The Gospel According to Mark

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The acceptance of Markan priority in the nineteenth century shifted perceptions of the Gospel of Mark, recognizing it as the first Gospel that significantly influenced Matthew and Luke. This renewed focus has led to a surge in scholarship on Mark, yet commentaries have not kept pace with the extensive studies available. James R. Edwards' work addresses this gap, drawing on three decades of research to place Mark within the historical and social context of first-century Palestine, informed by extrabiblical literature, inscriptions, and archaeology. Unique features of this commentary include clear explanations of terms like "scribe," "tax collector," "Sanhedrin," and "levirate marriage," which, while familiar, are often misunderstood. Edwards also delves into literary elements such as Mark's "sandwich" technique, imagistic motifs, and irony. He presents a new interpretative framework for the challenging "Little Apocalypse" in chapter 13 and offers fresh insights into Mark's controversial ending. Ultimately, Edwards aims to interpret Mark's theological intentions, emphasizing its relevance to the early Christian community and its enduring message for the church today, particularly concerning the life and ministry of Jesus and the call to faith and discipleship.