Apostle Mark (Koufos) Icon 4x5

While not himself one of the Twelve Apostles, the Evangelist St. Mark is said to have been present at Jesus’ arrest. In the Gospel of Mark, the “young man” who ran away from the scene, and apparently watched the Crucifixion from afar, may have been Mark himself (Mark 14:51). Mark’s is the only Gospel to mention this young man, and he may very well have been describing his own involvement.

Mark became more active in the ministry following the Ascension, and was a disciple of both Paul and Peter. Because Peter was one of the Twelve, Mark was probably influenced by his testimony as he wrote his gospel, around 70 AD. St. Mark wrote this Gospel while in Rome, where he was eventually martyred.

Although Mark did know Jesus, his Gospel tends to be told instead from Peter’s point of view. It also highlights Jesus’ role as “the Son of Man” who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45)

This icon was painted by Fr. Theodore Koufos of blessed memory. Offered by permission.