Digital Logos Edition
Mark wrote a Gospel that was at once plain and subtle, fast-paced and yet profound, and in it he clarified what it meant to follow Christ in turbulent times by differentiating the essential from the trivial. He sought to fortify the witness of persecuted early Christian groups and ground them in the hope of Jesus Christ.
Kim Huat Tan's New Covenant Commentary volume on Mark unveils how the rich literary artistry of the New Testament’s second gospel helped early Christians in their trials. He focuses on larger thematic emphases and Mark’s authorial technique, structure, and plot without dodging important issues of interpretation. Following in the footsteps of this unique Gospel, this commentary also attempts to bridge the horizons between the ancient world and the needs of modern interpreters, showing how it still functions as a powerful resource for being a disciple of Jesus today. Sermonic suggestions are offered where appropriate, so that busy pastors may find a quick and effective way of sharing Mark with their congregations.
Check out other volumes in the New Covenant Commentary Series.
“What is emphasized is the inscrutability of the growth of the kingdom, but the results are assured and will be clear to all.” (Page 62)
“A counter-banquet to that which was held by Herod Antipas in 6:21 is being presented.141” (Page 83)
“ the kingdom works in the midst of great rebellion without cancelling it, at least not yet.” (Page 59)
“To those who have eyes only for economics, two thousand pigs are worth more than one formerly insane man. Accordingly, the people of that town beg Jesus to depart from them. It is much cheaper to consign a person to an ancient mental institution (the tombs) or to buy chains. All this means Jesus is not welcomed—not because they do not believe in his power, but because they do not accept his program.” (Page 67)
“Mark’s message to his readers is now clear. He wants them to understand that as they struggle in ‘tumultuous waters’ in obedience to Jesus’ commands, they are to remember that he who commands is also he who, like God, walks on water and is present with them.” (Page 89)
The New Covenant Commentary Series, compiled by contributors form a diverse range of backgrounds, devotes itself to the task of biblical interpretation and theological reflection. It unwraps each biblical book section-by-section, providing a clear view of the theology and application within. Focusing on both the text and various contexts of each book, the series illustrates the impact they had on faith and tradition at the time of their composition—and the significance they continue to have in contemporary life, faith, and ministry.
Clear and accessible, engaged with relevant scholarship, wise and balanced in judgments, offering both analysis of the text of Mark and cogent suggestions about continuing meaning for today, this new commentary is recommended, especially for busy ministers and students.
—Larry W. Hurtado, Emeritus Professor of New Testament and Theology, School of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh
Tan has produced an exceptionally fine and delightfully written commentary on the Gospel of Mark, which will be appreciated by a wide range of readers, from seasoned interpreters of Mark to new students of the Gospel. This is one of the most helpful and reliable commentaries on Mark’s Gospel presently available.
—Edward Adams, professor of New Testament studies, King's College London
It is a delight to welcome this exegetically informed and sensitive exposition of Mark’s Gospel. Unlike so many ineffectual gestures towards globalization in biblical studies, this commentary adds to its series a learned, critically and theologically invested interpretation that is composed in a non-Western setting but seeks to engage its text for a global Christian readership. Tan and [the] editors deserve our thanks for this valuable contribution to a much-needed widening of the conversation.
—Markus Bockmuehl, Dean Ireland’s professor of the exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford