FocusJohn and Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe forerunner's ministry, Jesus' baptism, and the wilderness temptation prepare the announcement of God's kingdom.
interpretation Mark 1:2
KJVAs it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Read it in context
Preparation and testimony
Start reading at Mark 1:1 (Mark 1:1 to Mark 1:13).
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.
The forerunner's ministry, Jesus' baptism, and the wilderness temptation prepare the announcement of God's kingdom.
- 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
- 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
- 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
- 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
- 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
- 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
- 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
- 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
- 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
- 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
- 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
- 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto 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? Preparation and testimony. Read Mark 1:1 through Mark 1:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The forerunner's ministry, Jesus' baptism, and the wilderness temptation prepare the announcement of God's kingdom. 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 Preparation and testimony (Mark 1:1 to Mark 1:13). Start reading at Mark 1:1. 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 1:1, Mark 1:13, 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.
Other accounts of this event
John the Baptist prepares the way
Parallel accounts
These accounts overlap in John's ministry; they do not report every saying in the same order.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The voice preparing the way
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Isaiah 40:3–5
- New Testament: Matthew 3:1–3
- New Testament: Mark 1:1–4 (current passage)
- New Testament: Luke 3:1–6
- New Testament: John 1:19–23
The Gospel accounts identify the wilderness voice with John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. Luke quotes the passage further than the other accounts.
The messenger before the Lord
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Malachi 3:1
- New Testament: Matthew 11:7–10
- New Testament: Mark 1:1–4 (current passage)
- New Testament: Luke 7:24–27
Jesus' words in Matthew and Luke identify John as the messenger. Mark places messenger language alongside Isaiah's wilderness passage.
Related passages
- written Ps 40:7 Matt 2:5 Matt 26:24,31 Luke 1:70 Luke 18:31
- Behold Mal 3:1 Matt 11:10 Luke 1:15-17,76 Luke 7:27-28
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.
The kingdom and the call
Mark 1:14–20FocusRepent, 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.
FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, 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.