The whole Bible is full of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it is in the Gospels that we meet him most intimately. John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) wrote his 'Expository Thoughts on the Gospels', covering all four of them, and these have become famous and treasured.In his preface to the volume on Mark, Ryle expressed his desire (in this and in all his writings) 'to lead my readers to Christ and faith in him, to repentance and holiness, to the Bible and to prayer'.

This present abridged edition, gently updated in language and using the English Standard Version of the Bible, is sent forth with that same desire.

In particular, my hope is that in bringing this classic to a fresh generation, many newer and younger Christians will be introduced to J. C. Ryle and discover more of his work with great enthusiasm. May it prove a blessing for both personal Bible reading and family worship.