Top 6 Characteristics of the Gospel of Mark

Below is an outline of the characteristics of the Gospel of Mark. It is a brief summary of the characteristics of Mark’s Gospel in the Synoptic Gospels. With these features of Mark in the New Testament, it is easy to identify the purpose of the Gospel of Mark.

1. Gospel of action

There is a strong element of speed and urgency in the narratives. e.g.

i. use of Greek words meaning “straight away” or “immediately”.

ii. Movement from one incident to another without much hesitation

iii. Lots of activity in Chapter 1.

2. Gospel of vivid descriptions

Another characteristic of Mark’s Gospel is a detailed account of Jesus’ activities. These include the healing of the paralytic, stilling of the storm, healing of Gerasene Demoniac, feeding of 5000 etc.

Mark has given the most detailed description of Jesus’ mood and gestures and those of his disciples. Examples are:

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• Taking children in the crook of his arm.
• His affection for the rich young man
• Jesus asleep on a cushion
• Peter warming himself at a fire side.

3. Gospel of Frankness / bluntness

Mark’s gospel has the tendency to say it exactly as it is. Note the following instances.

• Jesus did no mighty works in Nazareth
• Disciples lack understanding (Mk. 4:31, 8:17, 10:32)
• Show of human side of Jesus – love, compassion, hunger, anger, tiredness etc.

4. Gospel of miracles

Among the characteristics of the Gospel of Mark is a record of a lot of miracles.

i. He records all miracles in the other synoptic gospels plus 4 additional ones (18 in all).

ii. Demons recognized him as the son of God.

iii. The gospel does not give much attention to the parables of Jesus.

5. Gospel for Gentiles

There are instances in Mark’s gospel to suggest that it was written for the benefit of Gentiles.

• Mark explains original Ahramaic expressions like Talitha cumi (5:41), Golgotha (15:34), Corban (7:11), Rabboni (10:51), Ephatta (7:34)
• Also, Mark uses Latin words freely without explaining them. e.g. Centurion, Denarii

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6. Special Portrayal of Jesus

Finally, the writer of Mark’s gospel actively portrays the character and personality of Jesus in a specific way. Jesus is portrayed as

• teacher,
• servant,
• messiah, and
• man of action.

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