It was intended primarily for Romans. This appears probable when it is considered that it makes no reference to the Jewish law, and that the writer takes care to interpret words which a Gentile would be likely to misunderstand, such as, "Boanerges" (Mar 3:17); "Talitha cumi" (Mar 5:41); "Corban" (Mar 7:11); "Bartimaeus" (Mar 10:46); "Abba" (Mar 14:36); "Eloi," etc. (Mar 15:34). Jewish usages are also explained (Mar 7:3; 14:3; 14:12; 15:42). Mark also uses certain Latin words not found in any of the other Gospels, as "speculator" (Mar 6:27), rendered, A.V., "executioner;" R.V., "soldier of his guard", "xestes" a corruption of sextarius, rendered "pots," (Mar 7:4,8), "quadrans" (Mar 12:42), rendered "a farthing", "centurion" (Mar 15:39,44,45). He only twice quotes from the Old Testament (Mar 1:2; 15:28).
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