The author of the Gospel of Mark—John Mark (Acts 12:12)—was not an apostle, nor an eyewitness. It was this Mark who traveled with Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but left them at Pamphylia. When it came time for their second journey, Paul felt it unwise to bring Mark (in this Barnabas, Mark’s cousin, lacked discernment—Col. 4:10; Acts 15:37-39). Later however, we find Mark restored, and Paul calls him his fellow laborer (Philemon 24). He is warmly commended to the Colossians (Col. 4:10) and Timothy is instructed to bring him with him, “for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
Mark, the failing, though restored servant, is chosen by God in His sovereignty to present for us a divine picture of the perfect Servant—Jesus Christ, the Son of God—in His unwearied and faithful service. “They were astonished above measure, saying, He does all things well” (Mark 7:37 JND).
The order of events in Mark’s Gospel is by and large, chronological. A genealogy is not to be found; though required for a king, it has no significance for a servant. The Lord is not once addressed as “Lord” by the disciples.
The word variously translated “immediately,” “straightway,” “forthwith,” and “anon” occurs frequently in this book—some 26 times directly of the Lord and His acts—but rarely in the other Gospels. This is a Gospel of action; there is immediacy to what is written.
Though the shortest Gospel, it is full of details not elsewhere recorded. How beautiful—and how it should touch us—to see this blessed Servant asleep on a pillow (Mark 4:38). In Mark we see displayed both the Lord’s divine power and the depths of His feelings as man.
If we contrast chapter 4 of Mark with the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, the distinct character of this Gospel may be clearly seen. Both chapters begin with the parable of the sower, yet the subject pursued in Mark is that of the Lord’s service, its history, character and results. He was the sower—that was His service and likewise the service of His disciples. A candle is not to be hid, either by industry or laziness. In His absence the gospel goes forth, and though the King be not here, the seeds sprout and grow. At the time of the harvest He will return, and the fruit, or lack of it, will be seen. He will personally take care of the harvest. There are storms, yet the Lord is with us. The One whom even the wind and the sea obey is in the ship—it cannot sink. If we feel that He has abandoned us, it is because of our own lack of faith. He shares in all our labors.
The book may be divided in the following manner: chapters 1-3, Christ’s ministry in Galilee, the opposition of the Jewish leaders, their apostasy, and the Lord’s rejection of the nation; chapters 4-5, a summary of His personal service among the Gentiles and His people, taking us to Israel’s future raising up; chapters 6-10:45, His service resumed, though rejected by a blinded people; chapters 10:46-13, His return to Jerusalem and final ministry; chapters 14-16, His death and resurrection.