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Book 41 of 66 · New Testament

Mark

The shortest and fastest Gospel — action over discourse, driving toward the cross.

16 chapters678 versesWritten in GreekSet Galilee and Jerusalem, the life of Jesus (c. 27–30 AD)

Overview

Mark is the shortest Gospel and probably the earliest. It moves fast — its favourite word is "immediately" — telling the life of Jesus mostly through what he does rather than long speeches. The first half asks who Jesus is; the second half turns firmly toward Jerusalem and the cross. Tradition links it to Peter's memories.

Book facts

Author
Mark, by traditionAnonymous; early tradition names Mark, an associate of Peter.
Date written
c. AD 55–70Usually thought the earliest of the four Gospels.
Original language
GreekPlain, fast-moving Greek; the word "immediately" recurs throughout.
Setting
Galilee and Jerusalem, the life of Jesus (c. 27–30 AD)A brisk account, likely written for a Roman audience.

How it came to be

Mark's Gospel does not name its author. Early tradition identifies him as Mark, a companion of Peter, writing down Peter's recollections.

It is generally thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels, and a source used by Matthew and Luke.

What is arguedWho wrote it, and its exact date. Markan priority — that it came first — is widely held; the abrupt original ending at 16:8 is also much discussed.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

ChapterWhat happensWho is in itWhere it takes place
Who is this? — Jesus' works in Galilee and the question of his identity, chapters 1–8
Chapter 1The voice in the wildernessJohn baptizes Jesus, who begins preaching in Galilee and calls his first disciples., , , , ,
Chapter 2The four friendsFour friends lower a paralysed man through a roof; Jesus forgives and heals him, and calls Matthew.,
Chapter 3The twelve chosenJesus chooses twelve apostles amid growing crowds and opposition.
Chapter 4The sowerJesus teaches in parables, including the sower, and calms a storm.
Chapter 5The legionJesus frees a man possessed by a legion of demons, heals a woman, and raises Jairus's daughter., —
Chapter 6The five thousandHerod kills John the Baptist; Jesus feeds five thousand and walks on the water., , ,
Chapter 7The traditionsJesus challenges the traditions of the elders and heals a Gentile woman's daughter.—
Chapter 8The four thousandJesus feeds four thousand, and Peter confesses him as the Christ.,
The road to the cross — toward Jerusalem, the cross, and the empty tomb, chapters 9–16
Chapter 9The mountain gloryJesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah., , , —
Chapter 10The blind beggarJesus teaches on marriage, wealth, and service, and heals blind Bartimaeus near Jericho.,
Chapter 11The fig treeJesus enters Jerusalem, curses a fig tree, and clears the temple.,
Chapter 12The widow's mitesJesus answers challenges in the temple and praises a poor widow's two small coins.
Chapter 13The end of the ageJesus foretells the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end.
Chapter 14The betrayalJesus shares the last supper, prays in Gethsemane, and is arrested; Peter denies him., , ,
Chapter 15The crossJesus is tried before Pilate, crucified at Golgotha, and buried., , ,
Chapter 16The resurrectionThe women find the tomb empty and are told that Jesus is risen.

All 16 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

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Key places

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Known for

Some of the book's best-known moments — tap the verse to read it.