Historical Figure
Saint Mark
d. 68
Apostle of Jesus
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Biography
Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark or Saint Mark, was a Libyan who is traditionally ascribed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. Most modern scholars agree that the Gospel of Mark is anonymous, though the topic remains contentious among experts. Scholarship is inconclusive on authorship; some reject the attribution to Mark while others debate the identity of Mark. According to Church tradition, Mark founded the episcopal see of Alexandria, which was one of the five most important sees of early Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.
Timeline
The story of Saint Mark, told in moments.
Traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Left partway through, which angered Paul so much that he refused to take Mark on the next trip. Barnabas, Mark's cousin, sided with Mark. The dispute split the two apostles.
Traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Mark, considered the earliest of the four Gospels. Church tradition says he served as Peter's interpreter in Rome and wrote down Peter's preaching.
Founded the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, according to Coptic tradition. It became one of the five great centers of early Christianity. The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its lineage directly to him.
Martyred in Alexandria. Tradition says he was dragged through the streets by a rope tied around his neck. His feast day is April 25. Venice claims to hold his relics, smuggled out of Alexandria in 828 hidden under pork to repel Muslim customs inspectors.
In Their Own Words (10)
Lord, I believe; Help thou my unbelief!
9:24b [KJV]
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
1: 1 - 8
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, he is guilty of an eternal sin.
Mark 3:29, KJV
And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
1:34 - 39
A lamp is not brought out to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it? Is it not brought out to be put on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden that will not be exposed; nothing is carefully concealed that will not come out in the open. Whoever has ears to listen, let him listen.
4: 21-23, NWT
Artifacts (7)
Design for Sculpture of the Winged Lion of Saint Mark
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