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Given that the ability to write was an unusual skill in the time of the composition of the Gospels, would Mark have been likely to have been a scribe? I mean if the tradition of Peter dictating to Mark is true, would Mark have had professional training in acting as an amanuensis?

Onorio Catenacci
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    That's a good, but difficult question. Note that even the best answer will amount to informed speculation, however. – Jon Ericson May 03 '13 at 18:09

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I am having trouble finding citations for this, so maybe some of the more erudite members of this list can help me out, but: I have read from a few sources that Mark's spelling, grammar, and overall Greek style are just about at the bottom of the barrel of the New Testament, a spot probably shared by Revelation. This being the case (and I'm assuming it is, based on my memory, not on any citations I can find readily available), I doubt that Mark had any professional training at all. I would guess that he was someone who had to have to some kind of minimal literacy in order to fulfill whatever professional role he may have had -- some kind of business proprietor, or a low-level government functionary, or ...

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Is this Mark not the same Mark that was with Paul & Barnabas in the book of Acts 12:12, 12:25, 15:36-39, and again in 2Timothy 4:11. If so when Paul asked for Mark, was he not to take dictation from Paul seeing Paul was having difficulties seeing. ּ

Brian
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  • Seems to me that’s the question—is it the same person. – Onorio Catenacci Nov 29 '23 at 13:47
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    Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please [edit] to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center. – Community Nov 29 '23 at 15:24