The second of the Synoptic Gospels, the gospel of Mark is attributed to John Mark (called Mark) who is not one of the original 12 disciples. It is a widely held belief that it contains much of the source material for the other two Synoptic Gospels, Matthew and Luke. Mark’s intended audience was primarily Gentile and this gospel book was written during an intense period of persecution of early Christians. His narrative is fast-paced and action packed! And he describes in tremendous detail the suffering Jesus endured in the final week of his earthly life. What Mark offers is a tangible and raw account of the passion Jesus demonstrated, despite the conflict and adversity he faced during the course of his ministry.