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Day 12

Text: Mark 1

"In sanctification of the Spirit..." 1 Peter 1:2

UNIQUELY MARK’S STYLE OF CITING THE SCRIPTURE

Mark’s style of citing the Scriptures is most interesting.

1. The style adopted by Matthew and Luke

There is much similarity between the both of them. Both these writers used the more formal way of citing the Scriptures. They tend to make use of the third person.

2. The style that is distinctly Marcan

Mark used the second person in the following text.

“As it is written in the prophets,
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.'”

MARK 1:2

3. Reasons for this “unusual” style of writing

How may we appreciate this unique way of writing?

a) It is consistent with a person preaching directly to an audience

According to tradition, Mark followed Peter around in his preaching ministry. If Peter’s style of preaching is as we see recorded in the Book of Acts (Cf. Acts 2), then we will appreciate that Peter used the second person frequently.

“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and heed my words…
You yourselves also know…
“You have taken by lawless hands, have crucified
and put to death…”

ACTS 2:14, 22, 23

b) It is a style that reflects the heavy influence of a mentor

Even as Mark began writing his Gospel, we must bear in mind, the influence that Peter had on him. It is not wrong to be thus influenced.

4. Citing and applying the Old Testament texts correctly

a) Mark was not incorrect when he wrote, “In the Prophets” (Cf. Mark 1:2)

b) He was citing two prophets instead of just one (as in the case of Matthew and Luke)

c) Mark cited the prophet Malachi (Cf. Malachi 3:1) besides the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3)

d) Mark did not cite the texts verbatim. Nevertheless he applied the texts correctly.