Mark (Understanding the Bible Commentary | UBC)

by Larry Hurtado

Publisher:

Baker

, 2011

Overview

This volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary series transports modern readers back to the days of Mark’s original audience and helps us to understand and apply his unique writing and challenges to the church. Very possibly the oldest written account of the ministry of Jesus that we possess, the Gospel of Mark is a vivid and fast-paced narrative of the Good News about Jesus.

Key Features

• Provides section-by-section commentary
• Contains additional study notes at the end of each chapter
• Includes suggestions for further reading and Scripture and subject indexes

Contents

Top Highlights

“That is, in the writer’s view, neither Jesus nor John appeared ‘out of the blue’ but, rather, as fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption.” (Page 15)

“Rather, the tree’s leaves promise fruit, but the absence of green fruit means that the tree’s appearance is deceptive. It is this that Jesus uses as a symbol for the temple: it has the appearance of dedication to God, but in substance falls short of doing his will (11:15–17).” (Page 181)

“In these passages cumulatively, Jesus is shown (a) exhibiting authority in his teaching, (b) exercising authority over the demons, (c) demonstrating his authority to forgive sins, (d) taking authority over the temple and its administration, and (e) conferring authority upon his apostles to expand his attack upon demonic power.” (Page 26)

“Just as Mark wished to emphasize that the gospel is centered in Jesus’ suffering for others, so he wished to correct the notion of discipleship as an easy, triumphant life. There is not only a profound theology of the gospel in this book but also a profound grasp of Christian life.” (Page 11)

“The only positive conclusion to draw is that Mark wrote for gentile Christians located somewhere outside of Palestine.” (Page 6)

Endorsements

Hurtado has an excellent feel for Mark, focusing especially on the theological meaning of the gospel. He is surefooted in exposition of difficult passages, refusing to get bogged down in detail but at the same time refusing to provide a superficial answer. . . . The high quality of Hurtado’s scholarship shines through his engaging prose.

—K. E. Brower, senior lecturer in biblical studies, Nazarene Theological College

Product Details

• Title: Mark
• Author: Larry Hurtado
• Series: Understanding the Bible Commentary Series
• Publisher: Baker
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Mark › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781441251947, 9780801046643, 1441251944, 0801046645
• Resource ID: LLS:NIBCNT62MK
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-12T21:58:43Z

About Larry Hurtado

Larry Hurtado is an internationally respected New Testament scholar and is professor of New Testament Language, Literature and Theology at The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He is an expert of the Gospels (esp. Gospel of Mark), the Apostle Paul, Early Christology, the Jewish Background of the New Testament, New Testament Textual Criticism.