When it comes to living the Christian life, beginnings are better than endings. That may be one of the most important lessons that the Gospel of Mark, by its very structure, teaches us.

Looking at life in terms of endings often leads to discontent, neuroses, and despair. We always want to win more, make more, succeed more. More is an insatiable taskmaster. But the Gospel of Mark says the better way is to focus on beginnings. It gives answers; it gives meaning to suffering; it restores hope as the queen of virtues.

Mark displays Jesus Christ as the New Beginning, giving us all the chance to start over at any time. The Gospel of Mark, itself, starts abruptly and really has no ending, showing that Jesus makes it possible for the story of God, working in human history and in the church, to go on and on.

• Treats all the elements of traditional exegesis
• Compares the original context and the contemporary context
• Engages contemporary life and culture

Top Highlights

“The barren fig tree represents the barrenness of temple Judaism that is unprepared to accept Jesus’ messianic reign.” (Page 440)

“At the heart of this exorcism is the struggle for faith, not the struggle with a demon” (Page 355)

“These sayings, however, are integrally related to context. They reveal the essence of the new order that replaces the old. The new order is based on faith in God (11:22) that overcomes insurmountable odds (11:23), is sustained by grace (11:24), and is characterized by forgiveness (11:25).” (Page 441)

“What he answers is the tree’s false advertising with leaves that hide its fruitlessness. The tree gives the impression that it might have something to eat, just as the temple gives the impression that it is a place dedicated to the service of God. The temple profits only the priestly hierarchy; it profits nothing for God.” (Page 440)

“To call all Israel to baptism implies that in some way all Israel is defiled.” (Page 45)

Praise for the Print Edition

“This is the pulpit commentary for the twenty-first century.”
—George K. Brushaber, president, Bethel College and Seminary

“The NIV Application Commentary meets the urgent need for an exhaustive and authoritative commentary based on the New International Version. This series will soon be found in libraries and studies throughout the evangelical community.”
—James Kennedy, senior minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church

“It is encouraging to find a commentary that is not only biblically trustworthy but also contemporary in its application. The NIV Application Commentary will prove to be a helpful tool in the pastor’s sermon preparation. I use it and recommend it.”
—Charles F. Stanley, pastor, First Baptist Church of Atlanta

• Title: Mark
• Author: David E. Garland
• Series: NIV Application Commentary
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 1996
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Pages: 656
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Mark › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780310427223, 0310427223, 9780310493501, 0310493501
• Resource ID: LLS:NIVAC62MK
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-01-03T19:48:06Z