The Gospel Principle - Mark 1:1-15

John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas and a disciple of Paul and Peter, writes an account of the works and words of Jesus according to the teachings that he heard from Peter. His account is short and seems to be a preparation of his readers for times of trial. Mark does this by placing Christ’s life as an example of how to live victoriously in the face of trials and, in so doing, lay hold of the hope and joy of eternal salvation. The book is called “a beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in that the disciples are to continue living out the Gospel and reveal the work of salvation in them through the power and leading of the Spirit (cf. Mark 1:8).