EXPOSITORY LECTURES. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. LECTURE I. MARK, the writer of this gospel, was not, like John and Matthew, an apostle, or an eye-witness of the ministry of our Lord. Christian authors, who lived near his time, acquaint us that he wrote under the direction of St. Peter: and St. Peter mentions Marcus "his son," one who had acted as a son towards him, and towards whom he felt the interest and affection of a father. The name also occurs in the Acts of the Apostles as the surname of John, sister's son to Barnabas, when he accompanied him in his ministry, and who is honourably mentioned by St. Paul as a helper and a "comfort" to him during his imprisonment at Rome. Whether this was the same person as the evangelist is uncertain. Neither need we know more, than that this, like all scripture, was written by the inspiration of God," and is part of that which he has seen fit to leave for the instruction and edification of his Church. May it prove to us, what He has intended it to be; and help to make us "wise unto salvation, through faith that is in Christ Jesus!" 66 |