Isaiah’s New Exodus and Mark

by Rikk E. Watts

Publisher:

Mohr Siebeck

, 1997

Overview

Scholars have long sought the theological perspective that gives coherence to Mark’s gospel. In Isaiah’s New Exodus and Mark, Rikki Watts argues that Mark’s primary concern is to present Jesus as the one who unexpectedly fulfills the hope of Isaiah's long-delayed “new exodus.”

Key Features

• Explores the relationship between Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark
• Examines the influence of an Old Testament paradigm on the Markan gospel
• Demonstrates the importance of viewing the prophetic transformation of Israel’s past

Contents

• Scholarship on the OT in Mark
• History as Hermeneutic: Ideology and Community Self Understanding
• Mark’s Introductory Citation
• The Markan Prologue
• The Significance of the Prologue for Mark’s Literary Structure
• Jesus as Yahweh-Warrior and Israel’s NE Healer in Mark 1:16 - 8:21/26
• Isaiah’s Promise ... and Malachi’s Threat: Part 1: Judical Blinding
• The Way of Yahweh’s NE: Mark 8:21/26 - 10:45/11:1
• Isaiah’s Promise ... and Malachi’s Threat: Part 2: Arrival in Jerusalem
• Conclusions

Praise for the Print Editon

The relationship of the New Testament writings to the Jewish scriptures is a perennial problem for students of early Christianity. Rikki Watts’ comprehensive study of the possible links between the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Isaiah represents a significant addition to the ongoing debate.

—Christopher Rowland, Dean Ireland Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford

This is a very important, groundbreaking study on the Old Testament background to Mark’s presentation of Jesus. From here on, no one should try to read Mark’s narrative with understanding without taking into consideration how much the theme of the New Exodus in Isaiah influenced his understanding of Jesus and of Jesus’ announcement of the coming of God's rule.

—Gordon D. Fee, Professor of New Testament Studies, Regent College

An impressive example of biblical theology and of solid scholarship. Watts shows convincingly how Mark interprets Jewish tradition in light of the fulfillment of Isaianic prophecy.

—Martin Hengel, University of Tübingen

Product Details

• Title: Isaiah’s New Exodus and Mark
• Author: Rikk E. Watts
• Series: Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament
• Volume: 88
• Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
• Print Publication Date: 1997
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 479
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Mark › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Mark › Relation to the Old Testament; Bible. O.T. › Relation to Mark; Bible. O.T. Isaiah › Relation to Mark; Bible. N.T. Mark › Relation to Isaiah; Bible. O.T. › Quotations in the New Testament
• ISBNs: 316146222, 9783161572043, 03409570, 3161572041
• Resource ID: LLS:ISAIAHSNEWEXODUS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-09T17:25:18Z

About Rikk E. Watts

Initially trained as an aeronautical engineer, Rikk Watts worked for a number of years with IBM in large retail systems engineering while undertaking a degree in philosophy, art history and sociology. He later joined a parachurch organization engaged in Christian awareness projects in public schools and in providing crisis accommodation and various rehabilitation programs for the urban poor. He was a founding member of On Being, a major Australian Christian magazine, and supported himself and his family as a professional drummer. Rikk has served as an instructor at Gordon-Conwell (Boston), Wycliffe Hall (Oxford), Latrobe University (Melbourne) and the Bible College of Victoria (Melbourne). Rikk presently attends New Life Community Church Burnaby where he is the main speaker at a service for university age young adults. Rikk is married to Katie, a primary teacher, and they have two adult children, Steven and Rebecca. In addition to a newly acquired obsession with sailing (he recently crewed his first Vic-Maui race), Rikk’s hobbies include movies, good restaurants, music, reading and going for long walks with Katie.