Mark is generally thought to be the oldest surviving written gospel. The document itself never mentions its author, nor the place, time or circumstances. Probably composed around the time of the Roman-Judea War (66-70) and some believe in Greek speaking Syria. The writer of Mark drew on many sorts of existing material for his/her own new purposes of narration. There may have been a pre-markan passion narrative used not only by Mark but by the author of John and perhaps also the gospel of Peter (that didnt make it into the New Testament, for which we just have fragments). Unsatisfied with the bleak conclusion showing the terrified women running away from the tomb, early copyists preferred to continue the narrative with additions of various length to portray a risen Jesus appearing to his disciples. There also appears to have been a Secret Mark which Bishop Clement of Alexandria quotes from, (additional material).
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:55:42 +0000
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