ABSTRACT

Mark’s gospel was written as the specter of war hung over the Romanoccupied territories and blood filled the streets of Jerusalem. The Markan community, wherever it was located, felt the effects of the brutal Roman army which, in the year 70 CE, marched into Jerusalem and put down the Jewish rebellion. When the Temple fell, the Markan community saw the invasion as a sign that the Parousia was imminent: Repent, they said, the end is drawing nigh. There was no need for an established church (ekklesia), no sense in appointing leaders; the kingdom of God was at hand and the apocalypse mere moments away. It is safe to say that the Markan community would be surprised that the world is still here and that Jesus has not returned. In a phrase: Mark was wrong.