The Gospel of Mark calls itself "the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, Son of God" (Mark 1:1). This statement foreshadows the themes of the Gospel. The Gospel begins by connecting the Son of God's preaching with God's plan for humanity revealed in the Old Testament; it climaxes with a Roman centurion recognizing His identity (Mark 15:39). At the same time, stating that this book is "good news" entails a group of people who would hear (and then pass on) this news. Lastly, calling the book the "beginning" of the good news implies that the story does not end where the book does. Indeed, it is still playing out today.