Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

Two Types of Context…for Understanding Mark’s Gospel

Before we can understand what the Bible means for us today and how to apply its truth to our lives, we need to understand what the Bible meant to its original readers. To do that, we must pay attention to two different types of context. Watch the video below for an introduction to Historical and Literary Contexts and how they can help us learn to interpret and apply the Bible appropriately.

Literary Context for Mark’s Gospel:

Biblical chapter divisions, added in the 1200s, were not part of the original inspired text. As a result, a close reading to discover a book’s natural breaks—noting shifts in topic, narrative, and theme—can help us better understand its structure and literary flow. The following table presents the natural divisions of the Gospel of Mark, emerging from this type of careful reading.

Historical Context for Mark’s Gospel:

John, also known as Mark, is traditionally credited with compiling the first written account of Jesus' life and ministry: the Gospel of Mark. The historical context video (below) explores the circumstances that motivated Mark to document these stories about Jesus. Additionally, today's Bible readings include New Testament passages which reference John Mark, providing further insight into his discipleship journey and personal experience of transformation.