Tradition identifies the Mark who is mentioned in the Book of Acts as the writer of the second of the four Gospels. This gospel is actually anonymous but early tradition connects it with Mark. Papias of Hierapolis (A.D. 60-130) and Irenaeus (A.D. 130-200) both identified this gospel as being written by Mark, a disciple of Peter. According to both sources, Mark took what he learned from Peter and used it to compose what many consider the earliest of the gospels and the one written most closely to the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Scholars feel this gospel was written in Rome probably around A.D. 68. It was written during a time of persecution of the early church. Mark’s gospel emphasises that Christians can only share in the glory of the resurrection by also sharing in the obedience that led Jesus to the cross.
According to tradition, Mark, also called John Mark, was a cousin of Barnabas, an influential leader in the early Church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. The book of Acts tells of Mark joining Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey before deciding to turn back. There was a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about taking Mark on another missionary journey, due to this earlier desertion. However, later Paul recognized the value of Mark and asked for his presence in his prison in Rome, showing that the relationship between them was restored.
The iconography of Saint Mark is often represented by a winged lion, a symbol of Christ’s royalty and resurrection. This symbol is inspired by the book of Ezekiel and the Apocalypse. Mark is considered to be the founder of the
Church in Egypt, specifically the Coptic Orthodox Church. He would have been the first bishop of Alexandria, where, according to tradition, he was martyred around AD 68.
Mark is the patron saint of Venice, and his figure is closely associated with the city’s history and identity. The winged lion of Saint Mark is an iconic symbol of Venice and is found on many of the city’s buildings and monuments.
Some modern scholars dispute that this gospel was written by the Mark we find mentioned in the pages of the New Testament. The Gospel of Mark is also thought to be a source used by the authors of both Matthew and Luke. April 25 is the feast day of St. Mark.
The Gospel of St. Mark can be summarized in these four lines taken from the book “For All the Saints, Prayers and Readings for Saints’ Days”:
- God gives you everything
- Give everything to God
- You can’t
- Christ will make you able
Prayer:
Gracious God,
Strengthen us in the faith of the gospel of St. Mark
May we be grounded firmly in its truth
May we learn to bear witness to the gospel of your Son in both word and deed. AMEN