This opening passage of Mark sets the stage for the rest of the Gospel. Mark starts with the words, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (1:1). Mark is writing, above all else, about the gospel, as the first words out of Jesus’ mouth reiterate: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (1:15). What is the gospel? Mark explains that it is the good news of the fulfillment of God’s promises,
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