An Official Introduction

• Mark 1:1 (ASV)
• Mark 1:2 (ASV)
• Mark 1:3 (ASV)
• Mark 1:4 (ASV)
• Mark 1:5 (ASV)
• Mark 1:6 (ASV)
• Mark 1:7 (ASV)
• Mark 1:8 (ASV)

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Mark is writing to the Roman Christians, who were apparently under much persecution and apparently fairly new Christians, in order to help them understand that Jesus is definitely the Christ and, therefore, definitely worth following even amid persecution.

Mark jumps right into giving Jesus an official introduction by including a summary of what John the Baptist did. This summary of John's work, preparing the way for Jesus' coming, is of utmost importance because Mark's audience (Romans) were accustomed to this: the soon arrival of truly important people were always introduced ahead of time by one of their servants.

This helps solidify Jesus as the Saving One for the Roman people.

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