What were the sources of the Gospel of Mark?
One of these, according to a well authenticated tradition, was an oral source. Papias, an early church father writing about 140 A.D., tells us that Mark obtained much of the material for his gospel from stories related to him by Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples.
Where did St Mark get his source material?
Internal examination of his Gospel supports the view that Peter was a direct source for much of Mark’s material. Mark’s Gospel in one sense represents the most simple form of the early Christian message, or kerygma. As the Messiah, Jesus spends some time in the desert.
Why might we consider Peter as Mark’s primary source?
We consider Peter as Mark’s primary source because Mark relied on him for information. The reason that Mark relied on Peter for information is because Peter was an eyewitness and Mark was not. Peter was witnessing all of Jesus miracles first hand and he was the first on to say the Jesus was the Song of God.
Who was the main source for Mark’s Gospel?
The presumed author of the Gospel of Mark, John Mark, was familiar with Peter, Jesus’s closest disciple. Indeed, Mark is the New Testament historian who comes closest to witnessing the actual life of Jesus.