Biblical and Theological Studies Faculty Publications

Is Mark's Gospel an Apology for the Cross

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2001

Journal Title

Bulletin for Biblical Research

Volume

12

Issue

1

First Page

97

Last Page

122

Abstract

Robert H. Gundry's impressive and detailed commentary on the Gospel of Mark is a book built on a central thesis, that Mark wrote an apology for the cross. Mark presented Jesus as a powerful and supernatural savior in order to reach Gentile unbelievers who were stumbling over the shamefulness of the crucifixion. This article argues that the description of miracles within Mark's Gospel, the teaching of Jesus on discipleship, and the passion narrative itself, all create problems for Gundry's approach to Mark's audience.

Keywords

Mark, apology, cross, christology, miracles, discipleship, passion narrative

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS