Mark

About Mark

Mark, also known as John Mark, was the author of the Gospel of Mark, traditionally considered the earliest of the four Gospels. He was the cousin of Barnabas and his mother Mary hosted the early Christian community in her home in Jerusalem, where Peter went after his miraculous escape from prison.

Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but left them at Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem, causing a later disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. However, Mark redeemed himself and later became a valuable companion to both Peter and Paul. Peter refers to him as "my son Mark," suggesting a close spiritual relationship.

Early Church tradition strongly identifies Mark as Peter's interpreter and secretary, writing down Peter's firsthand accounts of Jesus's ministry. His Gospel is characterized by its action-packed narrative, immediacy, and focus on Jesus's deeds rather than lengthy discourses. It was likely written in Rome for a Gentile audience, explaining Jewish customs and translating Aramaic phrases.

According to tradition, Mark became the founder and first bishop of the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, where he preached and established a strong Christian community. He was martyred in Alexandria around 68 AD, reportedly dragged through the streets with a rope around his neck until he died. His symbol is the winged lion, representing the voice crying out in the wilderness at the beginning of his Gospel. His relics were eventually taken to Venice, where he became the city's patron saint.