The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; (Mark 1:1 KJV)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 ASV)
Beginning of the glad tidings of Jesus Christ, Son of God; (Mark 1:1 DBY)
The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 WEB)
A beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, Son of God. (Mark 1:1 YLT)
Albert Barnes’ Commentary
Verse 1. The beginning of the Gospel. The word gospel literally signifies good tidings, and particularly the good tidings respecting the way of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ. Some have understood the word gospel here to mean, history or life–the beginning of the history, etc. But Mark says nothing of the early life of the Saviour. It has reference rather to the preaching of John, an account of which immediately follows, and means the beginning of the good news, or annunciation, respecting the Messiah. It was very customary thus to prefix a title to a book.
The Son of God. This title was used here to attract attention, and secure the respect of those who should read this gospel. It is no common history. It does not recount the deeds of man–of a hero, or philosopher– but the doctrines and doings of THE SON OF GOD. The history, therefore, commands respect.
{a} “the Son of God” Heb 1:1,2
William Burkitt’s Commentary
The word Gospel signifies a message of glad tidings, and intimates to us, that the gospel of the doctrine contains the most gladsome tidings, the most joyful message, that ever was sent from God to mankind: happy tidings concerning our reconciliation with God, and salvation by Jesus Christ. O how highly should we prize, how steadfastly believe, how cordially embrace, these good tidings of great joy!
Observe, 2. This gospel is called the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because Christ, as God, is the Author of this gospel, and also the principal subject and matter of it. Indeed St. John the Baptist was the first publisher and preacher of the gospel-doctrine, but Christ himself was the first and principal Author, and likewise the chief Subject-matter of it; for whatever is taught in the gospel relates either to the person and offices of Christ, or to the benefits received by him, or the means of enjoying those benefits from him.
Observe, 3. How St. Mark styles Christ the Son of God, as St. Matthew had styled him before, the Son of David; the one sets forth the verity of his human nature, the other the reality of his divine nature; signifying to us, that the true and promised Messias was both God and Man in two distinct natures, and one Person forever. He is true and real God, as well as the Father and the Holy Ghost; not a mere Man, but God as well as Man.
BURKITT: | Mr 1:1 | Mr 1:2 | Mr 1:3 | Mr 1:4 | Mr 1:5 | Mr 1:6 | Mr 1:7 | Mr 1:8 | Mr 1:9-11 | Mr 1v12-13 | Mr 1:14-15 | Mr 1:16-20 | Mr 1:21-22 | Mr 1:23-27 | Mr 1:28-31 | Mr 1:32-34 | Mr 1:35 | Mr 1:36-39 | Mr 1:40-45 |