DID YOU KNOW?

"Mark explains Jewish customs and translates Aramaic because he was writing for readers unfamiliar with both." Agree or disagree that this is how most scholars read it?

The answer

Agree. Mark pauses to explain handwashing customs "of the Pharisees, and all the Jews," converts a widow's coins into Roman denominations, and translates every Aramaic phrase — asides a Jewish audience wouldn't need. Most scholars conclude the Gospel was written for Gentile readers.

Why it’s interesting

Early tradition goes further and places the writing in Rome, with Peter's memory behind it. The Roman setting is argued; the Gentile audience is about as close to agreed as Gospel scholarship gets.

Scholarly consensus

You can know the Bible.

Not just the stories, but the history, authorship, and scholarship behind it.