Mark the Evangelist
c. 5 – c. 68 · Bishop of Alexandria
Also known as John Mark
Feast: 25 April
Companion of Paul and Barnabas, then 'interpreter' of Peter at Rome (per Papias). Traditional author of the Gospel of Mark and founder of the church of Alexandria.
Highlights
- Main contribution
- Mark gave the church the earliest surviving Gospel narrative.
- Primary source
- 1 Peter 5:13
Mark gave the church the earliest surviving Gospel narrative. The tradition that he wrote down Peter's preaching in Rome explains why the book feels fast, concrete, and cross-centred, though modern scholarship still debates the details of authorship. Matthew and Luke both used Mark, so his ordering of Jesus' ministry shaped much of the Gospel tradition Christians know best. Tradition also connects him with Alexandria, making him important for both scripture and one of the great early Christian centres.
Primary sources
- ·1 Peter 5:13
- ·Papias in Eusebius HE 3.39.15
- ·Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 2.16
Book of the day
The Apostolic Fathers
Clement of RomeA reading pick tied to today's figure, quote, era, or event. Best first collection for Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, the Didache, Barnabas, Hermas, and Papias in one place.
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