died in A.D. 64, then the Gospel of Mark would have been written after 64, the year Peter died. On the other hand, this may refer not to the writing but to the publication of Mark, or may speak of Peter and Paul’s “departure” from Rome, not their death. So a date in the mid- to late-50s is most likely, but a date in the mid-60s is possible. The ultimate purpose and theme of Mark is to present and defend Jesus’ universal call to discipleship. Mark returns often to this theme, and as the narrative