Preparation and testimony
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn and Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe forerunner's ministry, Jesus' baptism, and the wilderness temptation prepare the announcement of God's kingdom.
interpretation Mark 1:15
KJVAnd saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Read it in context
The kingdom and the call
Start reading at Mark 1:14 (Mark 1:14 to Mark 1:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' preaching and calling of disciples establish the message and response that the narrative will develop.
- 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
- 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
- 1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
- 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
- 1:18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
- 1:19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
- 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 1:1–1:45): John baptizes and announces Jesus; Jesus calls His first disciples and ministers among synagogue hearers, Peter's household, crowds, and a leper. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The kingdom and the call. Read Mark 1:14 through Mark 1:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' preaching and calling of disciples establish the message and response that the narrative will develop. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The kingdom and the call (Mark 1:14 to Mark 1:20). Start reading at Mark 1:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 1:14, Mark 1:20, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- The time Dan 2:44 Dan 9:25 Gal 4:4 Eph 1:10
- the kingdom Matt 3:2 Matt 4:17 Matt 10:7 Luke 10:9,11
- repent Matt 21:31-32 Luke 24:47 Acts 2:36-38 Acts 20:21 2 Tim 2:25-26
- believe Rom 16:26
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 1
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusRepent, believe, and follow
Connection to the wholeJesus' preaching and calling of disciples establish the message and response that the narrative will develop.
interpretation Authority in action
Mark 1:21–45FocusTeaching, deliverance, and healing
Connection to the wholeA concentrated series of encounters displays Jesus' authority and compassion while showing the growing demands of the crowds.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.