The Romans can certainly appreciate this fast-paced, action-packed account of Jesus because they understood the duality of authority and servanthood, which was very much a part of their culture and lifestyles.
The author is deemed to be John Mark, a young co-worker who went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but bailed out early along the way. Paul had discounted him as a trustworthy companion in the work of the gospel, but Barnabas chose to give him a second chance. And history proved the latter to be right as the shaky and inexperienced evangelist went on to become an invaluable asset to the early Church, and developed such a strong bond with the apostle Peter that he was regarded as a son (1 Peter 5:13).
Mark's close association with Peter parallels that of Luke's with Paul, and possibly laid a solid foundation in his gospel account which Bible scholars readily agreed, can be rightly considered to be the gospel according to Peter. Peter might have been a conservative Jew at heart; he was certainly a notable figure among the Christian leaders in the Jerusalem council. However, his profound encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion (Acts 10), might have changed his attitude and perception towards the Gentiles and possibly influenced Mark to write with Roman readership in mind.
Indeed, this short account is devoid of genealogical emphasis and theological exposition, focusing mainly on what Jesus did more than what He taught, just as Peter affirmed to the Roman centurion:
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)
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