Articles
Mark 1
Mark 1
Mark is often said to be written to the Roman people. It is pointed out that Mark uses many Latin phrases. When he speaks of Jewish practices, he often explains them [which he would not have to do if the intended audience was Jewish]. Along with these observations, it is pointed out that Mark is a gospel of 'doing and power'. This would seem to fit the outlook of at least some of the Roman populace as an underlying political thought was 'might makes right'.
Mark then continually goes from one action to another and connects them with the Greek word "euthys". A word count shows this appearing 42 times in Mark. It is usually translated in the ESV as 'immediately' although it is translated as 'at once' in 1:28, 43; 4:29; 14:45; and 15:1. Here in the first chapter it appears at vs. 10, 12, 18, 20, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30, 42, and 43. This adds a feeling of urgency to the reading.
Jesus is not only the Christ, but also he is the Lord over all and He is the Son of God with power. He is the one that will baptize with the Spirit (vs. 8). He is the one whom God calls 'My beloved Son' (vs. 11). He teaches with authority (vs. 21), he casts out demons (26-27, 32, 34,) he heals those with leprosy (42). At his word, Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave their fishing and follow Him the rest of their lives. He is tempted 'like as we' but overcomes Satan by His steadfast love and obedience unto the Father.
This is Jesus, our savior, our Lord. Let us follow Him all of our days. Hugh DeLong
