Mark is the second book in the New Testament, and one of the synoptic gospels. Church tradition ascribes it to John Mark, who was not one of the twelve, but who did work with Paul, and was a friend of the apostle Peter. The gospel according to Mark was written by a Jew who was very conscious of the fact that what he wrote would be read by Gentiles as well as Jews. He does not assume that his readers are well informed on Jewish culture, and explains Jewish terms as he uses them. Mark does not record the birth of Jesus Christ. His gospel starts with Jesus' baptism and his going into the wilderness. He records Jesus ministry, death, and resurrection. It is a short, action-packed gospel with an emphasis on Jesus' miracles and his life of suffering, written to deepen the faith and commitment of the church. Mark is the shortest gospel, and many think it to be the earliest. This category is for Bible studies on the book of Mark.