An academic book exploring the background, authorship, and theology of the Gospel of Mark. The author argues for the traditional view that Mark was written by John Mark, Peter's assistant, and is based on Peter's testimony. The book emphasizes that Mark was written in Rome around 69 AD, before the destruction of the Temple. The author places Mark's Gospel within a strong historical context, rejecting the idea that it is merely theological fiction. He argues that it reflects the real situation in the early Church. It was written to strengthen the faith of Christians facing severe persecution. Mark portrays Jesus as the suffering Servant of the Lord, who came to serve and give his life, not to be served. The book highlights how Mark's Gospel is organized chronologically and geographically, from his ministry in Galilee to his journey to Jerusalem for his crucifixion. The book also includes an appendix by Wolfgang Schadewaldt that confirms the reliability of the synoptic tradition (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Essentially, the book reaffirms the authenticity of Mark's Gospel as a reliable historical account of Jesus' life and ministry, written in the context of the persecuted early Church.