THE GOOD NEWS ACCORDING TO MARK

This work by a prominent Swiss New Testament scholar appears originally in the German serial Commentary, Das Neue Testament Deutsch. Its translation into English will be welcomed both by New Testament scholars and lay students of the Gospel. After an instructive introduction, in which the author places the Gospel According to Mark in its historical context and sketches the general outlines of Mark's principal themes and his method of setting forth his message, the text develops a precise and thorough exposition of the Gospel, verse by verse. At appropriate points, the excursus treats some topic or concept that has central importance for Mark, such as the meaning of the kingdom of God, the use of parables, the controversy with the Pharisees, and the Easter story. The passages are quoted from Today's English Bible, which has appeared under the title, Good News for Modern Man. The anonymous author, now known as Mark, created a new literary form to suit his needs--""The Gospel."" The result takes on the style of sermons more than biography and is comparable to the historical books of the Old Testament. As in other works of his which have been translated into English, the author impresses the reader as speaking out of substantial scholarship, but with a freedom and simplicity of style that makes this commentary eminently useful to readers of all degrees of competence. It should be warmly welcomed.