Acta et miracula Marci evangelistae
Standard abbreviation: Acts Mark
Other titles: Acts and Miracles and Passion of Mark (full title)
Clavis numbers: ECCA 874; CANT 288
Category: Apocryphal Acts
Related literature: Encomium on Barnabas, by Alexander Monachus; Martyrdom of Mark
Compiled by Tony Burke, York University
Citing this resource (using Chicago Manual of Style): Burke, Tony. “Acts and Miracles of Mark.” e-Clavis: Christian Apocrypha. Accessed DAY MONTH YEAR. https://www.nasscal.com/e-clavis-christian-apocrypha/acts-and-miracles-of-mark/.
Created January 2023. Current as of January 2024.
1. SUMMARY
Acts Mark is a late Byzantine (post 1000) compilation and elaboration of traditions about Mark found in the Martyrdom of Mark and the Encomium on Barnabas by Alexander Monachus. In many ways it is encomiastic in tone with the author wasting no opportunity to praise Mark and to have the the apostle proclaim orthodox, sometimes creedal, teachings about Jesus.
The text begins with Mark’s early life, stating that he was from a wealthy Levitical family and, based on his deep knowledge of the Prophets, knew well how to recognize the Messiah. He becomes a follower of John the Baptist but after encountering Jesus in Jerusalem at the home of his mother, he begins to accompany Jesus and receives from him the name Mark. After the death of Jesus, Mark preaches with Barnabas in Antioch and then Seleucia, where he is imprisoned and later freed by an angel, who sends him on to Caesarea Palestina. After many years, he journeys to Cyprus, where Paul defeats the false prophet Elymas (these initial events are based on Acts 12:12—13:12). Mark wishes to move on to Gaul but instead accompanies Paul and Barnabas to Antioch; he then leaves the apostles’ company and journeys, on Niger’s instructions, to Jerusalem. There he meets Peter and accompanies him to Rome, where he writes his gospel.
Peter sends Mark to preach in Egypt and Alexandria. After a storm at sea, Mark lands on the Pityusic Islands where he meets Bassos, who was converted by Peter in Antioch. Together they preach to people of the islands. Then Mark and Bassos reach Alexandria and make many converts with his preaching and healing. He ordains Nicetiates as bishop and appoints three priests (Aemilianus, Sabinos, and Kerdon) and six deacons. Mark then departs for Cyrene, Pentapolis, Libya, and Marmarica. Mark continues to have success preaching and healing but returns to Alexandria on the instructions of Jesus, who appears to him in a vision, telling him and his followers that he will die in the city.
In Alexandria, Mark is opposed by leaders of the city and members of the Jewish community. They seize Mark during Easter service and bring him before the governor. He is ordered to be dragged through the Boukolou quarter of the city. Mark endures one day of this torture and is then put in prison. During the night, he is visited by an angel who tells him to be brave and promises that his relics will not perish. Mark requests that anyone who calls upon his name be granted their heart’s desire. A voice tells him that his request has been answered.
On the following morning, Mark is again dragged through the city and dies. The day of his death is 25 April; Mark lived for 57 years. A great storm prevents the burning of Mark’s body, allowing the apostle’s followers to place it in a cave. The text finishes with a final prayer from the author.
Named historical figures and characters: Barnabas, Bassos, Elymas, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, John (the Baptist), Kerdon, Mark (evangelist), Mary (mother of John Mark), Melioos (Aemilianus), Menodorus, Nicetiates, Paul (apostle), Peter (apostle), Sabinos, Sergius Paulus, Niger, Timon.
Geographical locations: Alexandria, Antioch, Bennidion/Mendion, Boukolou, Caesarea Palaestina, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, House of Mary, Jerusalem, Libya, Marmarika, Pamphylia, Pentapolis, Pharos Island, Pityusa (Dana Island), Rome, Seleucia.
2. RESOURCES
2.1 Web Sites and Other Online Resources
Salm, René. “The Acts of Mark: Introduction.” Mythicist Papers: Resources for the Study of Christian Origins (introductory article with additional pages providing a summary and partial translation.
3. BIBLIOGRAPHY
3.1 Manuscripts and Editions
3.1.1 Greek (BHG 1036m)
Mount Athos, Monē Stauronikēta, 18, fols. 179v–189r (13th cent.) ~ IMAGES
Halkin, François. “Actes inédits de saint Marc.” AnBoll 87 (1969): 343–71. Reprinted in Études d’épigraphie grecque et d’hagiographie byzantine. London: Variorum, 1973.
3.2 Modern Translations
3.2.1 English
House, Mark A. “The Acts of Mark: Translation, Chps. 1–5.” Mythicist Papers: Resources for the Study of Christian Origins. Posted October 2012. Online: http://www.mythicistpapers.com/2012/10/02/translation/.
3.3 General Works
Deun, Peter van, and Jacques Noret, eds. Hagiographica cypria. Sancti Barnabae laudatio auctore Alexandro monacho. CCSG 26. Turnhout: Brepols; Leuven: University Press, 1993 (discussion p. 76).
Otero, Aurelio de Santos. “Later Acts of Apostles.” Pages 426–82 in New Testament Apocrypha. Vol. 2: Writings Relating to the Apostles; Apocalypses and Related Subjects. Edited by Wilhem Schneemelcher. Translated by R. McLachlan Wilson. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1992 (see pp. 464–65).
Pearson, Birger A. “Ancient Alexandria in the Acts of Mark.” Pages 273–84 in Society of Biblical Literature 1997 Seminar Papers. SBLSP 36. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997. Reprinted as pages 100–11 in Gnosticism and Christianity in Roman and Coptic Egypt. London: T & T Clark, 2004.