Video from Jonah
The Gospel of Mark - Narrated by David Suchet
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness [ 2 Timothy 3:16 ]" from video introduction.
Summary of The Gospel of Mark
Author: Although the Gospel of Mark does not name its author, it is the unanimous testimony of early church fathers that Mark was the author. He was an associate of the Apostle Peter, and evidently his spiritual son (1 Peter 5:13). From Peter he received first-hand information of the events and teachings of the Lord, and preserved the information in written form.
It is generally agreed that Mark is the John Mark of the New Testament (Acts 12:12). His mother was a wealthy and prominent Christian in the Jerusalem church, and probably the church met in her home. Mark joined Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but not on the second because of a strong disagreement between the two men (Acts 15:37-38). However, near the end of Paul’s life he called for Mark to be with him (2 Timothy 4:11).
Date of Writing: The Gospel of Mark was likely one of the first books written in the New Testament, probably in A.D. 55-59.
Purpose of Writing: Whereas Matthew is written primarily to his fellow Jews, Mark’s gospel appears to be targeted to the Roman believers, particularly Gentiles. Mark wrote as a pastor to Christians who previously had heard and believed the Gospel (Romans 1:8). He desired that they have a biographical story of Jesus Christ as Servant of the Lord and Savior of the world in order to strengthen their faith in the face of severe persecution and to teach them what it meant to be His disciples.
Key Verses:
Mark 1:11: “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
Mark 1:17: “‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”
Mark 10:14-15: “He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 12:33: “To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Mark 16:6: “‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.’”
Mark 16:15: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” from the article: Summary of The Gospel of Mark