The Function of Exorcism Stories in Mark’s Gospel

by Andreas Hauw

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

Overview

This book investigates stories of Jesus’ exorcisms in the Gospel of Mark. The story of Jesus’ first public ministry in the synagogue (Mark 1:21–28) and the Beelzebul controversy story (3:20–30) are examined to understand the other acts of exorcism that Jesus performed (5:1–20; 7:24–30; 9:14–32). Both Mark 1:21–28 and 3:20–30 highlight Jesus as a teacher and as an eschatological exorcist. The latter stresses Jesus’ own understanding of exorcism and relates his identity with that of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the first two exorcism stories in Mark’s Gospel confirm Jesus as the bearer of the kingdom of God. The motif of discipleship, which is evident in both stories, contributes to delineating Jesus’ christological identity as the Son of God, as indicated by the incipit of Mark’s Gospel (Mark 1:1).

Markan exorcism stories in Mark 5:1–20; 7:24–30; and 9:14–29 further develop the presentation of Jesus’ exorcisms and other primary motifs. The motifs of authority, identity, and mission confirm the christological identity of Jesus within gentile territory, and are an important part of his mission to the gentiles. Jesus’ specific mission in Mark 9:14–29 presents the exorcism that Jesus performed in the context of his role in both death and resurrection. In this way, Jesus as the bearer of the kingdom of God defeats the kingdom of Beelzebul.

Key Features

• Provides a comprehensive analysis of exorcism in the Gospel of Mark
• Examines the relation to the meaning of the kingdom and discipleship
• Survey the background provided by the Old Testament and Jewish Second Temple Literature

Contents

• Introduction
• Exorcism in the Old Testament
• Exorcism in the Jewish Second Temple Literature
• The Exorcism in the Synagogue of Capernaum (Mark 1:21–28)
• The Beelzebul Controversy (Mark 3:20–35)
• The Exorcism in Gentile Territory (Mark 5:1–20)
• The Exorcism for a Gentile (Mark 7:24–30)
• Exorcism and the Failure of the Disciples (Mark 9:14–29, 38–41)
• Conclusion

Praise for the Print Edition

The publication of Andreas Hauw’s doctoral dissertation is a welcome contribution to an area often neglected in academic research: exorcism. . . . This book is well researched and written in a readable style that makes it accessible to non-specialists in addition to the intended scholarly audience.

—Michaelis C. Dippenaar, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Tainan Theological College and Seminary, Taiwan

Few books discuss the complex concept of exorcism from such a thorough and solid biblical exegetical perspective.

—Martus A. Maleachi, President of Southeast Asia Bible Seminary at Malang, Indonesia

Exorcism is a neglected theme in Western biblical hermeneutics. Christians who live in areas where people regard the cosmos as being spirit-filled—such as in South East Asia (including Singapore)—will surely benefit from the publication of Andreas Hauw's scholarly examination of this theme in the Gospel of Mark

—Gerrit E. Singgih, Professor of Old Testament at Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Product Details

• Title: The Function of Exorcism Stories in Mark’s Gospel
• Author: Andreas Hauw
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock
• Publication Date: 2019
• Pages: 240
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Gospel of Mark

About Andreas Hauw

Andreas Hauw is a lecturer of the New Testament at Southeast Asia Bible Seminary at Malang, Indonesia. He is a former translation advisor for Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia.