Whereas most modern writers (and some ancient writers; e.g., Lk. 1:1–4) introduce a book with a separate preface setting out its nature and purpose, Mark appears, after the heading in 1:1, to launch straight into his story without further indication to the reader of what the book will be about. Most recent commentators agree, however, that the first part of that story stands apart to some extent, as more of a preface than merely the first scene of the drama.