Mark 1:1–8:26: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)

by James W. Voelz

Publisher:

Concordia Publishing House

, 2013

Overview

For many people today the Gospel of Mark is the most basic Gospel: the shortest, the simplest, the least literary, and the earliest. This has certainly been the view of the majority of New Testament scholars since the middle of the nineteenth century (especially following the work of H.J. Holtzmann), and it endures even to today. The move to such an evaluation began already in the early part of the nineteenth century, however, when Mark’s Gospel came to the fore in synoptic studies for a number of reasons, some of them theological, some cultural, and some political. It is the contention of this commentary that, apart from the matter of length, these widespread and popular views of the Gospel of Mark are wrong, namely, that, in addition to being God’s Word and his address to his people, this Gospel is not basic, neither is it simple. It is not un-literary, neither is it the earliest. (from the Introduction)

James W. Voelz begins his commentary by examining the linguistic and literary features of Mark’s Gospel as well as traditional major isagogical issues. He then offers theological exposition of the first portion of Mark, from chapter 1 to 8:26.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Of primary consideration is this truth: Jesus takes the focus away from regulations and puts it firmly onto relationships by his analysis and assertions.” (Page 469)

“From the opening verses of his Gospel, then, Mark conveys to his hearers/readers that Jesus is, in his own very person, the personification of God’s people, the personification of the God of Israel himself, and the prophet whom the people desire, who will speak to them God’s Word.” (Page 110)

“In this case, Jesus is clearly seen as God, the Lord of creation, as he quiets the elements, including the sea, even as he was shown to be God, who is able to forgive sins, in 2:1–12.” (Page 334)

“Silence is demanded early in Jesus’ ministry because the authorities dare not be incited to action ‘too soon,’ as it were, before the time is right.” (Page 165)

“5. Jesus interacts with demonic forces personally.” (Page 46)

Praise for the Print Edition

James Voelz’s concentration on the distinctiveness and precision of Mark’s language and style distinguishes this learned and readable commentary from others on the market. The clarity of his articulate expositions, the abundance of helpful examples given and the alertness to contrary views testify to the book’s origins in decades of inspiring teaching. Now a world-wide readership is able to participate in this meticulous analysis of Mark’s Gospel.

—J. Keith Elliott, emeritus professor of New Testament textual criticism, University of Leeds, UK

Voelz brings to his task years of engagement with the Gospel of Mark, an enthusiasm for exegesis, a particular focus on linguistic matters, and a scholarly voice of his own. This weighty commentary will repay consulting it.

—L.W. Hurtado, professor of New Testament language, literature, and theology, University of Edinburgh

This is a first: a commentary whose primary focus is the significance of the syntax and structure of the Greek text. Insightful, at times helpfully provocative, and always stimulating, this volume is guaranteed a spot within easy reach on my shelf. A must for all serious students and readers of Mark.

—Rikk Watts, professor of New Testament, Regent College, Vancouver

Product Details

• Title: Mark 1:1–8:26
• Author: James W. Voelz
• Series: Concordia Commentary
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 624
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Mark 1:1-8:26 › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM62MK1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-01-07T23:27:39Z

About James W. Voelz

James W. Voelz is professor of exegetical theology (New Testament) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, where he has taught since 1989. Previously he taught at Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois/Fort Wayne, Indiana (1975–1989), and served as pastoral assistant at Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne (1984–1988). Voelz is a graduate of Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He earned his PhD in biblical studies from Cambridge University. He is a member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS), the international NT society, and has been co-chair of seminars for over 20 years. He has presented numerous papers at the SNTS and at the Society of Biblical Literature, in which he is also on the steering committee of the Mark Section. His Fundamental Greek Grammar has been published by Concordia Publishing House since 1986, and his hermeneutics textbook, What Does This Mean? Principles of Biblical Interpretation in the Post-Modern World, since 1995. Voelz has lectured widely throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at conferences for pastors and laity alike.