The relationship between Peter and Mark, and the evidence for Peter's influence on the Gospel of Mark, has long been a subject of interest among scholars and theologians Mark's Gospel was not merely an independent literary creation but was shaped and informed by the apostolic testimony of Peter. This influence can be seen through various aspects of the text([[Robinson2000-kz.]], [[Metzger1997-lh.]]). One of the key indicators of Peter's influence on Mark is Peter's prominence within the Gospel. Peter is the first and last named disciple ( [Mark 1:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.16); [Mark 16:7](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.16.7)). He plays a central role in important scenes, such as the calling of the first disciples ([Mark 1:16-20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.16-20)), the confession of Jesus as the Messiah ([Mark 8:27-30](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.8.27-30)), the transfiguration ([Mark 9:2-8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.9.2-8)), the prayer in Gethsemane ([Mark 14:32-42](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.14.32-42)), and the concluding scene alluding to future appearances of Jesus ([Mark 16:7](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.16.7)). The Gospel also includes specific details that resonate with Peter's life and experiences. For example, Mark's frequent references to boats, the Sea of Galilee, and fishing ([Mark 1:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.16)) reflect Peter's occupation as a fisherman. Additionally, the stor[Mark 1:29-31](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.29-31)ling of Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31) may include personal details that could only have come from Peter himself ([James R. Edwards](https://paperpile.com/app/p/33636cc4-92db-07c3-835c-9081c1dc9cea 'The Gospel According to Mark')). Another aspect highlighting Peter's influence is the Gospel's insights into the disciples' private thoughts and conversations. The author presents scenes where only the twelve disciples were present, such as the calling of the disciples ([Mark 1:16-20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.1.16-20)), feeding of the 5000 ([Mark 6:30-44](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.6.30-44)). The linguistic features of Mark's Gospel further suggest Peter's influence. Martin Hengel, in "**Studies in the Gospel of Mark,**" notes characteristics such as the constant use of the phrase “and immediately” (*Greek: kai euthus*), appearing 37 times, and the historical present tense used over 150 times. These linguistic choices create a vivid and immediate narrative that may reflect Peter's own speaking style ([[Hengel2003-xl.]]). Lastly, geographical clues and intended audience factors point towards Peter's influence and the location of authorship. Mark often explains Jewish customs and translates Aramaic terms, indicating a primarily Gentile audience. There's a significant emphasis on action, characteristic of a Roman audience. Mark often uses the word "immediately," giving the Gospel a fast-paced narrative structure. Latinisms and the mention of specific coinage used in Italy ([Mark 12:42](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.12.42)) suggest a Roman audience. The specification of a woman as "Greek, Syrophoenician by birth" ([Mark 7:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.7.2)) further indicates Rome as the authorship location, a perspective supported by R. T. France in "The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text." Additionally, the greeting from Mark in 1 Peter, written from “Babylon” (a codename for Rome), aligns with this view ([[France2002-dc.]]). In [1 Peter 5:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1PE.5.13), the Apostle Peter sends greetings from "Babylon," a term understood by many scholars as a symbolic name for Rome, and includes a personal greeting from Mark, referred to as Peter's "son." This association between Mark and Peter is consistent with the tradition that Mark's Gospel was influenced by Peter's teachings. This connection between Mark's greeting and the codename for Rome also aligns with the early Church's tradition of Peter's martyrdom in Rome. While Mark's Gospel stands as a cornerstone of Christian scripture in its own right, the layers of Peter's influence woven throughout its composition provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of its origins and purpose. This confluence of personal testimony, linguistic style, and contextual background not only reinforces the credibility of the Gospel's account but also highlights the complex interplay of personal relationships and theological messaging in the early Christian church.