Reading Mark In Context (Paperback)

How does one best learn relevant historical background material to theGospels? Traditionally, one reads a brief introduction to overall trends andthen looks for where they might illuminate individual passages. More interesting,if done well, is to begin with the biblical text and then read portionsof the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls, Josephus, or even theoldest of the rabbinic literature that allows close comparisons and contrastswith the biblical subject matter. This anthology takes the latter approach,makes excellent and relevant selections from the noncanonical material, anduses a broad range of good scholars who briefly make the relevant comparisonswith selections from most all the major passages in the Gospel of Mark.The task is done well so that this volume has excellent textbook potential aswell as satisfying the curiosity of many other readers. -- Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary