Mark the Evangelist
Traditional author of the Gospel of Mark.
Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark or Saint Mark, is a figure to whom the Gospel of Mark is traditionally ascribed. He is venerated as a saint in many Christian traditions. According to church tradition, he founded the episcopal see of Alexandria, one of the five most important sees of early Christianity.
- also_known_as
- John Mark, Saint Mark
- feast_day
- April 25
- symbol
- Winged lion
- traditionally_ascribed_work
- Gospel of Mark
- tradition_founded
- Episcopal see of Alexandria
Lore & Background
Tradition states that Mark was martyred in AD 68 when pagans in Alexandria placed a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he was dead. His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is a winged lion. Major shrines include the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, Italy, and Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt.
Reader's Guide
Mark the Evangelist is significant primarily as the traditional author of the Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels. However, most modern scholars agree that the Gospel of Mark is anonymous, and scholarship is inconclusive on authorship. Some reject the attribution to Mark, while others debate the identity of Mark. The four canonical gospels do not name their authors, which was common for other ancient works. Most academic researchers agree that none of them were written by eyewitnesses, though that would not preclude the theory that Mark's gospel was based on Peter's eyewitness testimony. Evidence for Mark's authorship originates with Papias (c. 60 – c. Despite these scholarly disputes, Mark's legacy endures through the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and the Coptic Catholic Church, all of which trace their origins to the community he founded in Alexandria. Aspects of the Coptic liturgy can be traced back to Mark himself, and he is honored as the founder of Christianity in Africa.
Did You Know?
- According to Coptic Christian tradition, Mark was born in Cyrene, a city in the Pentapolis of North Africa (now Libya).
- Hippolytus of Rome distinguished Mark the Evangelist from John Mark and Mark the cousin of Barnabas, all belonging to the Seventy Disciples.
- Mark's symbol is a winged lion, and his feast day is April 25.
- Most modern scholars agree that the Gospel of Mark is anonymous, though the topic remains contentious among experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mark the Evangelist?
Mark the Evangelist, also called John Mark or Saint Mark, is a first-century figure traditionally credited with authoring one of the four Gospels. He is venerated as a saint across a wide range of Christian denominations.
What is the traditional symbol of Mark the Evangelist?
The winged lion is the emblem most commonly associated with Mark in Christian art and iconography. This pairing traces back to early church tradition that linked each Gospel writer to one of the four living creatures described in Ezekiel and Revelation.
What work is Mark the Evangelist traditionally ascribed with?
The Gospel of Mark is the text attributed to him, placing him among the four canonical Gospel authors. His narrative is the shortest of the four and is noted for its fast-paced emphasis on Jesus' deeds rather than extended sermons.
What role did Mark the Evangelist play in the early Church?
Church tradition holds that he established the episcopal see of Alexandria, which went on to become one of the five most significant sees in early Christianity. His legacy is especially prominent in the Coptic and broader Alexandrian Christian heritage.
When is the feast day of Mark the Evangelist?
April 25 is observed as his feast day in the liturgical calendars of many Western and Eastern Christian churches. The date commemorates the anniversary of his death, which tradition places in Alexandria.
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