Biblical studies test notes:

Key aspects of the Gospel of Mark:

Gospel

This term means 'good news,' originally used to announce joyful events in the ancient world.

Author of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter.

Audience of Mark

Mark's Gospel was written for a Gentile/Roman audience, explaining Jewish customs and using Latin terms.

Purpose of Mark

The purpose of Mark's Gospel is to reveal Jesus as the Messiah for both Jews and Gentiles.

Uniqueness of Mark

Mark emphasizes Jesus' actions over His teachings and does not include a genealogy, focusing instead on His ministry.

Galilean Ministry

Mark's Gospel primarily covers Jesus' ministry in Galilee and the events of His last week in Jerusalem.

Pharisees

They were middle-class men who had significant influence in the Sanhedrin and were opposed to Jesus.

Zealots

They were a political group that sought to overthrow Roman rule, often using violent tactics.

Sadducees

These people were wealthy aristocrats who held power in the Sanhedrin and denied beliefs in miracles and the afterlife.

Essenes

They were a Jewish mystical group that lived in purity and separation, believed by some to be linked to John the Baptist.

Synagogue

This place served as a place of worship and community gathering, especially after the destruction of the Temple.

Temple

This place was in Jerusalem was the central place of worship for Jews, designed by King David and built by Solomon.

Baptism in Mark

Baptism is a significant theme in Mark, highlighting the preparation for Jesus' ministry and the call to repentance.

Twelve Disciples

The twelve disciples were ordinary men chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the early church.

Healing by Jesus

Jesus performed various healings, demonstrating His compassion and authority over physical and spiritual ailments.

Parables

Jesus used parables to teach moral and spiritual lessons, making complex truths accessible through relatable stories.

Good Samaritan

The parable emphasizes compassion across boundaries and challenges societal prejudices.

Mustard Seed

This parable illustrates that even small faith can lead to significant outcomes in God's kingdom.

Tenants

The parable critiques the Jewish leaders for their failure to steward God's message and their mistreatment of prophets.

Growing Seed

This parable conveys that spiritual growth takes time and is a process initiated by God.

Disciple

a dedicated follower of Christ, changed by Jesus and is commited to the mission.

Apostle

These were people sent by Jesus to spread the gospel after His death a resection. 

Andrew

The first called apostle and brother of Simon Peter, known for being a fisherman and missionary.

Simon Peter

One of Jesus' closest disciples, recognized as the 'Rock' of the Church and the first to preach after Pentecost.

James (Son of Zebedee)

A fisherman, called "Son of Thunder," and the first apostle to be martyred.

John

The brother of James, known as the beloved disciple, and author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.

Philip

One of the twelve closest to Jesus, known for introducing Nathaniel to Jesus and for his missionary work.

Bartholomew

Also known as Nathaniel, mentioned in the lists of apostles with limited information about his life.

Matthew

A tax collector who wrote the Gospel of Matthew, aimed at a Jewish audience.

Thomas

Known as 'Doubting Thomas,' he traveled to India and was martyred by a spear.

James (Son of Alphaeus)

Called "James the Lesser," with limited information available about his life.

Thaddeus

A farmer and missionary, mentioned in the lists of apostles with little detail about his life.

Simon the Zealot

A Zealot and missionary, known for his obscure mention in the Gospels.

Matthias

Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, believed to have been a follower of Jesus from early on.

Martyr

One who dies for their faith, especially when choosing death over denying their beliefs.