The Gospel according to Mark: The English Text With Introduction, Exposition, and Notes (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) [Hardcover]

William L. Lane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 1974

In this commentary Mark is revealed as a theologian whose primary intention was the strengthening of the people of God in a time of fiery persecution by Nero. It begins with an introductory section discussing dating, occasion, literary style, and historical issues surrounding the gospel. The analysis is based on linguistic and historical research designed to draw out the meaning of the text.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 652 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; 2nd edition (April 14, 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802825028
• ISBN-13: 978-0802825025
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great tool for getting the most out of Mark, March 1, 2000

By 

Timotheus Josephus - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gospel according to Mark: The English Text With Introduction, Exposition, and Notes (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

Dr. Lane's commentary on Mark strikes an excellent balance between historical, theological, and practical issues. He also covers textual variants in the manuscript tradition. I found his brief appendix on the issue of Mark 16:9-20 to be very informative.

Lane also does well with sticking to the gospel of Mark while not diverting his attention to parallel passages in Matthew and Luke. He makes a compelling case for the dating and place of authorship of this gospel. His attention to the "difficult" areas of Mark is probably the highlight of this commentary. His concise and forceful arguments are not overly wordy while still being clearly expressed.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly scholarly and readable, November 15, 2004

By 

Matthew Gunia (Justice, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gospel according to Mark: The English Text With Introduction, Exposition, and Notes (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

William Lane, professor of Biblical Studies as Seattle Pacific University, has written a highly readable yet very scholarly commentary on Mark's gospel for the New International Commentary on the New Testament Series. Lane does an excellent job analyzing the structure and themes within Mark, explaning parables from different angles (as well as understanding one parable through the other parables), and commenting on other aspects of ancient Roman and Jewish life.

This reader also appreciates the conservative approach to Lane's commentary. With so many authors attempting scholarly acrobatics to learn about the "Markan community" or practice source criticism, it is refreshing to read a scholarly commentary that holds a traditional view--Mark from the book of Acts wrote this Gospel based almost exclusively on the teachings of Peter. While many reviewers herald this "new and exciting" method of interpreting Mark, there is actually little "new" about it--the traditional conservative view of Mark that the church has always held is the view proposed by Lane.

Although an excellent work, this author does have one criticism concerning the ending of Mark. While Lane is with the majority of scholars in looking down their noses at Mark 16:9ff, Lane dismisses these verses as "unoriginal" without much of a discussion. Without even reprinting the text, he criticizes those who hold to the originality of these verses as unscholarly and speculative. A fuller argument for his premature ending, a more detailed explanation of the function of this abrupt "literary device" and a short commentary on Mark 16:9ff would have been greatly appreciated by this reader, especially in the light that Lane seemingl treats the ridiculous Freer Logion as sacred writing.

In all, this book is a great, mentally provocative treatment of Mark's Gospel that simply fell apart at the end. Highly recommended!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dated, But Still Worth the Effort to Read, April 3, 2007

By 

John D. White "camsterdad" (Cayce, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gospel according to Mark: The English Text With Introduction, Exposition, and Notes (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

Scholarship has moved on since this commentary was published. However, do not rush to newer, fancier looking commentaries--quite yet. William Lane has much to teach in this commentary and it is still worth the effort to carefully work through his reflections on Mark's gospel. I have used this commentary regularly in the years that I have been preparing sermons on the gospel of Mark and it has been a trusted and trustworthy companion. This is one of those books that the pastor could purchase and use with benefit to the congregation. I only wish it could be updated a bit.