Helms points out the syncretic flavor of Mark is at once evident from his reproduction of a piece of Augustan imperial propaganda: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God” closely matches the formula found on a monument erected by the Provincial Assembly in Asia Minor (1st century BCE): “Whereas... Providence... has... brought our life to the peak of perfection in giving us Augustus Caesar... who, being sent to us and to our descendants as a savior..., and whereas... the birthday of the god has been for the whole world the beginning of the gospel (euaggelion) concerning him, let all reckon a new era beginning from the date of his birth.” Crossan argues that the choice is between a "Peace through Victory" of Caesar and Rome (Pax Romana), and "Peace through Justice" of Jesus.
Helms points out the syncretic flavor of Mark is at once evident from his reproduction of a piece of Augustan imperial propaganda: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God” closely matches the formula found on a monument erected by the Provincial Assembly in Asia Minor (1st century BCE): “Whereas... Providence... has... brought our life to the peak of perfection in giving us Augustus Caesar... who, being sent to us and to our descendants as a savior..., and whereas... the birthday of the god has been for the whole world the beginning of the gospel (euaggelion) concerning him, let all reckon a new era beginning from the date of his birth.” Crossan argues that the choice is between a "Peace through Victory" of Caesar and Rome (Pax Romana), and "Peace through Justice" of Jesus.