Sunday, October 5, 2025 PM

The Gospel of Mark and the Setting of First-Century Rome

With you all tonight. I invite you to open your Bibles to Mark chapter 1. We'll be looking at verse 1 of Mark chapter 1. Mark chapter 1 verse 1. This is God's Word. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Bless the Lord. Let's pray. Heavenly Father we thank you for this night. We thank you for your wonderful Word. We thank you for your glorious Savior, our Savior Lord who has saved us from our sins, who is guiding us in our sanctification.

And Lord we thank you that looking at Christ we are saved and looking at Christ we are changed to be more like him. And Lord as we look at your Word, as we meditate upon the work of your Son throughout all of history, may we find more rest and a better view of our Savior by your Spirit and by your grace.

And it's in his name we pray. Amen. A gospel according to Mark is a unique gospel. Its author is one who was a simple helper, an assistant to the Apostle Paul and Barnabas during the New Testament. He was one that served the Apostle Paul in the ministry of the gospel.

Yet at one point in the ministry he walked away. We're not sure why but by the grace of Jesus Christ he was restored to ministry. His relationship with the Apostle Paul was restored along with Barnabas and he was in fact a spiritual son of the Apostle Peter as well.

He was used mightily by Christ including writing this gospel account from which he drew many stories and many historical events from the events inspired by the Holy Spirit. Mark compiles all of that into this gospel account.

That's the author of this account. Now who did Mark write to? Who was his audience during the time of his writing? And there's agreement with many believers throughout all of history that Mark was in Rome himself and he wrote to Christians in Rome.

He wrote around the time of AD 40 to 65 in the middle of the first century. We also know that Mark wrote this gospel account to the Christians in Rome because at the very end of his gospel account at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ there's a man who is used to bear the cross of Christ as Jesus is led to be crucified and that man's name was Simon and he has son named Rufus and that same son is mentioned in the epistle to the Romans by the Apostle Paul.

At the very end of Romans in chapter 16 Paul says make sure to greet Rufus and so Mark as he's inspired by the Holy Spirit writes to the Romans and he includes Rufus in the story of Jesus Christ and what a wondrous and glorious thing it would be to be there at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and later on to serve the risen Christ in the New Testament in Rome.

Persecution, Pagan Rome, and the Cost of Following Christ

What was life like for the Christians in Rome? It was a hard life of persecution for believers in first century Rome. Though this country boasted that the first century was a time of relative peace and order the empire often operated in brutality in its military and in its politics.

Compassion and mercy were no virtues for Rome. It was also polytheistic where the pantheon of deities were celebrated and honored widely. It was no secret that sin greatly influenced every part of Roman society and the Roman emperor was even seen as a god himself and there was the widespread message that Caesar is lord.

He was understood as the one with authority and no one was above him according to Rome. I like how one historian writes about the persecution Christians faced. He said quote with the radical choice of Christ or the world being forced upon the believer in countless ways.

Christian attendance at civic festivals, athletic games, and theatrical performances were wrought with danger since in addition to the sinful frenzy and debauchery aroused each was held in honor of pagan deities.

Various occupations and careers were regarded as inconsistent with Christian principles. Most notably military service and public office, the manufacturing of idols, and of course all pursuits which affirmed polytheistic culture such as music, acting, and school teaching end quote.

The Christians always had that choice of choosing Christ or the world and by the grace of God, by his spirit, by the faith he granted unto these believers they chose Christ and because of that there was widespread persecution to the point where many Christians were even killed for their faith.

One way in which this happened believers were arrested, greatly humiliated, and then fed to wild beasts of the Roman Colosseums and during this time of the writing of Mark the reign of Nero was either taking place or about to begin.

Because of this persecution churches bet in secret behind closed doors at night in the catacombs yet they never neglected the gathering of themselves in the regular worship of their Lord. They were still faithful.

Was the faith worth it? Was Christ worth it? Yes. Yes indeed. He is worth it every single time no matter the cost. Even at the cost of being cut off from society, family ties being severed, and even losing one's very life.

To know Jesus and be known by him there is no greater thing for he is the good shepherd who truly cares for his people knowing what they need and in his goodness Jesus provided for his people in first century Rome with the gospel according to Mark.

Christ's Authority, Compassion, and Victory in the Gospel of Mark

In a world where Caesar was declared to have authority, Mark inspired by the Holy Spirit presents the one who has all authority. Jesus is the one with ultimate authority over the physical world and no matter what illness or disease was brought to him he was always able to heal and fully restore.

He is shown in gospel in the gospel according to Mark to have power over the demons and even though a legion inhabits and torture a poor soul in Mark chapter 5 Christ is fully able to deliver. The rebellious spirits have no power against Christ but they must yield and cannot do anything without his permission.

They must obey his commands for Jesus is the one who has authority. The Christ is the one who has authority over the Sabbath, over all teaching, and he has authority to even forgive sins. In a world where brutality was a norm, Mark presents a king who is compassionate, who is kind, and who is gentle.

The strength of Christ who is indeed the strongest there is was under full control and Christ was able to come in with strong hands and heal. He was one who did not come to be served but to serve. Mark chapter 10 verse 45.

In a world where believers were persecuted, Mark presents their king who while in the wilderness being tempted stood among the wild beasts himself. He was the one rejected and despised by many even his home his own hometown those he grew up with.

Those who were called those next to him called him demon possessed and his own family said he was out of his senses. Mark shows that the king of Christians has gone before his people as the suffering servant and he is the faithful high priest who is able to help his people and sympathize with their troubles.

The king who has conquered the grave and who is alive and well in the first century Rome and who is alive and well today and at the very center of his account Mark says in Mark chapter 8 recording the words of Christ and he summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them if anyone wishes to come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will save it.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul. For what will a man give in exchange for his soul. For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation the son of man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his father with the holy angels at the very center of his account Jesus says follow me to gain your life even if you lose it you'll find it in following after me.

The gospel begins with the message of the king repent and believe. And at the very center of the account of Mark it has a gospel core. We see Peter's great confession in chapter 8 and we see that great call given by Christ to the crowds.

And in chapter 9 we have that glorious moment when the glory of Christ is revealed during the transfiguration and the account ends with the gospel the telling of the death burial and resurrection of the king.

We see the gospel at the beginning at the core and at the very end of Mark's account Jesus Christ is presented fully and clearly. And this account would serve to strengthen the faith of the persecuted believers granting them a better knowledge of their lord a more glorious view of the savior.

And it would serve to evangelize the unbelievers of Rome calling sinners to repent and believe. I appreciate the words of really William Hendrickson who writes about how Mark sets forth Jesus in this gospel.

He says this quote. The manner in which Mark pictures the Christ namely as an active energetic swiftly moving warring conquering king a victor over the destructive forces of nature over disease demons and even death would be of interest especially to Romans people who in their lust for an exercise of power had conquered the world to them.

Mark pictures a king who excels any earthly conqueror. His kingdom is far more extensive his armor far more effective and his rule far more enduring than anything originating here below. His victories moreover are far more honorable for he causes the conquer to share in the glory of his conquest.

Mark's king is the savior king. He is the victor who does not gloat over the suffering of the conquered but suffers in their place and with a view to their everlasting welfare. The main purpose of this gospel is to do just that to proclaim Jesus as the savior king and Mark aims to fully convince his audience that Jesus is the Christ the son of God.

Mark's Fast-Paced Style and Vivid Detail

A couple of different themes seen throughout this gospel. One it's shorter and very compact. There is no birth account. There's fewer parables and discourses from Jesus. There's not largely focused on quoting the old testament but rather this account is fast paced.

The narrative quickly moves along and Mark likes to use that word immediately throughout the narrative. It's used more than all the other gospel accounts combined. So Mark quickly moves along the narrative immediately immediately Christ is on the move and at work.

And because of this some have referred to Mark's account as the action gospel but though it is shorter and compact it's still strongly detailed. Mark uses vivid imagery to paint a clear picture in the mind of the reader or the listener.

In chapter one he records that there are wild beasts standing among Jesus as he is tempted. In chapter five much specific detail is given about that demon-possessed man that Jesus liberates and the specific number of the swine even are recorded two thousand to be exact.

And in chapter six Jesus feeds the multitudes and they sit down in groups of fifties of hundreds and as the text says they sit down on green grass. At this time in Rome there were about one one million people living in that capital of the world many of whom were slaves.

Mark's gospel is a compact vivid account that details the story of Jesus as the savior king one to be read and circulated quickly for a gentile audience many of whom were most likely illiterate because of its effectiveness in telling the life of Christ.

There have been many missionaries throughout history that when given opportunity to translate the Bible into another language their first pick of which book to start with is Mark. All throughout this gospel we see people being amazed astonished at the Lord.

The people see his miracles they hear his teaching they observe his kindness and his compassion and they behold his resurrection. And what can any of us do but marvel with awe and wonder at the glories of Christ.

Belief, Unbelief, and the Call to Repent and Believe

There's also the theme of belief and unbelief. For those who believe in Jesus Christ there is great blessing. We see that great confession of Peter when Jesus comes to the disciples and asks who do men say that I am.

And they say some people say this. Some people say this. And Jesus responds by saying but who do you say that I am. Who do you personally believe that I am. Peter says you are the Christ. Many come to Jesus with belief whether they battle with physical illness demon possession or whatever.

Whatever ailment or trial they find themselves in. They find help at the feet of the savior believing that he alone can help them. And he in fact does every single time. There is even the testimony of a Roman soldier at the cross after Jesus breathes his last breath.

This man who was involved in the murder of the son of God given faith by the Lord of glory says truly this man was God's son. That's an interesting fact that Mark records that to the Romans he says a Roman soldier known for brutality who was involved in the murder of the son of God.

Even someone as this can be saved. Christ can save even the wickedest and vilest of sinners. And he records the dangers of unbelief and of a hard heart. We see that the Pharisees and the scribes are seen to have a hard heart.

They reject Jesus and at every turn they try and find fault with him. The people in Nazareth have unbelief to the point that Jesus himself marvels at their unbelief. All throughout this gospel account people are in awe and wonder of Jesus and what he does of who he is.

And then Jesus comes to Nazareth and he sees their unbelief and he himself stands in awe and wonder at their hard heart. Because of their hard hearts Jesus's ministry and healing and in teaching is hindered in this region.

And even the disciples often have a hard heart as they follow along after Christ. They're not always understanding what Christ is telling them or what he is doing. And even when he speaks plainly they don't understand.

He tells them plainly I'm going to go and be crucified and rise again. And they wonder what does this mean. As the Romans as the Christians in Rome battled through persecution there were no doubt many who battled through the personal fight of unbelief facing persecution after persecution no doubt there were many hearts that were weak and battled with unbelief.

And Mark records the dangers of unbelief of a hard heart of not trusting in Jesus during the trial. And even when you have a hard heart of unbelief what's the solution. And Mark records the story of the father of the demon-possessed boy who comes to Jesus and says Lord I believe help my unbelief.

So after reading through this compact and vivid account seeing that Jesus is truly divine and human seeing that he has authority overall that he dies and rises again the reader is left with no choice but to decide for himself.

How will I personally respond to this Christ. Do I believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God. Do I stand with gospel awe and wonder in response to the authority the power and the love of Christ.

The Meaning of Gospel, Jesus, Christ, and Son of God

And so Mark begins his gospel in this way. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the son of God. The word used in verse one means good news. When Mark says gospel good news the people in Rome would certainly be familiar with this word that Mark uses for the gospel.

Those living in Rome would hear public heralds come forth and proclaim the birthday a new reign of a new Caesar. This good news declared that there was a new power that had come onto the world scene a historical person who was called a God and with his coming things would be different.

This new ruler came with the promise to bring military victory for the nation and thereby bring about peace for the people. And here is Mark declaring another message. He declares the good news of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is a name that means Yahweh saves. And the name was given to Joseph by an angel from God in Matthew chapter 1 who said that the child born of the Virgin Mary will save his people from their sins.

Here is a ruler a king who would not bring mere political liberation but spiritual freedom from personal sins. And this one has a unique title the Christ that is the Messiah the anointed one of the Lord.

He is the one set apart and specifically chosen by God to function as the priest prophet and king for the people of God. This is the true and ultimate king who will bring about real and everlasting peace as no one else can.

For he establishes peace between sinful man and holy God and thereby thereby establishing peace with all peoples who come to Jesus Christ in faith. And it's only Jesus who can do this for he is truly God and he's truly man.

Mark writes that Jesus is the son of God the second member of the trinity distinct in person from the father yet the same in divine holy nature. He is the eternal word who was in the beginning with God and who was God.

Through him all things were made and by him all things hold together and in the fullness of in the fullness of time Jesus came. This gospel is not a fictional story that simply inspires good feelings or good deeds.

Jesus is not a creation of someone's imagination of what goodness looks like. Rather he is the Lord almighty who has come into time and space to save sinners. The son of God needed to become human so that he might be that perfect mediator between God and man.

The incarnation was the only way for sinners to be reconciled with the father only by Jesus living a perfect life for us and taking upon himself our sins and dying for us. Can we be saved. And Jesus has done so.

The good news is who Jesus is and what he has done. It does not bid us to add to the work of Christ. For the good news is that Jesus has come and he has accomplished this work and he alone. The gospel message is one that bids sinners simply repent and believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God.

We need not work our way to God nor add to the work of Jesus but simply believe in his son to trust in him with our whole heart to lean in and place all of ourself upon him. And when that time comes when he bids his home may we swing out into eternity holding on to Christ.

For he holds on to us and he'll be sure to bring us home. May we say to Jesus I believe you. May we be satisfied in our soul with Christ and his work. May we say he is enough. Yes more than enough for me.

He is my only hope. He is my lord who runs my entire life. Christ is my life. To those striving to be good enough for God. To those attempting to work their way to perfection. I bid you dear soul. Cease your striving be still and come to rest in Jesus.

He has done the work it's finished. If you seek to be good enough or perfect you're looking for a treasure that does not exist. May Jesus be your perfection. That you cling to your treasure a treasure so precious that you are willing to lay aside all even your own life for him to simply follow him and find your life in him.

May you not look for good news elsewhere but only in Jesus Christ. Some look for good news in other places whether it's worldly knowledge philosophies in the government policies or in cultural changes and medication or perhaps even looking for good news in the approval of others.

But for the believer where do we find good news. It's in Jesus Christ alone. He is the one who satisfies the soul so that even though the whole world fall apart we can still rest and say I have good news.

I'd like to share it with you. Where do you look for good news. I bid you come to Christ. He is truly good. His gospel is truly good news to our broken world his gospel. He is good news to you broken sinner.

Come to his mercies full and drink deeply. Come to the bread of life and partake. There was a Christian songwriter who many years ago was publishing albums singing of the glories of Christ and of the wonders of salvation in him.

But this Christian artist fell into sin. It was years before he published another album but by the grace of God he was restored. And he published this album with this particular title the restoration the all sufficiency of Christ in the gospel of grace to restored ruin sinners to himself for their joy and his glory.

It's very puritan. In this album he has a song called the daily gospel and part of that song says this the gospel be my daily manna. It's not that I got to get saved daily but it's strong encouragement.

God will today embrace me so I can from selfish pleasures turn to Christ who's my righteousness I can never earn. It's more important than my poor performance the only sure assurance that the Lord is for us because Jesus is interceding for me now.

So when God sees me he's guaranteeing that he smiles. Let's pray heavenly father. We thank you for tonight. We thank you for your glorious gospel. The story of who your son is and what he has done. And Lord may our souls not go anywhere else but to Jesus Christ to be satisfied in him to count him to be our joy our hope our everything our very life.

We thank you Lord. It's not based on what we do by our works or by our performance but it's by the work of Christ alone that we are accepted by you because of Jesus his righteousness and oh what wonders of wonders.

What love is this. That Christ would die for us his goodness his merit his righteousness. Lord the sinner's only plea. Lord we thank you for Jesus. And it's in his name we pray. Amen.