The authorship of the Gospels is important in that it affirms the authority of the Gospels by having been written by an apostle (Matthew and John), eyewitnesses (as in the case of Luke), or backed by the authority of an apostle (Mark). Throughout the third and fourth century, Gnostic gospels were written falsely attributing themselves to apostles. You may have heard of the Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Judas which spawned a media frenzy and best selling fiction book, “The DaVinci Code.” It is crucial that the Christian gospels are delineated from heresy by defending their authorship, authority and date.
Who Wrote Mark’s Gospel?
The authorship of Mark—as with the other synoptic gospels—has been hotly contested throughout history, yet the question is not without ample external evidence from which to draw an informed decision. The earliest external evidence points to Mark himself as author (who interpreted and transcribed the apostle Peter’s words as he dictated). Papias, a bishop of Hierapolis in the second century, defends Mark as Peter’s interpreter and author of the Gospel bearing his name.[1] Further evidence from early church pastors of the second and third centuries affirm this testimony. Although these early church pastors’ words were not infallible, it seems unnecessary to reject their claims apart from sound evidence that points to the contrary.
Who is Mark?
Mark was an evangelist and early church leader. John was his Jewish name (Acts 13:5, 13) and Marcus was his Roman name (Acts 15:39, 2 Timothy 4:11). He used his Roman name as the title of his Gospel because he was writing to a Roman audience.
Mark’s mother Mary was a godly woman who opened her home for bible studies and prayer groups and even hosted the Last Supper Jesus enjoyed before his arrest (Acts 12:12, Mark 14:14, Acts 1:13-14), but ultimately it was the Apostle Peter who discipled Mark and led him to faith in Christ (1 Peter 5:13).[2] It’s possible that Peter was Mark’s biological father, but this cannot be verified because Peter’s wife is never named in Scripture.
While being discipled by the Apostle Peter, Mark transcribed his gospel as Peter dictated the events of Jesus’ life.[3] Mark went on to plant churches with the Apostle Paul and his cousin Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), and was imprisoned with Paul before moving to Ephesus to pastor the local church with Timothy.
Where’s the Evidence?
Internal evidence of Markan authorship hinges on the identity of the “Mark” referred to. Papias believed this was the John Mark mentioned throughout Acts and subsequent Pauline epistles (Acts 12:12, 25; Acts 13:5, 13; Acts 15:39). This would account for what some scholars see as a Pauline influence in Mark’s Gospel as well as the simplistic Greek style that would be expected of John Mark.[4] Though the internal evidence alone is not enough to make a bold claim for Markan authorship, when coupled with the external evidence the case becomes strong and for John Mark as the author. The burden of proof lies on those who would doubt the church fathers to support their skepticism with evidence, and so far this has not been accomplished in any substantial fashion.
What’s Mark’s Purpose?
Rome was Mark’s intended audience, evidenced by early church tradition, the Latinisms of the gospel, and Mark’s care to explain Jewish customs throughout the text.[5] Though Mark’s singular purpose is debated, I believe the first verse of the text reveals the topic and aim of the book: ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark wants everyone know about the singular good news of Jesus Christ.
Questioning Jesus
As we delve into this text, know that Mark was an eye-witness transcribing the words of the great Apostle Peter, who can be relied upon and trusted as great teacher, friend and source for understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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[1] Carson & Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament (2005). 173.
[2] James Edwards. The Gospel According to Mark (2002). 4-5.
[3] “When Peter had publicly preached the word at Rome, and by the Spirit had proclaimed the Gospel, that those present, who were many, exhorted Mark, as one who had followed Peter for a long time and remembered what had been spoken, to make a record of what was said; and that he did this, and distributed the Gospel among those that asked him.” –Papias (Hist. Eccl. 6.14.6-7)
[4] Carson & Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament (2005). 175.
[5] Ibid. 183.