Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark, is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Mark. While some historical traditions and church fathers like Hippolytus and Eusebius link him to Jesus's disciples and early Christian communities, modern scholarship largely views the Gospel of Mark as anonymous. Debates persist regarding the identity of any potential "Mark" who might have authored the text, with some scholars questioning the author's familiarity with Palestinian geography and customs. According to tradition, Mark founded the see of Alexandria, becoming its first bishop and playing a significant role in early Christianity in Africa. His feast day is observed on April 25th, and he is symbolically represented by a winged lion.

The traditional attribution of the Gospel of Mark to Mark the Evangelist is a subject of ongoing scholarly discussion. While early Christian figures like Papias are cited as evidence, many contemporary biblical scholars consider the Gospel to be anonymous. The debate extends to the very identity of any "Mark" associated with the text; some scholars reject any connection to the biblical figures, while others propose an author named Mark who is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament or linked to Peter. Arguments against traditional authorship sometimes point to perceived inaccuracies or lack of detailed knowledge regarding the geography and customs of Palestine, though other scholars defend the author's familiarity with the region. The prevailing view among many researchers is that the canonical gospels, including Mark's, are anonymous and likely not written by direct eyewitnesses, though they might be based on eyewitness testimony.

According to church tradition, Mark the Evangelist was a Libyan who founded the important episcopal see of Alexandria. It is believed he traveled to Alexandria around AD 49, establishing a Christian community from which the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and the Coptic Catholic Church trace their origins. He is considered the first bishop of Alexandria and a key figure in the establishment of Christianity in Africa. Aspects of the Coptic liturgy are thought to originate with Mark himself. Later traditions suggest he was martyred in Alexandria around AD 68. Some traditions also identify him with John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, and a member of the "Seventy Disciples" sent out by Jesus.

Mark the Evangelist is symbolically represented by a winged lion, a motif often seen in Christian art depicting him. He is frequently portrayed writing his Gospel or holding a book, sometimes inscribed with "Pax tibi Marce" (Peace to you, Mark). The lion symbol is sometimes linked to the Resurrection of Jesus, drawing parallels between the lion's perceived ability to sleep with open eyes and Christ's presence in the tomb, as well as signifying Christ's kingship. His feast day is widely celebrated on April 25th by various Christian denominations, including the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. In some traditions, where John Mark is distinguished from Mark the Evangelist, John Mark is venerated on September 27th.