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The Gospel According to Mark
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was surprised to see this commentary hasn't been reviewed, since it is of such high quality. I suspect it is because Edwards, unlike Carson or Blomberg or Bock, isn't a well-known scholarly name. Nevertheless, I rate this commentary "up there" with my favorite NT commentaries: Carson on John, Fee on I Corinthians, O'Brien on Ephesians. If you read and appreciated any of those, you will not be disappointed by this commentary.
31 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It may be hard to find a better commentary on Mark. The writer is extremely well-informed and he shares his learning without wasting words. Edwards obviously loves Mark's gospel, taking on all detractors and defending Mark's historicity. In fact he is so zealous about Mark's reliability he seems to show little hesitation about making the other gospels look inferior in comparison.
Some of this one-sided comparison is ok. Many of today's scholars believe Mark is the earliest gospel and the other Synoptic gospels are partially dependent on it for source material. That's alright. But if you read this commentary carefully, soon it might dawn on you that the writer sees the other gospels in a way conservative evangelicals should not.
The problem reaches a climax in Mark 14, the episode of Jesus' arrest where the ear of the high priest's servant was severed. John 18:10 names the attacker as Peter but Edwards considers this to be nothing more than unreliable "later tradition". Let me quote from the commentary (pp 438-439):
"Later tradition identified Peter as the sword-wielding assailant, but this is not as certain as is often assumed, for Mark attributes the deed not to a disciple but "to one of those standing near". This same phrase will appear in vv 69-70, where it obviously does not refer to disciples. It is far more likely that the arrest squad, and not the disciples, were armed with swords. Indeed, if the assailant were a disciple we should expect an arrest to follow. But no arrest follows, which at least suggests that the severed ear fell from the misguided valor of a henchman rather than of a disciple or Peter. Peter, of course, figures prominently in the events of chap. 14 and is likely Mark's source of much of it. If Peter were the assailant, it would be surprising for him to conceal his name here and include it in the much more discriminating denial scene."
With this, not only does the writer make John's account unhistorical but Luke is affected as well. By saying that "It is far more likely that the arrest squad, and not the disciples, were armed with swords", Luke 22:38's account of the disciples being armed with two swords before Gethsemane becomes a "far less likely" record.
Further, in a footnote on pg 438, Edwards writes:
"A comparison of the account of the arrest in the Gospels shows how some details were heightened in the retelling. Mark, the earliest evangelist, says simply that "one of those standing near" drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. Somewhat later Matt 26:51 sharpens the designation to "one of Jesus' companions". Later still, Luke 22:50 identifies the servant's wound as "the right ear"; and near the close of the first century John 18:10 identifies the swordsman as Peter and gives the servant's name as Malchus!"
In Edwards' mind, as time passes the writing of the gospel becomes less historically accurate as human embellishments are woven in.
If you are an evangelical whose faith in the inspiration and infallibilty of Scripture is strong, this book will do you good. Edwards loves and honours our Lord and it's infectious. But if you are currently engaged in a war against doubts about the reliabilty of the Bible, this book can careen you off the precipe.
Some of this one-sided comparison is ok. Many of today's scholars believe Mark is the earliest gospel and the other Synoptic gospels are partially dependent on it for source material. That's alright. But if you read this commentary carefully, soon it might dawn on you that the writer sees the other gospels in a way conservative evangelicals should not.
The problem reaches a climax in Mark 14, the episode of Jesus' arrest where the ear of the high priest's servant was severed. John 18:10 names the attacker as Peter but Edwards considers this to be nothing more than unreliable "later tradition". Let me quote from the commentary (pp 438-439):
"Later tradition identified Peter as the sword-wielding assailant, but this is not as certain as is often assumed, for Mark attributes the deed not to a disciple but "to one of those standing near". This same phrase will appear in vv 69-70, where it obviously does not refer to disciples. It is far more likely that the arrest squad, and not the disciples, were armed with swords. Indeed, if the assailant were a disciple we should expect an arrest to follow. But no arrest follows, which at least suggests that the severed ear fell from the misguided valor of a henchman rather than of a disciple or Peter. Peter, of course, figures prominently in the events of chap. 14 and is likely Mark's source of much of it. If Peter were the assailant, it would be surprising for him to conceal his name here and include it in the much more discriminating denial scene."
With this, not only does the writer make John's account unhistorical but Luke is affected as well. By saying that "It is far more likely that the arrest squad, and not the disciples, were armed with swords", Luke 22:38's account of the disciples being armed with two swords before Gethsemane becomes a "far less likely" record.
Further, in a footnote on pg 438, Edwards writes:
"A comparison of the account of the arrest in the Gospels shows how some details were heightened in the retelling. Mark, the earliest evangelist, says simply that "one of those standing near" drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. Somewhat later Matt 26:51 sharpens the designation to "one of Jesus' companions". Later still, Luke 22:50 identifies the servant's wound as "the right ear"; and near the close of the first century John 18:10 identifies the swordsman as Peter and gives the servant's name as Malchus!"
In Edwards' mind, as time passes the writing of the gospel becomes less historically accurate as human embellishments are woven in.
If you are an evangelical whose faith in the inspiration and infallibilty of Scripture is strong, this book will do you good. Edwards loves and honours our Lord and it's infectious. But if you are currently engaged in a war against doubts about the reliabilty of the Bible, this book can careen you off the precipe.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is fine addition to the Pillar Commentary Series. I especially appreciate the introduction to the commentary. The author develops the themes that are nesessary to understand this Gospel. It is rewarding to work through the Biblical Story. Edwards is a lucid writer who communicates important Biblical cuture insights to his audience. I love to use it while preparing to teach on Mark especially to Jr. High and High school students. He helps fill the questions around the 1st centery church. I find it an important tool in Bible study.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
ONE OF THE BEST
HAVING READ 7 COMMENTARIES AND MANY ESSAYS ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK, JAMES R. EDWARDS, BY FAR, IS THE BEST. HE BRINGS OUT POINTS THAT ARE VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING. Read more
Published 6 months ago by PAUL BURKE
A great commentary
I have read about 8 commentaries on Mark and I really enjoyed this one. The writing was clear, current archeology findings were incorporated, and was solid in Biblical scholarship. Read more
Published 12 months ago by andyp
Excellent Applied Reference Commentary
I live in India and wanted a commentary that would work well for preparing sermons, researching for bible study and even for personal growth. A tough ask from an academic book. Read more
Published on October 4, 2009 by Sumeet Gulati
great product!
The book we recieved was in excellent condition and it came promptly, just as the seller has said! Thank you for an accurate listing!
Published on January 7, 2009 by Paige
Wonderfully Well-Rounded
I have used this text as one of my sources for scholarly and pastoral insight into the Gospel of Mark, and I must say that is fulfills both roles with surprising abundance. Read more
Published on May 8, 2008 by Phillip H. Steiger
Good Introductory Commentary
Edwards has provided a pretty good commentary on Mark that gives those interested in Markan studies a decent baseline for further research and comprehension. Read more
Published on April 3, 2008 by J. F Foster
Very Readable, if just a tad speculative. No Translation
I find it truly amazing that there is still so much lively discussion about a Gospel of the New Testament which has been a cornerstone of Christian faith for almost 2000 years;... Read more
Published on March 25, 2007 by B. Marold
A Good Addition for Your Library
Edwards' commentary of Mark clearly comes from an evangelical perspective, though he fully interacts with more liberal views of the first gospel. Read more
Published on April 20, 2006 by Jason D. Wood
a wonderful commentary
This is a fantastic commentary. I'm not usually the motivated type who takes the time to review a book but, I've so enjoyed Mr. Edwards work that I wanted to share my sentiments. Read more
Published on June 19, 2003 by T. Foster
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Ancient writings normally begin either with a formal dedication describing the purpose of the book or with an opening line treating the first subject discussed. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
independent exorcist, stronger manuscript support, lego hymin, bridegroom imagery, transfiguration narrative, three passion predictions, first passion prediction, minuscule manuscripts, uncial manuscripts, third passion prediction, causes desolation, secrecy motif, crucifixion narrative, secondary ending, sandwich technique, transfiguration story, divine sonship, hemorrhaging woman, shorter reading, divine man Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Gospel of Mark, God's Son, Sea of Galilee, Mark's Gospel, New Testament, Das Evangelium, Last Supper, Caesarea Philippi, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Peter, John the Baptizer, New York, Saint Mark, Holy Spirit, Mount of Olives, Jesus Christ, History of the Jewish People, Gospel of John, Justin Martyr, The Good News According, Mary Magdalene, Fortress Press, Herod Antipas, Jesus of Nazareth, Mount of Transfiguration New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Ancient writings normally begin either with a formal dedication describing the purpose of the book or with an opening line treating the first subject discussed. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
independent exorcist, stronger manuscript support, lego hymin, bridegroom imagery, transfiguration narrative, three passion predictions, first passion prediction, minuscule manuscripts, uncial manuscripts, third passion prediction, causes desolation, secrecy motif, crucifixion narrative, secondary ending, sandwich technique, transfiguration story, divine sonship, hemorrhaging woman, shorter reading, divine man Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Gospel of Mark, God's Son, Sea of Galilee, Mark's Gospel, New Testament, Das Evangelium, Last Supper, Caesarea Philippi, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Peter, John the Baptizer, New York, Saint Mark, Holy Spirit, Mount of Olives, Jesus Christ, History of the Jewish People, Gospel of John, Justin Martyr, The Good News According, Mary Magdalene, Fortress Press, Herod Antipas, Jesus of Nazareth, Mount of Transfiguration New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 100
books:
See all 100 books this book cites
6
books
cite this book:
See all 6 books citing this book
- The Gospel According to St. Mark (Black's New Testament Commentary) by Morna D. Hooker on 15 pages
- The Good News according to Mark by Eduard Schweizer on 15 pages
- A History of the Jewish People by Max Leopold Margolis on 11 pages
- Studies in the Gospel of Mark by Martin Hengel on 11 pages
- The Way of the Lord: Christological Exegesis of the Old Testament in the Gospel of Mark by Joel Marcus on 10 pages
See all 100 books this book cites
- Gentiles in the Gospel of Mark (Library Of New Testament Studies) by Kelly Iverson on page 10, page 23, and Back Matter
- The Mary Magdalene Tradition: Witness and Counter-Witness in Early Christian Communities by Holly E. Hearon on page 48
- Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God by Mark Galli in Back Matter
- How Wide the Divide?: A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation by Craig L. Blomberg in Back Matter
- Is Jesus the Only Savior? by James R. Edwards on page 130
See all 6 books citing this book
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