The Strand Study Bible

MARK

Author: Mark Theme: Christ (The Suffering Servant) Book’s Main Character: CHRIST

About the Author: Mark, whose name means “polite or shining,” was part Jew and part Gentile. Also called John Mark, he lived in Jerusalem with his mother, Mary, and seemed to be comfortable financially (Acts 12:12-13). Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas (Mark’s cousin - Colo 4:10) on Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:5), only to depart at Perga in Pamphylia because of fears due to immaturity (Acts 13:13). Mark later became Barnabas’ co-laborer (Acts 15:37-39). Mark is mentioned only four more times in the NT (Colo 4:10-11, Phile 24, II Tim 4:11 and I Pet 5:13). These references certainly reveal the encouraging truth of Mark’s complete restoration and faithful service. About the Book: The book of Mark was primarily written to the Gentiles, and is a book of action rather than words. Whereas Matthew presents Christ as the Mighty King, Mark presents Him as the Mighty Servant (Mk 10:45). The book of Mark covers 4 years (from AD 28-32). Notes of Interest : 1. Mark quotes the OT 24 times. 6 of those 24 quotes refer directly to CHRIST . Note - 10 of the 24 OT quotations refer directly to the Pentateuch. Note - Isaiah is the OT book most often quoted in the book of Mark ( 6 quotes). 2. Prophecies are referred to 72 times in Mark . 3. Prophecies concerning CHRIST are referred to 54 of those 72 times. 4. Prophecies concerning the HOLY SPIRIT are referred to 1 of those 72 times. 5. There are 10 different OT characters referred to in Mark . Note - Moses and Elijah are the OT characters most often referred to in the book of Mark ( 9 times each). 6. There are 5 inset maps used in the book of Mark . They are numbered chronologically (#19-23). Outline of Mark : 1. The life of Christ (Mk 1-14) 2. The crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ (Mk 15,16) Mark 1 The ministry of John the Baptist (S/A - Mt 3:1-12 & Lk 3:1-18) Date - AD 28/AM 4028 1 The beginning of the 1 GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST , the 2 SON OF GOD ; 1. or, “Good News" - I Cor 15:1-4 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of WHOSE shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. The promise of HOLY SPIRIT power for witnessing (Fulfilled - Acts 2:4 - AD 32)

2. Isa 7:14 & 9:6 & Jn 5:17-18 & 10:30-36 & Acts 8:37 3. Quoted from the OT - Mal 3:1 (See - Mt 11:10 & Lk 7:27) 4. Quoted from the OT - Isa 40:3 5. Isa 40:3 6. See - Isa 40:3 & Mal 3:1

2 As it is written in the prophets, 3 Behold, I send MY messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before THEE . 3 4 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the 5 LORD ( JEHOVAH ), make his paths straight. 4 6 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach 7 the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. PF 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the 8 HOLY GHOST . P

John baptizes CHRIST at Bethabara ( CHRIST begins His three-year ministry) (S/A - Mt 3:13-17 & Lk 3:21,22) Date - AD 28/AM 4028

7. Acts 19:3-4 8. Fulfilled - Acts 2:4 (Holy Spirit Power) 9. See - Dan 9:25

9 And it came to pass in those days, that 9 Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. PF

1:4 According to Romans 6:4-5, “baptism” is a portrayal of the Gospel, (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus). John “baptized” in order to show the world what the coming OT MESSIAH was about to do. Jesus came to die for the sins of the world (Gen 22:8,14, Psa 40:6, Isa 52:15 & 53:4-6,8,10-12, Hab 1:5 and Dan 9:24,26), be buried (Isa 53:9), and rise again (Gen 12:3 & 18:18 & 22:5,17-18 & 26:4,24 & 28:14, Psa 2:7 & 16:9-10, Jonah 1:17 and Isa 53:9-10 & 55:3). Thus, water baptism’s only purpose was to picture what CHRIST did for us at Calvary. NOTE - Sadly, there are some religious movements that have tried to use this Scripture to prove that baptism is essential to salvation and thus part of the saving Gospel. It is not ( Mk 16:16 , Rom 6:4 -5 and I Cor 1:17 ). According to Acts 19:3-4, “ the baptism of repentance ” is the proclaiming of the Gospel, not the performance of a rite (Acts 10:37 & 13:23-24). 1:7 John knew exactly " WHOSE shoes " he was unworthy to untie. He knew he was dealing with God Himself.

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