Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Mark
Overview
First gospel or not, Mark is surely the only New Testament book which calls itself a gospel. "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" is the title of this work, and its self-designation ought to shape any interpretation which respects the text.
"Gospel" can signify a literary genre, or a particular theological message, or a canonical writing normative in the life of the church. The Gospel of Mark is all three: a collection of traditions about Jesus presented in story form, a narrative constituting good news about God and his kingdom, and a writing which occupies a place of fundamental importance in the Scriptures of the church.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“Entrance to the Kingdom of God, or eternal life, or salvation, so far from being easy, demands our best obedience and all we have. Yet all we can do is not enough to achieve the life we seek. Such life and wholeness is possible only for God, and we can receive it only as gift.” (Page 185)
“The Galilean ministry, dominated by the question of the identity of Jesus (e.g., ‘Who then is this?’ 4:41), occupies the first half of the Gospel (1:16–8:21).” (Page 2)
“To measure greatness by lowly service is apparently as characteristic of Jesus as it is alien to the world in every age. Jesus does not despise the desire to be first, but his definition of greatness stands the world’s ordering of priorities on its head and radically challenges a fundamental human assumption about achievement.” (Pages 169–170)
“Divorce is grounded in law, but marriage is grounded in creation. Rightly understood, this shift marks a fundamental victory over legalism and moves the discussion into the area of gift and grace, which is more demanding but also more free.” (Page 176)
“Jesus first publicly confronted and defeated the powers of evil in the place of worship of the people of God. The scribes (v. 22) belonged there; the unclean spirit did not. In this unit Jesus is set over against both.” (Page 50)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Mark
- Author: Lamar Williamson
- Series: Interpretation Commentary
- Publisher: John Knox
- Print Publication Date: 1983
- Logos Release Date: 2002
- Pages: 312
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Mark › Commentaries
- Resource ID: LLS:29.46.9
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-08-30T23:42:01Z
Reviews
2 ratings
justin hoepner
10/3/2018
Pastor Kay
6/27/2016