way between God and men, He is the only savior and lord. 2) all sin will be forgiven but the sin of unbelief will not be. He who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God (John 3:18) an evil heart of unbelief can cause us to distance ourselves from God. Unbelief is the root cause of all other sins. 3) A command has been given to us to confess our sins, repent, and be baptized (echoes 3:19-20) 4) we have been called to declare God's truth urgently to all men the gospel of salvation (Mark 16:15 -18) 5) Everyone who believes and repents receives the promise of the Holy Spirit who will guide them to all the truth, repent of your sins sinner, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, obey his commandments and follow him Today.