Authorship and purpose of Mark's gosel
- Created by: emilywatters
- Created on: 30-03-16 09:16
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- Authorship and purpose of Mark's gospel
- Who?
- Unknown but some think that Mark was connected with Peter as Papias noted that Mark was the interpreter of Peter
- However Papias is notorious for being wrong about thinks he has said about the gospels so this assertion needs to be treated with caution
- It seems unlikely that Peter was Mark's source as he tells fewer stories about Peter than any of the other gospels
- His focus on crucifixion and gentile orientation suggests a link with Paul rather than Peter
- A man named Mark is mentioned in Paul's letters three times which may support this link
- His focus on crucifixion and gentile orientation suggests a link with Paul rather than Peter
- It seems unlikely that Peter was Mark's source as he tells fewer stories about Peter than any of the other gospels
- However Papias is notorious for being wrong about thinks he has said about the gospels so this assertion needs to be treated with caution
- Unknown but some think that Mark was connected with Peter as Papias noted that Mark was the interpreter of Peter
- When?
- Most scholars date Mark in the late 60's CE because of his emphasis on suffering and allusions to the Jewish War (66-70 CE)
- Where and why?
- Although most agree that Mark was writing for a community of gentile Christians his location is uncertain but many take Rome to be the most likely
- This is supported by the links with Peter who was martyred in Rome in the mid 60'S CE
- it would also fit the gentile orientation of the gospel where Jewish customs are explained further to the reader
- The focus of persecution also seems to suit Rome as Christians were suffering at the hands of Nero who persecuted them as a scapegoat for the great fire of 64 CE
- His gospel may have been an attempt to encourage and build up a community in crisis
- He focuses on discipleship, evil and gives a lot of attention to Jesus' death perhaps providing the model for Christians to follow
- His gospel may have been an attempt to encourage and build up a community in crisis
- The focus of persecution also seems to suit Rome as Christians were suffering at the hands of Nero who persecuted them as a scapegoat for the great fire of 64 CE
- it would also fit the gentile orientation of the gospel where Jewish customs are explained further to the reader
- Although most think Rome is the backdrop to Mark's writings the strong emphasis on Galilee should be noted
- Jesus appears there after the resurrection and the gospel seems to address the people of Palestine, close enough to Jerusalem to be affected by the troubles there
- This is supported by the links with Peter who was martyred in Rome in the mid 60'S CE
- Although most agree that Mark was writing for a community of gentile Christians his location is uncertain but many take Rome to be the most likely
- Who?
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