1:1 The beginning. Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark does not contain an account of Jesus’ birth. The “beginning” (cf. Gen. 1:1; John 1:1) is identified with the ministry of John the Baptist (cf. Acts 1:22) and with the Old Testament prophecies announcing John’s coming.

gospel. A term from political or personal reporting and correspondence, meaning “good news.” The Greeks used this word for events such as the birth of an emperor or a major military victory.

of Jesus Christ. This phrase can be understood as either “about Jesus Christ” or “from Jesus Christ.” The gospel is “about” Jesus, but it is also “from” Him (Rom. 1:9; 1 Cor. 9:12; 2 Cor. 10:14). The Gospel of Mark claims divine authority and offers itself as the word of Christ through His apostles to the church (cf. Rev. 1:1).

Son of God. Mark presents Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel as the divine, eternal Son. See notes 13:32; 14:36; 15:39; cf. Rom. 1:3.