THE GOSPELS
STUDY GUIDE 3.1
Lesson 3: The Gospel of Mark
Section 1: Background


OUTLINE FOR NOTES

Introduction

I. Background

A. Author

  1. Traditional View

  2. Personal History

B. Original Audience

  1. Witness of Early Church

  2. Details of Gospel

C. Occasion

  1. Date

  2. Purpose




REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What evidence is given in the lesson as evidence that John Mark was the author of the gospel that now bears his name?

2. What important apostle probably helped Mark write the gospel?

2. Note the important details about the life of Mark. Where was he from? Was he an apostle? Did he possibly know Jesus? What relation did he have with Paul? With Barnabas? With Peter?

3. According to the lesson, to whom did Mark probably especially write the gospel? What evidence supports this view?

4. Who was Rufus, mentioned in the gospel of Mark? Why is his name significant?

5. When was the Gospel of Mark probably written? Between what years? What arguments are given for this probable date?

6. What was the purpose of the Gospel of Mark?


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What lessons can we learn from the life of Mark?

2. What difference does it make to understand the audience Mark was writing to, and the purpose he had in writing the gospel? Does it help you understand the gospel? Can you identify with the readers he was addressing?