Mark 1:14 to Mark 3:6. The First Period of the Galilean Ministry.
Mark 1:14 f. Jesus Announces in Galilee the Nearness of the Kingdom. Not immediately after the Temptation, but after the arrest of John (Mark 6:17), Jesus returned to Galilee from the south country and took up John's message. Like John, Jesus calls men to repent because God's kingdom is near. But the menace of judgment uttered by John becomes good tidings on the lips of Jesus. If the phrase believe the gospel is due to Mk. and not to Jesus, it rightly characterizes the contrast between Jesus and His forerunner; cf. Mark 2:18 f., Luke 4:17 f., Matthew 11:18 f.