"Follow Me," Jesus told them, "and I will make you into fishers of men!" Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. --Mark 1:17-18 The Gospel of Mark is a book of action and passion. Events happen one after another, with a vivid sense of immediacy and urgency. Jesus emotions come through strongly--at times he is angry and distressed, other times filled with compassion. In this volume, Michael Card provides a lively tour of the Gospel of Mark. As a friend and interpreter of Simon Peter, Mark gives firsthand glimpses of the life and ministry of Jesus in vibrant and energetic narration. The first Gospel to be written, Mark is a "pamphlet for hard times," encouraging Christians that all their sufferings were already endured by Jesus. Accompany Mark on his journey with Jesus. The more clearly you see Jesus here, the greater your passion will be for him.
Mark
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Little wonder why Mark has recaptured the Christian Imagination
February 20, 2012
Format:Paperback
Michael Card has written a breathtaking narrative commentary on the Gospel of Mark which at once introduces the reader to scholarship material, both a narrative and a canonical take, as well as a passionate performance of the often times glossed over second Gospel. This commentary is for the heart and soul while refreshing the mind. Just like the Gospel of Mark, with its quick pace and immediate actions, Mark: The Gospel of Passion is written so that it draws in the reader and without a depression or lull in reading pushes that reader further along. Frankly, I was so enthralled with Card's writing style that I read it in a matter of hours.
Commentaries are dry, often times more original language than English, and used to induce the lay reader into a coma. Mark: The Gospel of Passion is something that cannot be rightly classified as a commentary, but perhaps more as an ongoing sermon. Card bases his work off sound scholarship, in what generally appears to be from his acknowledged mentor, William Lane, and carries the conversation forward about the Gospel of Mark in a canonical-narrative way. It is a narrative and takes the Gospel and presents it in the receptive tradition of the Church and in many ways, how Preachers use it on Sunday morning. This doesn't mean that critical issues are glossed over, but the goal of the author is not the minutia of scholars; instead, it seems to be to present Mark freshly and energetically. There is scant attention to the original languages, which often times will bog down preachers and other ministry leaders, although the original Greek is used somewhat strategically. Further, there is the constant dialogue with the other Gospels as well as Tradition which connects Mark to both Peter and Paul. Card takes Tradition seriously, employing Papias and the Canon to set Mark's Gospel as a deeply Christian one which ties together the New Testament as well as Church History. Further, while I may disagree with him, he ignites the fires of imagination of Mark's setting by placing it within the immediate aftermath of Nero's burning of Rome, even going so far as to suggest that this is the reason that the Gospel writer leaves off "and fire" in Mark 1.8 (cf Matthew 3.11, Luke 3.16). After all, why would you want to give your persecutors any more evidence that your started the fire?
Michael Card, a proficient author, is known more for his musical talent, and perhaps more so, having written one of the most popular Christian songs of the last century, El Shaddai. While he maintains that he is first and foremost a teacher of Scripture, his musical talent must have played a part in writing this work. I've noted the ease of reading this work, but there is a bit more to that. Card is almost speaking this commentary to the reader. I don't know his voice, but I do know the difference between a lecture from a charismatic speaker and a dusty book. This falls into the former. I initially approached the book with trepidation, after all, I prefer critical commentaries, but from the start, Card's writing style will draw you in. It is not overly lyrical, as you might find in works written by Rob Bell, but the talent and artistry of the musician is present, as is the humility of a bible teacher, especially when he proclaims that at times, his assertions are fanciful, realistic but unprovable!
The layour of the book follows the chapters found in modern Mark texts. Beginning with an introduction which should be pared with Thomas Oden's recent work on Mark, Card discusses the major themes. As noted before, he sets Mark, perhaps more for dramatic effect than any other reason, during the persecution began by Nero after Rome fell. He also discusses the emotions assigned to Jesus in this particular gospel. Following the full commentary are five appendices which are of a more critical nature. He discusses the relationship between Peter and Mark as well as the New Testament picture of Mark. There is also one on connecting Mark and his historical context. Of special interest is Card's inclusion of a miracle story from the Emperor Vespasian. Beyond that though, and one of which is what draws me to the Gospel of Mark, is the appendix which shows that for Mark, Jesus was a deeply emotion, perhaps as Card says, passionate, teacher. He ends his commentary with Mark 16.8, which may be unsettling to some, but he includes a list of the reasons why in the final appendix. These are very reasonable facts and follows what William Lane has done nearly a generation, now, before. But, before all of this is the introduction to the series in which Card begins to defend his view on the biblical imagination. In this, he follows preachers such as Peter Marshall and writers, poets, and apologists such as C.S. Lewis in suggesting that though the Holy Spirit, our imagination, a word shadowed with a suspicious eye due to the King James Version, can be shaped in such a way as to be used for the Kingdom of God. He then proves this theory with his commentary.
As a budding Markan scholar, I often needed reminded of the completeness of Mark and of the way it is received in every generation. Michael Card presents the Gospel According to St. Mark with a fresh, passionate approach which is once immensely loud and deeply intimate. There is little wonder for the lay reader, then, why the Gospel of Mark, often considered a parred down version of Matthew and Luke, and often chided for some of the things it lacks, has begun to recapture the Christian imagination.
Commentaries are dry, often times more original language than English, and used to induce the lay reader into a coma. Mark: The Gospel of Passion is something that cannot be rightly classified as a commentary, but perhaps more as an ongoing sermon. Card bases his work off sound scholarship, in what generally appears to be from his acknowledged mentor, William Lane, and carries the conversation forward about the Gospel of Mark in a canonical-narrative way. It is a narrative and takes the Gospel and presents it in the receptive tradition of the Church and in many ways, how Preachers use it on Sunday morning. This doesn't mean that critical issues are glossed over, but the goal of the author is not the minutia of scholars; instead, it seems to be to present Mark freshly and energetically. There is scant attention to the original languages, which often times will bog down preachers and other ministry leaders, although the original Greek is used somewhat strategically. Further, there is the constant dialogue with the other Gospels as well as Tradition which connects Mark to both Peter and Paul. Card takes Tradition seriously, employing Papias and the Canon to set Mark's Gospel as a deeply Christian one which ties together the New Testament as well as Church History. Further, while I may disagree with him, he ignites the fires of imagination of Mark's setting by placing it within the immediate aftermath of Nero's burning of Rome, even going so far as to suggest that this is the reason that the Gospel writer leaves off "and fire" in Mark 1.8 (cf Matthew 3.11, Luke 3.16). After all, why would you want to give your persecutors any more evidence that your started the fire?
Michael Card, a proficient author, is known more for his musical talent, and perhaps more so, having written one of the most popular Christian songs of the last century, El Shaddai. While he maintains that he is first and foremost a teacher of Scripture, his musical talent must have played a part in writing this work. I've noted the ease of reading this work, but there is a bit more to that. Card is almost speaking this commentary to the reader. I don't know his voice, but I do know the difference between a lecture from a charismatic speaker and a dusty book. This falls into the former. I initially approached the book with trepidation, after all, I prefer critical commentaries, but from the start, Card's writing style will draw you in. It is not overly lyrical, as you might find in works written by Rob Bell, but the talent and artistry of the musician is present, as is the humility of a bible teacher, especially when he proclaims that at times, his assertions are fanciful, realistic but unprovable!
The layour of the book follows the chapters found in modern Mark texts. Beginning with an introduction which should be pared with Thomas Oden's recent work on Mark, Card discusses the major themes. As noted before, he sets Mark, perhaps more for dramatic effect than any other reason, during the persecution began by Nero after Rome fell. He also discusses the emotions assigned to Jesus in this particular gospel. Following the full commentary are five appendices which are of a more critical nature. He discusses the relationship between Peter and Mark as well as the New Testament picture of Mark. There is also one on connecting Mark and his historical context. Of special interest is Card's inclusion of a miracle story from the Emperor Vespasian. Beyond that though, and one of which is what draws me to the Gospel of Mark, is the appendix which shows that for Mark, Jesus was a deeply emotion, perhaps as Card says, passionate, teacher. He ends his commentary with Mark 16.8, which may be unsettling to some, but he includes a list of the reasons why in the final appendix. These are very reasonable facts and follows what William Lane has done nearly a generation, now, before. But, before all of this is the introduction to the series in which Card begins to defend his view on the biblical imagination. In this, he follows preachers such as Peter Marshall and writers, poets, and apologists such as C.S. Lewis in suggesting that though the Holy Spirit, our imagination, a word shadowed with a suspicious eye due to the King James Version, can be shaped in such a way as to be used for the Kingdom of God. He then proves this theory with his commentary.
As a budding Markan scholar, I often needed reminded of the completeness of Mark and of the way it is received in every generation. Michael Card presents the Gospel According to St. Mark with a fresh, passionate approach which is once immensely loud and deeply intimate. There is little wonder for the lay reader, then, why the Gospel of Mark, often considered a parred down version of Matthew and Luke, and often chided for some of the things it lacks, has begun to recapture the Christian imagination.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have long been an admirer of Michael Card. I first became familiar with him, as many Christians have, through his music. His music mixes simple acoustic melodies with lyrical profundity that touches the heart with conviction and comfort. Card's songs demonstrate what can happen when a creative mind that longs to communicate the good news of Jesus engages the Scripture and theology with intelligence and spiritual depth.
Now, Michael Card has begun to take on the task of writing commentaries on the gospel. Last year, Card released his commentary on Luke, which was very well received. This year, he is releasing Mark:The Gospel of Passion. I believe this commentary will also receive accolades and admiration for its combination of depth of thought and clarity of communication.
I am well-versed in Scripture. I have a degree in theology. Yet, as I read Michael Card's commentary on Mark each page jumps forward with a new insight and with new depth of meaning. In the introduction, Card does a good job with allowing his readers to enter into the story of the context in which the gospel of Mark is written. He notes several things about the text that many other commentaries miss. I was especially impressed with Card's discussion of the way Mark's description of Jesus puts the Lord's emotional life on his sleeve, and lets us not only hear what Jesus was saying, but how he was feeling.
Mark: The Gospel of Passion also presents an outline of the book that drives the readers understanding of the content of Mark. Through carefully expanding upon and using an outline of Mark in order to explain the gospel, he allows the reader to see the "movement" in the gospel from beginning to end. This is very helpful.
The appendices in the book are also well done and informative. Card argues well for the early ending for Mark in this section for example.
With the gospel of Mark so prominent in the lectionary this year, Card's commentary will be helpful to many Christian leaders in lesson and sermon preparation. This book would also be helpful for someone trying to study the gospel of Mark on their own. This is a great commentary for lay persons,and should be picked up by anyone who wants to learn more about the Gospel of Mark,
Now, Michael Card has begun to take on the task of writing commentaries on the gospel. Last year, Card released his commentary on Luke, which was very well received. This year, he is releasing Mark:The Gospel of Passion. I believe this commentary will also receive accolades and admiration for its combination of depth of thought and clarity of communication.
I am well-versed in Scripture. I have a degree in theology. Yet, as I read Michael Card's commentary on Mark each page jumps forward with a new insight and with new depth of meaning. In the introduction, Card does a good job with allowing his readers to enter into the story of the context in which the gospel of Mark is written. He notes several things about the text that many other commentaries miss. I was especially impressed with Card's discussion of the way Mark's description of Jesus puts the Lord's emotional life on his sleeve, and lets us not only hear what Jesus was saying, but how he was feeling.
Mark: The Gospel of Passion also presents an outline of the book that drives the readers understanding of the content of Mark. Through carefully expanding upon and using an outline of Mark in order to explain the gospel, he allows the reader to see the "movement" in the gospel from beginning to end. This is very helpful.
The appendices in the book are also well done and informative. Card argues well for the early ending for Mark in this section for example.
With the gospel of Mark so prominent in the lectionary this year, Card's commentary will be helpful to many Christian leaders in lesson and sermon preparation. This book would also be helpful for someone trying to study the gospel of Mark on their own. This is a great commentary for lay persons,and should be picked up by anyone who wants to learn more about the Gospel of Mark,
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A. Morgan
Format:Paperback
A while back I reviewed Michael Card's volume on Luke's gospel. In that review I commented that I did not expect a 'worship' leader to write a good commentary on Luke. Yet Card's book on Luke really did astound me its combination of depth, accessibility and scholarship.
His volume on Mark does exactly the same thing. Card writes with wonderful insight. It has exactly the right amount of 'information' , comment and application.
On a practical note, the layout of this work is very good. Each chapter is broken into sections and each section is anything between 1-3 pages. This makes it ideal for devotional reading. And this is something which has impressed me about these books; they are equally good as a devotional book and as a resource for preaching and study - and that is rare.
I will be recommending these books to members of my congregation and to others as a wonderful way to read, ,mark learn and grow in the scriptures.
Very Highly recommended!!
His volume on Mark does exactly the same thing. Card writes with wonderful insight. It has exactly the right amount of 'information' , comment and application.
On a practical note, the layout of this work is very good. Each chapter is broken into sections and each section is anything between 1-3 pages. This makes it ideal for devotional reading. And this is something which has impressed me about these books; they are equally good as a devotional book and as a resource for preaching and study - and that is rare.
I will be recommending these books to members of my congregation and to others as a wonderful way to read, ,mark learn and grow in the scriptures.
Very Highly recommended!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Michael Card is one of my favorite artist and authors. He says this book is not a commentary, but I was greatly enlightlen about that time period and I saw why the book was... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gladys Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
We're using it for a Bible study.
Our little - but growing - congregations meets at a pizza hut tuesday lunchtimes and we are finishing up Luke right now, ready to get into Mark - but Michael Card's talents aren't... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Glenn A
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Gospels
Michael Card offers very good teachings on the gospels. It is a great help for bible study. Highly recommend his boks.
Published 5 months ago by MaryAnne C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fresh Look at the Gospel of Mark
I lead a great group of people in a bible study. We have been looking for new material and I came across Michael Card's study of Mark. It is compelling and thought provoking. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Coloradoborn
4.0 out of 5 stars
From Scandalon to commentaries, Card inspires deeper engagement with...
While browsing recently at a Thrift store, I found Scandalon (1986), one of Michael Card's earliest recordings. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Michael Dalton
