Edwards has written a wonderfully insightful commentary on the book of Mark. He is clearly a man who loves the Word of God and goes to great pains to ensure that few assumptions are made about it without sufficient evidence. He has a very humble approach in the way he discusses accepted doctrine, and when there is little support for a particular belief or practice, he says so. He refers to the work of the top non-liberal scholars, yet also includes pieces from apocryphal gospels (which he acknowledges as non-Scriptural) to place sections in historical context. Every claim is carefully footnoted with the appropriate resource. Verse by verse the book is explained and a whole new understanding of the ‘simple’ gospel is allowed.
The book is written for the Christian who wishes to get down and wrestle with the text. Edwards explains concepts clearly and humbly, so the book can be read by the layman as well as fellow scholars. Edwards writes in a flowing style that is easily readable. I especially enjoyed the way he summarises the overall meaning and larger purpose of each section, and what it means for us as Christians.
‘The Gospel According to Mark’ is a very comprehensive look at this gospel – it took me the better part of last year to read and digest it, section by section. If you’re not a reader, perhaps try something a bit shorter!
The Gospel According to Mark March 5, 2007
The Pillar New Testament Commentary
Author: James R. Edwards
ISBN: 0-85111-778-3
Publisher: Eerdman’s Publishing Co., USA.
Edwards has written a wonderfully insightful commentary on the book of Mark. He is clearly a man who loves the Word of God and goes to great pains to ensure that few assumptions are made about it without sufficient evidence. He has a very humble approach in the way he discusses accepted doctrine, and when there is little support for a particular belief or practice, he says so. He refers to the work of the top non-liberal scholars, yet also includes pieces from apocryphal gospels (which he acknowledges as non-Scriptural) to place sections in historical context. Every claim is carefully footnoted with the appropriate resource. Verse by verse the book is explained and a whole new understanding of the ‘simple’ gospel is allowed.
The book is written for the Christian who wishes to get down and wrestle with the text. Edwards explains concepts clearly and humbly, so the book can be read by the layman as well as fellow scholars. Edwards writes in a flowing style that is easily readable. I especially enjoyed the way he summarises the overall meaning and larger purpose of each section, and what it means for us as Christians.
‘The Gospel According to Mark’ is a very comprehensive look at this gospel – it took me the better part of last year to read and digest it, section by section. If you’re not a reader, perhaps try something a bit shorter!
Highly recommended.