Mark (A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The Gospel of Mark is “good news” housed in a story. Life in Christ as described in Mark is a process whereby one is asked to ponder seriously the words and the works of Jesus. The lessons are found in parables and miracles. But in the end, the story does not take place in mere human intellect or will. Instead, Mark’s story climaxes on the outskirts of Jerusalem, as countless onlookers mock the very words and work of Jesus. Humanity reviles what Jesus stands for. This commentary on Mark invites readers to enter into this story, to listen, to watch, and process the way God speaks words of life.
Top Highlights
“It is a demonstration of Jesus’ authority over illness” (Page 75)
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“This word developed into a term that referenced something of value that was dedicated for uses other than personal gain. Quite often this was used for religious purposes; hence Mark’s parenthetical comments. The biblical witness suggests that some children who wanted to prevent their aging parents from accessing assets were using this idea maliciously. The dedication of something was often preformed by means of a vow, which in turn was irrevocable.” (Page 142) |
“Thus, the mystery of the Kingdom does not come to humankind via self-discovery at the end of an arduous intellectual pilgrimage. Rather, the passive voice denotes that, in the end, it can only come about through God’s own revelation.” (Pages 105–106)
“The people seem to have been more comfortable with the demons they knew rather than the God whom they did not; and fear was at the heart of their rejection.” (Page 120)
“However, the Gospels in general and Mark in particular portray salvation and holiness housed in a story. They are not something to be pursued but rather someone to be followed. Salvation and holiness are not duties to be performed in a prescribed manner but a life to be lived in a purposeful direction. They are a call to utter abandonment of self (8:34–38) and to service of others (9:35; 10:42–45).” (Pages 16–17)
David Smith is associate professor of biblical studies and chair of the religion and philosophy division at Indiana Wesleyan University. He holds an M.A. in biblical studies and an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England.