Table of Contents
Introduction
The Acts of Mark belong to the broader corpus of Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles, composed between the 2nd and 5th centuries. These texts aim to preserve traditions about the missions, miracles, and deaths of the apostles.
This work focuses on Mark the Evangelist, traditionally regarded as the founder of the Church of Alexandria. It combines historical memory with theological interpretation and legendary development.
Mark is portrayed as a preacher, miracle worker, and martyr, embodying the ideal of apostolic witness carried through suffering and death.
Structure
The Acts of Mark can be divided into several key sections:
- Arrival in Alexandria
Mark begins his mission in a major pagan center. - Conversions and miracles
His preaching leads to conversions supported by signs. - Conflict with pagan authorities
His success provokes opposition from local religious groups. - Arrest and martyrdom
Mark is captured and executed, often in vivid narrative detail. - Ecclesial legacy
The Christian community continues after his death.
Full Text
Chapter 1 — The Calling of Mark
1In those days Mark, who was also called John, was instructed in the faith of Christ by the blessed apostles.
2And he was a man of good understanding and fervent spirit, devoted to the teaching of the Lord.
3And he followed the apostle Peter and became his disciple.
4And he listened attentively to his preaching and committed it to memory.
5And Peter, seeing his zeal, loved him greatly and entrusted him with the proclamation of the Gospel.
6And Mark desired to proclaim the word of salvation to distant lands.
7And the Spirit of the Lord was with him, guiding his steps.
Chapter 2 — The Mission to Alexandria
1And Mark came to the city of Alexandria, a place full of idols and diverse peoples.
2And as he entered the city, his sandal was torn.
3And he went to a shoemaker to have it repaired.
4And the shoemaker pierced his hand with an awl and cried out, saying, «One God!»
5And Mark, hearing this, rejoiced in spirit.
6And he healed the man’s hand in the name of Jesus Christ.
7And the man believed and brought Mark into his house.
8And there Mark taught him and all his household the word of the Lord.
Chapter 3 — The Growth of the Church
1And many in Alexandria believed through the teaching of Mark.
2And he appointed elders and deacons among them.
3And he instructed them in the commandments of the Lord.
4And the Church grew and was strengthened in faith.
5And signs and wonders were performed by his hands.
6And the name of Christ was glorified in that city.
7And many abandoned idols and turned to the living God.
Chapter 4 — Miracles and Teaching
1And Mark healed many who were sick and afflicted.
2And he cast out unclean spirits in the name of the Lord.
3And the people marveled at his teaching.
4And he exhorted them to remain steadfast in faith and love.
5And he taught them to pray and to live in righteousness.
6And he warned them against returning to idols.
7And the believers gathered together daily in unity.
Chapter 5 — Opposition from the Pagans
1And some among the pagans, seeing that many were abandoning their idols, were filled with anger.
2And they gathered together and said, “Let us destroy this man who teaches a new doctrine.”
3And they sought an occasion to seize Mark.
4But the believers protected him and kept watch over him.
5And Mark did not cease proclaiming the Gospel with boldness.
6And he said, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.”
7And he strengthened the brethren in the faith.
Chapter 6 — The Arrest of Mark
1And it came to pass on a feast day of the pagans that the crowd was stirred up against him.
2And they seized him violently while he was teaching.
3And they bound him with ropes and dragged him through the streets of the city.
4And his body was torn, and his blood ran upon the ground.
5And while he suffered, Mark gave thanks to God and prayed.
6And they cast him into prison for the night.
7And many of the brethren wept for him with great sorrow.
Chapter 7 — The Consolation of the Lord
1And during the night the Lord appeared to Mark and comforted him.
2And he said to him, “Peace be with you, my faithful servant.”
3And Mark rejoiced and was strengthened in his suffering.
4And he gave thanks to the Lord, who had counted him worthy to suffer for his name.
5And he spent the night in prayer and thanksgiving.
Chapter 8 — The Martyrdom of the Evangelist
1And on the following day they brought him out again and dragged him once more through the city.
2And as they dragged him, he surrendered his spirit to the Lord.
3And a great light appeared, and many were seized with fear.
4And thus Mark received the crown of martyrdom.
5And the faithful gave glory to God, who had strengthened his servant unto the end.
Chapter 9 — Burial and Signs
1And the faithful took the body of Mark with great reverence.
2And they laid him in a worthy place with hymns and prayers.
3And many signs and wonders were performed at his tomb.
4And those who were sick were healed when they came near in faith.
5And many who saw these things believed in the Lord.
6And the brethren were strengthened and encouraged in their faith.
Chapter 10 — The Legacy of Mark
1And the memory of Mark was held in honor among the saints.
2And his teaching spread throughout all the land.
3And the Church of Alexandria remained steadfast in the faith he had proclaimed.
4And many gave glory to God for the testimony of his servant.
5And the name of the Lord was magnified through his witness.
6And peace was upon all who followed the teaching of Christ.
7And the grace of the Lord remained with the Church forever.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Acts of Mark (Acta Marci) — testo e introduzione disponibili su Early Christian Writings: https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/actsmark.html
The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles, a cura di M.R. James — raccolta classica con traduzione inglese e note critiche: https://archive.org/details/apocryphalactsof00jame
New Testament Apocrypha, a cura di Wilhelm Schneemelcher — edizione accademica di riferimento per gli Atti apocrifi: https://archive.org/details/newtestamentapoc01schm
Coptic Hagiographies and Traditions on St. Mark — materiali sulla tradizione alessandrina e copta: https://ccdl.claremont.edu/cdm/search/collection/cce