Historical context of Mark

Who wrote Mark, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

John Mark

Date written

c. AD 55-65

Original audience

Roman Christians.

Genre

Gospel

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

16

Background and setting

Likely written from Rome during Nero's reign.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Mark was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Mark or jump into chapter 1.