This is the beginningThe phrase "the beginning" signifies the start of a new era in God's redemptive plan. It echoes
Genesis 1:1, where the creation of the world is described, suggesting a new creation through the gospel. This marks the commencement of Jesus' public ministry and the unfolding of the good news.
of the gospel
The term "gospel" means "good news" and refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In the Roman world, "gospel" was often used to announce significant events, such as the birth of an emperor. Here, it signifies the arrival of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises.Isaiah 52:7 and 61:1-2 are Old Testament prophecies that speak of the good news of salvation, which Jesus fulfills.
of Jesus Christ
"Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." This title affirms Jesus as the promised deliverer and king, fulfilling prophecies such as those inDaniel 9:25-26 andIsaiah 9:6-7.
the Son of God
This title emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, affirming His unique relationship with God the Father. It distinguishes Jesus from other messianic figures and highlights His authority and power.Psalm 2:7 and2 Samuel 7:14 are Old Testament references that foreshadow the divine sonship of the Messiah. This declaration sets the stage for the miracles and teachings that demonstrate His divine authority throughout the Gospel of Mark.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristCentral figure of the New Testament, believed by Christians to be the Messiah and the Son of God. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith.
2.
The GospelRefers to the "good news" of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which brings salvation to humanity. The term "gospel" comes from the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news."
3.
Son of GodA title affirming the divine nature of Jesus. It emphasizes His unique relationship with God the Father and His role in the divine plan of salvation.
Teaching Points
The Importance of BeginningsMark's gospel starts with the "beginning," emphasizing the significance of Jesus' arrival as a pivotal moment in history. Reflect on how new beginnings in your life can be opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.
Understanding the GospelThe term "gospel" is central to Christian faith. Consider how you can share the "good news" of Jesus Christ in your daily interactions and live out its transformative power.
Recognizing Jesus' DivinityAcknowledge Jesus as the "Son of God" in your personal faith journey. This recognition should influence how you worship, pray, and live out your faith.
The Role of ProphecyThe fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament underscores the reliability of Scripture. Study these connections to strengthen your faith in God's promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 1:1?
2.How does Mark 1:1 establish Jesus' identity as the "Son of God"?
3.What significance does "beginning of the gospel" hold for understanding Mark's message?
4.How does Mark 1:1 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5.How can acknowledging Jesus as the "Son of God" impact your daily life?
6.In what ways can you share the "gospel of Jesus Christ" with others?
7.What is the significance of Mark 1:1 in the context of the New Testament?
8.How does Mark 1:1 establish the identity of Jesus as the Son of God?
9.Why does Mark begin his Gospel with "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 1?
11.Who is Jesus Christ and what is his mission?
12.What are the days of the Christian calendar?
13.Who is the Second Person of the Trinity?
14.What is the Gospel of Barnabas about?What Does Mark 1:1 Mean
This is the beginning“This is the beginning…” (Mark 1:1)
• Mark signals a fresh, decisive act of God, echoingGenesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” andJohn 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Just as creation had a starting point, so the public revelation of salvation in Christ has a clear launch.
•1 John 1:1 reminds us that what “was from the beginning” is now proclaimed; Mark invites readers into that same proclamation.
• By opening this way, Mark lets us know we are stepping into God’s unfolding story on earth, not a human invention (Galatians 1:11-12).
of the gospel“…of the gospel…”
• “Gospel” means “good news,” the announcement that God has acted to save (Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…”).
•Romans 1:16 stresses the gospel’s power: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
•1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines the core: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
•Acts 10:36 calls it “the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” Mark’s account will unfold that peace in living color.
of Jesus Christ“…of Jesus Christ…”
• The gospel is not abstract philosophy; it is rooted in a historical person—Jesus.
• “Christ” (Messiah) speaks of His anointed mission promised throughout the Old Testament (e.g.,Isaiah 61:1-2, fulfilled inLuke 4:17-21).
•John 20:31 states the aim: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
•Acts 4:12 affirms exclusivity: “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
• Focusing on Jesus keeps the gospel from drifting into mere moralism; it is about Him—who He is and what He has done.
the Son of God“…the Son of God.”
• This title declares deity and unique relationship with the Father.
• At Jesus’ baptism the Father affirms, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
•John 3:16 links Sonship to salvation: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…”
•Colossians 1:15-17 presents Him as “the image of the invisible God… by Him all things were created.”
•Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” a truth that becomes the rock on which the Church stands.
• Recognizing Jesus as God’s Son demands worship, trust, and obedience (Hebrews 1:1-3).
summaryMark 1:1 serves as the title line for the entire book: God is launching something new—good news rooted in the historical Jesus, who is both promised Messiah and eternal Son of God. Every scene that follows will deepen our grasp of that proclamation and invite us to believe, follow, and share the same gospel today.
(1)
The beginning of the gospel.--The opening words are interesting as presenting a transition stage in the history of the word Gospel, between its earlier sense, as meaning generally the "good news" of the kingdom of God (
Mark 1:14;
Matthew 4:23;
Matthew 9:35), and the later sense, as a book recording the main facts in our Lord's life and work. In
1Corinthians 15:1,
2Timothy 2:8, where it clearly includes a narrative of some kind, we have an instance of a like transition.
The Son of God.--This also is significant as to the Church's faith at the time when St. Mark wrote. He, of whom he speaks, was not a prophet or righteous man only, but was, in the highest sense which could be attached to the words, the Son of God. If we think of St. Mark as reproducing St. Peter's teaching, we cannot fail to connect the words, thus placed, as they are, in the very title of his Gospel, with the Apostle's confession inMatthew 16:16. . . .
Verse 1. -
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These words mean, not the title of the book, but the commencement of the narrative; and so they depend upon what follows, namely, "as it is written" (
καθῶς for
ὠς), "even as it is written." The words "the gospel of Jesus Christ" do not signify the book which St. Mark wrote, but the evangelical teaching of Jesus Christ. St. Mark means that the gospel announcement by Jesus Christ had such a beginning as had been predicted by Isaiah and Malachi, namely, the preaching of John the Baptist, and his testimony concerning Christ, to be fully laid open by the preaching and the death of Christ. The preaching of repentance by the Baptist was the preparation and the beginning of the evangelical preaching by Christ, of whom John was the forerunner. It has been well observed that St. Matthew and St. John begin their Gospels from Christ himself; but St. Matthew from the human, and St. John from the Divine, generation of Christ. St. Mark and St. Luke commence from John the Baptist; but St. Luke from his nativity, and St, John from his preaching. The words, the
Son of God, are rightly retained in the Revised Version, although they are omitted by some ancient authorities.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[This is the] beginningἈρχὴ(Archē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 746:From archomai; a commencement, or chief.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospelεὐαγγελίου(euangeliou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.of JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.Christ,Χριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.[the] SonΥἱοῦ(Huiou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Gospels: Mark 1:1 The beginning of the Good News (Mar Mk Mr) 
