What is the meaning of Mark 1:1? This is the beginning “This is the beginning…” (Mark 1:1) • Mark signals a fresh, decisive act of God, echoing Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” and John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” • Just as creation had a starting point, so the public revelation of salvation in Christ has a clear launch. • 1 John 1:1 reminds us that what “was from the beginning” is now proclaimed; Mark invites readers into that same proclamation. • By opening this way, Mark lets us know we are stepping into God’s unfolding story on earth, not a human invention (Galatians 1:11-12). of the gospel “…of the gospel…” • “Gospel” means “good news,” the announcement that God has acted to save (Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…”). • Romans 1:16 stresses the gospel’s power: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” • 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines the core: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. • Acts 10:36 calls it “the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” Mark’s account will unfold that peace in living color. of Jesus Christ “…of Jesus Christ…” • The gospel is not abstract philosophy; it is rooted in a historical person—Jesus. • “Christ” (Messiah) speaks of His anointed mission promised throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 61:1-2, fulfilled in Luke 4:17-21). • John 20:31 states the aim: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” • Acts 4:12 affirms exclusivity: “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” • Focusing on Jesus keeps the gospel from drifting into mere moralism; it is about Him—who He is and what He has done. the Son of God “…the Son of God.” • This title declares deity and unique relationship with the Father. • At Jesus’ baptism the Father affirms, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). • John 3:16 links Sonship to salvation: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” • Colossians 1:15-17 presents Him as “the image of the invisible God… by Him all things were created.” • Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” a truth that becomes the rock on which the Church stands. • Recognizing Jesus as God’s Son demands worship, trust, and obedience (Hebrews 1:1-3). summary Mark 1:1 serves as the title line for the entire book: God is launching something new—good news rooted in the historical Jesus, who is both promised Messiah and eternal Son of God. Every scene that follows will deepen our grasp of that proclamation and invite us to believe, follow, and share the same gospel today. |
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