Description
This Guide reads the Gospel of Mark as a 1st-century CE story about Jesus, for his followers, and against tyranny or the abusive use of power.
First, the book shows students how the Gospel uses the form of a traditional laudatory biography (a 'Life') to reshape the memory of the shame-ridden trials and suffering of Jesus. Such a biography portrayed Jesus' descent (as a son of God), his deeds, and his heroic death, dispelling any notion that the teacher Jesus was a charlatan or huckster.
Second, Smith demonstrates how the Gospel devotes a great deal of space to Jesus' training of his disciples - as he calls, commissions, and corrects them in preparation for the difficult moments of their journey.
Third, Smith highlights the Gospel's special characterizations of Jesus - as a prophetic envoy, a man of authority, and a philosophical hero - contrasting Jesus' use of power with the abusive use of power by Rome's representatives (Herod Antipas and Pilate).
Author: Abraham Smith
Publisher: Continnuum-3PL
Published: 01/12/2017
Pages: 112
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 0.30d
ISBN13: 9781350008878
ISBN10: 1350008877
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Biblical Studies | Bible Study Guides
- Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation | New Testament
First, the book shows students how the Gospel uses the form of a traditional laudatory biography (a 'Life') to reshape the memory of the shame-ridden trials and suffering of Jesus. Such a biography portrayed Jesus' descent (as a son of God), his deeds, and his heroic death, dispelling any notion that the teacher Jesus was a charlatan or huckster.
Second, Smith demonstrates how the Gospel devotes a great deal of space to Jesus' training of his disciples - as he calls, commissions, and corrects them in preparation for the difficult moments of their journey.
Third, Smith highlights the Gospel's special characterizations of Jesus - as a prophetic envoy, a man of authority, and a philosophical hero - contrasting Jesus' use of power with the abusive use of power by Rome's representatives (Herod Antipas and Pilate).
Author: Abraham Smith
Publisher: Continnuum-3PL
Published: 01/12/2017
Pages: 112
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 0.30d
ISBN13: 9781350008878
ISBN10: 1350008877
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Biblical Studies | Bible Study Guides
- Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation | New Testament
About the Author
Abraham Smith is Professor of New Testament at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Texas, USA.