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The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 19, 2025
Solid and very readable. If you’re looking for a non-technical commentary that covers the basics of Mark, this is a great choice.
December 30, 2025
This is an excellent commentary on Mark. Written by a top scholar but accessible for a wider audience.
October 10, 2022
Well researched and well presented
I love to see how the old testament and new testament fit together as one story and Mr. Hurtado must love it too because he does an amazing job of letting you know the OT references for so many passages. Early on, he points out that Mark's audience would have known the reference and I encourage you to have a separate copy of the Bible handy to look it up; it brings so much more clarity to Jesus' parables and statements! He is generous with providing the original meanings of key phrases and concepts, and that also helps me see things in a more comprehensive way (eg what it means to be 'like a child' - not quite what you think, I'd guess!). The book is smart but very readable and this gospel is now the most Marked-up (haha) book in my bible from all the fascinating things I learned I didn't want to forget.
I love to see how the old testament and new testament fit together as one story and Mr. Hurtado must love it too because he does an amazing job of letting you know the OT references for so many passages. Early on, he points out that Mark's audience would have known the reference and I encourage you to have a separate copy of the Bible handy to look it up; it brings so much more clarity to Jesus' parables and statements! He is generous with providing the original meanings of key phrases and concepts, and that also helps me see things in a more comprehensive way (eg what it means to be 'like a child' - not quite what you think, I'd guess!). The book is smart but very readable and this gospel is now the most Marked-up (haha) book in my bible from all the fascinating things I learned I didn't want to forget.
August 8, 2025
Very readable. Light in some areas but for the most part informative and great for sermon prep!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews