Bible Book Summaries › Mark
Mark: Summary & Key Themes
The Book of Mark at a glance, before you read it.
| Written by | John Mark, companion of Peter (traditional) |
|---|---|
| Written to | Gentile, likely Roman, believers |
| Type | Gospel |
| Chapters | 16 |
| Position | Book 41 of 66 · book 2 of the New Testament |
Summary
Mark is the shortest Gospel and moves quickly, often using the word “straightway.” It shows Jesus as the servant who acts with authority, and about a third of the book covers His final week, death and resurrection.
Main themes
- Jesus the servant
- discipleship and the cross
- Jesus’ authority
Key verse
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Mark 10:45 (KJV)
How to read Mark
Try one chapter a day: 16 days to finish. Read the whole book quickly once, then slowly. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?
Previous: Matthew · Next: Luke