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Gospel of Mark
Chapter 1
Prologue: 1:1–13
Mark’s prologue is a prelude of the major themes that he will later develop in his gospel.
In the first 13 verses, the reader receives information about the identity of Jesus that
the characters in the narrative do not know. We must peel these verses back.
Mark 1:1-3 Beginning of the gospel of Jesus
Mark 1:4-8 John the Baptist
Mark 1:9-11 Jesus’ baptism
Mark 1:12-13 Jesus in the wilderness
Verse 1: Opening Verse
Beginning: Gk: archē recalls Genesis 1:1, suggesting a new creation.
Gospel: Gk: euangeliou – (eu – good) + (angelon – angel, messenger);
o Isaiah: God is coming to save His people (Is. 52:7, 61:1)
o Roman: Proclamation of military victory or coronation of emperor
o Key: God is coming to visit His people in Jesus.
Jesus: “YHWH saves,” Greek form of Joshua (leader into Promised Land)
Christ: Messhiach or “the Anointed,” (1 Sam. 16:13 - David’s anointing)
[Son of God]: Multiple Meanings
o Ps. 2:7: King on coronation day called “my son.”
o Hos. 11:1: Israel called “my son”
o Wis. 2:16, 5:5: Just person called son of God
o Roman: Caesar Augustus given the title “son of God.”
o Key: We must keep reading to understand this title
Verses 2-3: Mark says he quotes from Isaiah, but in reality he has strung three Old
Testament texts together:
Exodus 23:20: See, I am sending my angel before you, to guard you on the way
and bring you to the place I have prepared.
Malachi 3:1: Now I am sending my messenger – he will prepare the way before
me (Mal. 3:23 - Elijah)
Isaiah 40:3: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord
Key: Notice all three quotes speak of “the way” (Gk: hodos) – ex (out) + hodos
(way) or “going out.”
God worked through Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Isaiah prophesied that
God would lead the Israelites out of Babylonian exile (new exodus). Malachi prophesied
that a new Elijah would prepare God’s people for the Lord’s coming.
