Mark is generally accepted as the earliest of the canonical Gospels, usually dated from the mid-50s to around 70. Evangelicals accepts that Mark was written by John Mark, who is found in the Acts of the Apostles, and according to tradition wrote down the preaching of Peter. Mark is believed to be one of the sources for Matthew and Luke. Some scholars have identified a “messianic secret,” in that Jesus is hesitant to share his messianic identity. Mark belongs to the genre of ancient bios and is accepted as valuable historical source by most historians.
A Christian Response by Stephen J. Bedard