2. Introduction to Mark's Gospel Story (Mark 1:1)

John the Baptist appeared on the stage of history in the year 28 a.d, at time of complex interaction among multiple forces in Israel and its environs. This lecture surveys some of the more important of those forces and factions, and offers insight into the challenges faced by God's people as they anticipated the inauguration of the long awaited kingdom. For more free resources, please visit www.brucegore.com.

[@SamCarpenter-wp9ns]

Engaging, inspiring, factual and balanced...and fun!

[@protochris]

Thank you for another great timeless and edifying presentation. I always felt "The beginning of the gospel" was also meant as a contrast to Paul's gospel of primarily the Resurrected Jesus Christ. Since Paul was not a witness to Jesus' earthly ministry, Mark needed to provide that testimony for the church.

[@jessiebland7644]

Bruce this is extremely encouraging, especially in the midst of these tumultuous times. I’m reminded of Exodus 15:3.

[@GoreBruce]

Thank you!

[@ffda0012]

Amen and Amen and Amazing

[@SonofCarl1]

Really struggling to ascertain why anyone would give these lessons a "thumbs down."

[@GoreBruce]

James Carlson Yeah, I think those came from some of my in-laws. Thanks for the feedback!

[@MTB214]

Starting going through the Gospel of Marie with you today. thanks for all the details. This is going to take a while with the 64 lessons/classes!
The Jewish community reminded me of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is now. There is laypeople as Bishops and other callings and there are individual churches and temples are the special buildings as the Jews had synagogues and the Temple.

[@kovalanpachu]

Thanks for putting the Playlists back

[@ink5473]

John the Presbyterian....Baptist, LOL that had me laughing so hard :) Very funny

[@rickhall517930]

Watch Bruce drop knowledge like Solomon about 3 times a week.

[@danielgogee5723]

Any historical record of Herodias and her daughter s live and death??

[@brucegore4373]

The best background on the subject is from Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, which is readily available for free online in pdf format.

[@rickmiller8893]

So we know baptism as we know baptism "today". But before Christ, it had to be something else right? I mean people weren't actually going to volunteer to be baptized by John under a pretext that couldn't be explained at all yet right? I'm guessing it was originally symbolism of "the flood".. perhaps? I mean, I wouldn't volunteer to be submerged in dirty water by a homeless man in a desert eating bugs and honey for lunch on a hunch...lol.. although I'm sure he earned a lot of interest from people counting more accurately than our calendar today....62x7...right?