BBB Bible Series: Mark Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

Although the Book of Mark does not specifically identify Mark as its author, many of the early church fathers considered him to be the author. Mark was his Roman name but his Jewish name was John and he is mentioned by both names in scripture. He worked as a helper to the apostles Paul and Barnabas, who was his cousin.

A serious dispute arose between Paul and Barnabas about Mark's fitness to serve, causing Paul and Barnabas to separate in Acts 15. Barnabas and Mark worked together after that. Later, Mark worked with Peter in Rome and many believe this gospel was Mark's recording of Peter's preaching and teaching.

Answer: His baptism

"The word baptism comes from the Greek verb baptizo meaning 'to dip, immerse, submerge.' Baptism is a sacred rite that signifies purification, initiation, or identification of an individual with a leader, group or teaching." (Thomas Nelson Edition of the New King James Version Study Bible)

The Gospels teach that John the Baptist was the messenger sent by God to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah (Jesus). People came to John confessing their sins and their baptism was a sign of their desire to turn from sin and live righteous lives.

Jesus was not being baptized because of his sin. Many consider this a ceremonial baptism consecrating him to his ministry.

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'" (Mark 1:9-11)

Answer: His hometown

"Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house, is a prophet without honor.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith." (Mark 6:4-6)

Jesus had grown up in Nazareth but when he returned to his hometown and preached in the local synagogue, rather than receiving him as a prophet and a teacher, the people were offended.

The text also names four of his brothers and mentions he had sisters. It doesn't mention Joseph, his earthly father, maybe because he had died. Two of his brothers, James and Judas (Jude), later became leaders in the church and they wrote the epistles of James and Jude.

Answer: Herodias' daughter

Herodias had divorced Herod's brother Philip to marry Herod and she hated John the Baptist because he said their marriage was unlawful. Herodias had a daughter who danced before Herod at his birthday feast. He was so pleased with her dancing that he rashly promised her anything, even half of his kingdom, but, prompted by her mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter.

Herod, rather than lose face in front of all his guests, granted her request.

Answer: spit

This particular miracle of healing a deaf man with a speech impediment occurs only in Mark's Gospel.

Answer: their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched

"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.

It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.

It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" (Mark 9:42-48)

Answer: Within men's hearts

"He (Jesus) went on: 'What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.''" (Mark 7:20-22)

The Pharisees were meticulous about ceremonial righteousness. Jesus called them hypocrites for neglecting the Word of God in favor of ceremony.

Answer: The centurion

"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'" (Mark 15:37-39)

Mark also recorded that darkness had covered the land for about three hours. Matthew's gospel records there was a great earthquake. All these things together seem to have made a believer out of this hardened Roman centurion.

Answer: Mary Magdalene

"When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it." (Mark 16:9-11)

In chapter 15 Mark recorded that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother James and Salome brought spices to the tomb after the sabbath so that they could anoint him. But the tomb was empty when they arrived, and they were met by a young man who told them Jesus had risen. Evidently Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus was after this.

Answer: Signs

"He (Jesus) said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'" (Mark 16:15-18)

Mark's gospel account finishes with the disciples going out. According to Mark, their preaching was indeed confirmed by these signs.