Who was Mark the Evangelist? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Saint Mark

Died At Age: 56

Family:

father: Aristopolos

mother: Saint Mary

Born Country: Libya

Male Writers Libyan Writers

Died on: 68

place of death: Alexandria, Egypt

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1

What is the significance of Mark the Evangelist in Christianity?

Mark the Evangelist is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. His writings provide valuable insights into the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2

What is the symbol associated with Mark the Evangelist?

Mark the Evangelist is often symbolized by a winged lion, which is a representation of his Gospel's emphasis on the royal nature of Christ and the lion being a symbol of courage and monarchy.
3

Where did Mark the Evangelist establish one of the earliest Christian communities?

Mark the Evangelist is said to have established one of the earliest Christian communities in Alexandria, Egypt. He played a significant role in spreading Christianity in that region.
4

What is the Feast Day of Mark the Evangelist?

The Feast Day of Mark the Evangelist is celebrated on April 25th in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations. It is a day to honor and commemorate his life and contributions to the Christian faith.
5

What are some key themes found in the Gospel of Mark attributed to Mark the Evangelist?

Some key themes in the Gospel of Mark include the urgency of Jesus' ministry, the theme of discipleship and following Jesus, the suffering and humanity of Jesus, and the importance of faith and belief in the Gospel message.

Early Life & Childhood

As per records, Mark was born in or around 5 AD in Cyrene, Pentapolis of North Africa. Aristopolus was believed to be his father. His mother’s home was believed to be in Jerusalem and it served as a centre for Christian life. According to the American New Testament theologian and professor of Biblical studies, William Lane, Mark the Evangelist identifies with John Mark.

He is also identified as the cousin of Barnabas, one of the first prominent Christian disciples in Jerusalem. It was also believed that he was one of the ‘Seventy Disciples’ sent out by Jesus Christ.

Many also reckoned that he was the man who carried water to the house where the ‘Last Supper’ took place. Amongst his many possible identities, he was considered to be the man who ran naked when Jesus was arrested.

However, there aren’t enough records in history to confirm any of these.

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Early Career

There isn’t a lot of information about his youth life. However, it was found in early records that Mark left his hometown to follow Saint Paul.

Later, he joined Saint Peter and worked as a missionary with him. He was also known to have accompanied Barnabus to Antioch and work with him as well. Saint Peter used to be a fisherman, but soon was on the mission to find the Church.

According to ‘Eusebius of Caesarea,’ Peter was arrested by Herod Agrippa in 41 AD to be executed after the ‘Passover.’ However, Peter was miraculously saved by angels and escaped to Antioch.

He then, travelled to various churches in Pontus, Galatia, Asia, and Cappadocia before finally arriving in Rome. At Rome, he met Saint Mark and made him his travel companion.

There is no connecting timeline about Mark’s life before meeting Peter. He traveled with Paul in Asia Minor in one event but at the same time, there were instances of him traveling with Barnabas. He met Peter and worked as his interpreter. He also wrote the Gospel based on many sermons delivered by Peter, as per ‘Apostolic Father Papias of Hierapolis.’

Career

After the ‘Ascension of Jesus,’ Peter and Mark dedicated their lives to deliver sermons of Christianity and spirituality across the world. Around 49 AD, Mark went to Alexandria, Egypt, and founded the ‘Church of Alexandria.’

After he founded the Church in Alexandria, Mark visited a cobbler named Anianus to get his shoes repaired. Anianus accidently cut his finger while fixing Mark’s shoes. Mark picked up a piece of the clay, spit on it, and applied the same on the cobbler’s finger as he prayed to Jesus to heal his wound. The wound healed completely within seconds.

Following this miracle, Anianus requested Mark to teach him everything about Christianity and Jesus. He promised to spread the message to his children and everybody else. In fact, Anianus himself became a Bishop in an Egyptian church. This is how Mark preached the miracles and truth of Christianity across the world.

He also became the first Bishop of Alexandria. He is also believed to be the founder of Christianity in Africa.

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In the ‘Gospel of Mark,’ it was mentioned that Saint John the Baptist cried out the preparation of Jesus ministry. According to the ‘Gospel,’ his scream seemed more like a lion’s roar. Mark took upon the responsibility of delivering the message in the boldness and strength of a lion. This is why he is often associated with a lion. In fact, he appeared as a lion in the vision of Prophet Ezekiel as well. Probably, this is why Mark the Evangelist’s symbol is winged lion.

During his time on the earth, Mark witnessed a lot of miracles and many were attributed to him as well. He also wrote about some of them in his Gospel. One of the miracles took place when Mark and his father were travelling across Jordan River when they were encountered by a male and a female lion. It was only a matter of time when Mark closed his eyes and prayed to Jesus and suddenly, both lions fell on the ground, dead.

He spent a large chunk of his life working with Saint Peter and spreading the message of Jesus across the seven seas. His mission was complete after his Gospel was enshrined on Papyrus.

Personal Life & Legacy

There are no records of married life of Mark. He dedicated his life to Jesus and delivering his messages in written or spoken form.

After completing his mission, Mark returned to Pentapolis later in his life. From there, he went back to Alexandria.

However, he was not welcomed in Alexandria by the pagans, who judged his intentions for taking their dedication from the traditional Gods. It is said that in AD 68, a rope was wrapped around his neck by these pagans and he was dragged through the streets, which resulted in his death.

It is said that Mark saw visions of angels and heard Jesus’ voice at the time of his death. The remains of his body were stolen by sailors, who took it to Venice.

St. Mark’s Basilica was constructed by his devotees. It is said even after his death, he miraculously healed people, when prayed.

He was also seen by many people in their visions.

The ‘Feast of St. Mark’ is observed and celebrated on April 25 every year by Catholic churches and communities. In Christian communities, where John Mark is a separate identity from John the Evangelist, the same is celebrated on September 27.

There are a number of paintings and artwork dedicated to him. He is often depicted as writing or holding his Gospel or as a Bishop on a throne surrounded with lions.

Facts About Mark the Evangelist

Mark the Evangelist is believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

According to tradition, Mark traveled with the apostle Peter and played a key role in spreading Christianity.

Mark is often depicted in Christian art with a winged lion, symbolizing courage and monarchy, representing the power of Christ.

Legend has it that Mark founded the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, where he is revered as its first bishop.

In some traditions, Mark is also considered the patron saint of notaries and lawyers due to his role as a scribe and interpreter for Peter.

Mark the Evangelist Biography

You wanted to know

What is the significance of Mark the Evangelist in Christianity?

What is the symbol associated with Mark the Evangelist?

Where did Mark the Evangelist establish one of the earliest Christian communities?

What is the Feast Day of Mark the Evangelist?

What are some key themes found in the Gospel of Mark attributed to Mark the Evangelist?