Mark (ACNT)
Overview
The Gospel of Mark is written from God’s perspective. The narrator knows how Scripture relates to events, what Jesus is thinking, what the disciples do or do not understand, and what the religious leaders suspect. He hears the voice from heaven addressed to Jesus alone; he knows about the conversation at Jesus’ trial where none of the disciples is present. The narrator, in other words, knows more than any of the characters could know. This is at least partly what Christians have meant in categorizing the books of the Bible as the inspired Word of God—the work claims an authority and truthfulness beyond ordinary texts.
In his commentary on the Gospel of Mark, Donald H. Juel provides a history of interpretation of the Gospel of Mark, the key issues in the Gospel, and exegetical and interpretive analysis.
- Discussion of historical issues, such as authorship, dating, and location
- Textual and literary notes
- Bibliographies and suggestions for further reading and study
- Scripture references linked to your Greek New Testament or English translation
Top Highlights
“The image of birth-pangs is essentially hopeful. It suggests there is a purpose to the suffering, a direction to all of history.” (Page 176)
“The Spirit descends ‘into’ (RSV: upon) Jesus. The notion seems to be that Jesus now ‘possesses’ the Spirit—or rather is possessed by it. The image is like that of the demon-possessed, except Jesus’ Spirit is God’s Spirit. Those who attribute Jesus’ power to demon-possession are guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit (3:28–29). Noting parallels to the conclusion of Jesus’ ministry, we may observe that at the moment of his death Jesus ‘breathes out the spirit.’ Like the tearing of the ‘curtains,’ the entrance and departure of the Spirit serve to frame the story of Jesus.” (Pages 34–35)
“In the face of such doubts, Jesus promises that his work will bear fruit, however careless he may appear and however many obstacles stand in the way. His efforts will result in nothing short of the coming of God’s kingdom in all its splendor and glory.” (Page 69)
“The story will be followed by the first breakthrough, when Peter confesses that Jesus is ‘the Christ.’ But as we learn, Peters ‘insight’ is no more functional than the blind man’s glimpse of walking trees.” (Page 117)
“In Mark, it remains a promise. The disciples, who have thus far understood little and do not know what to say, will one day speak the right words. That will be the work of the Spirit.” (Page 178)
- Title: Mark
- Author: Donald H. Juel
- Editors: Roy A. Harrisville, Jack Dean Kingsbury, and Gerhard A. Krodel
- Publisher: Augsburg
- Series: Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament
- Publication Date: 1990
- Pages: 239
