The Gospel called Mark, recognized as the earliest of the four canonical gospels, offers a vivid portrayal of Jesus’s life and ministry. Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter, modern scholarship asserts that this gospel was composed anonymously by a Greek-speaking author. This perspective opens avenues to explore the gospel’s literary influences, particularly its parallels with Homer’s epics and the prevalent use of parables in ancient storytelling.
Anonymous Authorship and Attribution
The Gospel called Mark does not internally identify its author, a common practice in ancient historiography where the narrative’s content held more significance than the narrator’s identity. Early Christian tradition, as noted by Papias of Hierapolis, linked this gospel to John Mark, suggesting it reflected Peter’s teachings. However, critical analysis indicates that this attribution likely aimed to confer apostolic authority rather than denote actual authorship.
Greek Composition and Homeric Influences
Composed in Greek—the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean in the first century CE—the Gospel called Mark exhibits notable parallels with Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Scholars like Dennis R. MacDonald have identified over a dozen similarities between Mark’s crucifixion account and the death of Hector, with events occurring in a similar sequence. For example, both narratives depict the central figure being stripped of their clothing, mocked by onlookers, and experiencing a profound sense of abandonment before death. Such parallels suggest that the author of Mark may have drawn upon familiar Homeric themes to craft a narrative that resonated with contemporary audiences.
Use of Parables in Ancient Storytelling
The term “parable” originates from the Greek word parabolē, meaning “comparison” or “juxtaposition.” In classical literature, parables were employed to convey moral lessons through relatable narratives. Aristotle and other Greek rhetoricians utilized parables as rhetorical devices to illustrate ethical principles. In the Gospel called Mark, Jesus frequently teaches in parables, aligning with this tradition of using everyday scenarios to impart deeper spiritual truths. This method not only made complex ideas accessible but also encouraged listeners to engage in introspection and interpretation.
Context of Composition
Scholars widely agree that the Gospel called Mark was composed around 70 CE, shortly before or after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple. Internal evidence suggests that it probably originated in Syria among a Christian community consisting at least partly of non-Jews who spoke Greek rather than Aramaic and did not understand Jewish culture.
The narrative emphasizes Jesus’s actions over his teachings, portraying him as the “Servant-Messiah” who confronts evil forces and challenges imperial authority. This depiction would resonate with communities facing persecution, offering a model of steadfast faith amidst adversity.
Influence on Subsequent Gospels
Mark’s Gospel significantly influenced the authors of Matthew and Luke. Approximately 90% of Mark’s content appears in Matthew, and about 50% in Luke, often verbatim. This substantial overlap suggests that both later evangelists used Mark as a primary source when composing their accounts, a hypothesis known as Markan priority.
Final Thoughts
The Gospel called Mark stands as a testament to the early Christian community’s efforts to document and disseminate the teachings of Jesus. Its anonymous authorship by a Greek-speaking scholar reflects the blending of Jewish traditions with Hellenistic literary forms, aiming to communicate the message of Jesus to a diverse audience. Understanding these influences enriches our comprehension of this seminal work and its enduring impact on Christian thought.
References
- MacDonald, Dennis R. The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark. Yale University Press, 2000.
- Jaromin, Joanna. “A Parable in Greek-Roman, Old Testament, and Rabbinic Literature.” The Biblical Annals, vol. 5, no. 1, 2015, pp. 103-116.
- “The Use and Interpretation of Parable.” Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 53, no. 3, 1934, pp. 261-270.
Ehrman, Bart D. Forgery and Counterforgery: The Use of Literary Deceit in Early Christian Polemics. Oxford University Press, 2013.
Marcus, Joel. Mark 1-8: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Yale University Press, 2000.
Goodacre, Mark. The Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze. T&T Clark, 2001.
Telford, William R. The Theology of the Gospel of Mark. Cambridge University Press, 1999.
MacDonald, Dennis R. The Gospels and Homer: Imitations of Greek Epic in Mark and Luke-Acts. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014