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Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: The Gospel of Mark
Book by Hahn, Scott
100 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
35 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
415 books1,332 followersScott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 14, 2021
As this is the year of St. Mark (Year B) in the Church’s Liturgical A,B,C cycle, dh and I wanted to learn a little more about this dynamic Gospel. Dr. Hahn has long been one of our favorite exegetes because he not only brings a tremendous theological background to all of his scripture studies, but he also carefully delineates what he used to believe and teach in his days as a Protestant minister. I never fail to learn from him, but more importantly, he teaches to inspire his students/listeners to live out what they glean rather than use Scripture as a weapon to prove or reprove.
He introduced the 2nd lesson with a personal story about looking for a hospital in a strange city (undoubtedly in the days before GPS, smart phones, etc.) when you had to rely on maps and/or asking for directions. After driving around and thinking he must be getting close to his destination, he rolled down the window and asked a man, “Which way to Mercy Hospital?” The man answered, “O, you're almost there. Just turn down Pride and you’ll find Mercy.” Dr. Hahn immediately recognized the SIGN given him and shared the story with the patient he was visiting. He also added that the wisdom works in reverse, ”Turn down Mercy and you will find Pride!” He encourages us to read Sacred Scripture for more than our 'holy fix', for our own comfort and consolation. We need to read it to be challenged (and changed) by Jesus as were all those who encountered Jesus in St. Mark’s Gospel. The question always being, will we allow Jesus to change us, or will we ignore/reject Him?
This is an excellent study which left me wanting to know more about St. Mark’s Gospel as well as the evangelist who wrote it. If I can make the teensiest criticism it would be that Dr. Hahn sometimes circles back to reemphasize his moral point more than twice, when once would do. As I know my children would accuse me of the same tendency/habit I feel hypocritical even mentioning this, and yet I can see (in someone else, if not myself) how frustrating this can be from the perspective of the audience, not to mention in this particular setting, when the time could have been devoted to covering more material. And yet, which is more important, the moral lessons contained in the Gospel or all the contextual, exegetical, historical, and other information about it? Therefore, I feel forced to qualify my own objection.
Each lesson is over an hour long and packed with information. The entire course is also free on-line here from the St. Paul Center. There are other free studies as well.
Highly recommended! 4.5 stars
He introduced the 2nd lesson with a personal story about looking for a hospital in a strange city (undoubtedly in the days before GPS, smart phones, etc.) when you had to rely on maps and/or asking for directions. After driving around and thinking he must be getting close to his destination, he rolled down the window and asked a man, “Which way to Mercy Hospital?” The man answered, “O, you're almost there. Just turn down Pride and you’ll find Mercy.” Dr. Hahn immediately recognized the SIGN given him and shared the story with the patient he was visiting. He also added that the wisdom works in reverse, ”Turn down Mercy and you will find Pride!” He encourages us to read Sacred Scripture for more than our 'holy fix', for our own comfort and consolation. We need to read it to be challenged (and changed) by Jesus as were all those who encountered Jesus in St. Mark’s Gospel. The question always being, will we allow Jesus to change us, or will we ignore/reject Him?
This is an excellent study which left me wanting to know more about St. Mark’s Gospel as well as the evangelist who wrote it. If I can make the teensiest criticism it would be that Dr. Hahn sometimes circles back to reemphasize his moral point more than twice, when once would do. As I know my children would accuse me of the same tendency/habit I feel hypocritical even mentioning this, and yet I can see (in someone else, if not myself) how frustrating this can be from the perspective of the audience, not to mention in this particular setting, when the time could have been devoted to covering more material. And yet, which is more important, the moral lessons contained in the Gospel or all the contextual, exegetical, historical, and other information about it? Therefore, I feel forced to qualify my own objection.
Each lesson is over an hour long and packed with information. The entire course is also free on-line here from the St. Paul Center. There are other free studies as well.
Highly recommended! 4.5 stars
March 23, 2012
This was a very helpful book in better understanding the Gospel of Mark. Citations, definitions, explanations and other Bible passages were all on the bottom of the page, so there was no flipping back and forth to try and figure out what what being explained where. And, there were additional maps and word definitions in appropriate places to further aid in the comprehesion of Mark.
October 1, 2025
AN APOLOGETICAL COMMENTARY TO MARK'S GOSPEL
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (also available in the complete edition) is intended to "lead the reader through Scripture according to the Church's guidelines---faithful to the canon, to the tradition, and to the creeds. The Church's interpretive principles have thus shaped the component parts of this book, and they are designed to make the reader's study as effective and rewarding as possible." (Pg. 10)
Authors Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch note, "The content of Mark's story revolves primarily around the identity of Jesus. Two aspects figure prominently: Jesus' secret and his divine Sonship. (1) Secret: In Mark, Jesus often attempts to conceal his identity as the Messiah because of the great possibility that his contemporaries will misunderstand his mission... Far from embracing the role of a political leader, Jesus labors to reconfigure messianic expectations through his example of servanthood and suffering... Only at the Crucifixion is the Sonship of Jesus fully recognized as he surrenders his life with love to the Father. It is here that a single Gospel character (Roman centurion) confesses Jesus as 'the Son of God.'" (Pg. 14)
Later, they add in a comment about 1:44, "The 'messianic secret' is a leading theme in Mark... Several considerations account for this strategy. (1) Jesus wanted to avoid a sensationalist reputation of being no more than a wonder-worker. Publicizing his deeds by word of mouth comes with the danger that rumors will begin to disconnect his miracles from his saving message. (2) He wanted to sidestep popular expectations that the Messiah would be a political and military leader. (3) He did not want to ignite the wrath of his enemies before the appointed time of his Passion." (Pg. 19)
They observe about 3:29, "The scribes utter blasphemy by attributing to Satan what is actually the work of the Holy Spirit (3:22, 30). Their sin is not unforgivable in principle since no sin can place us beyond the reach of God's mercy. However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a form of rebellion that is particularly grievous because it blinds people to their own need for forgiveness; in this case, sins are unpardonable when they are not confessed with contrition." (Pg. 23-24)
Hahn's/Mitch's commentaries will be of great use to conservative Catholics---particularly those with an apologetic interest.
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (also available in the complete edition) is intended to "lead the reader through Scripture according to the Church's guidelines---faithful to the canon, to the tradition, and to the creeds. The Church's interpretive principles have thus shaped the component parts of this book, and they are designed to make the reader's study as effective and rewarding as possible." (Pg. 10)
Authors Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch note, "The content of Mark's story revolves primarily around the identity of Jesus. Two aspects figure prominently: Jesus' secret and his divine Sonship. (1) Secret: In Mark, Jesus often attempts to conceal his identity as the Messiah because of the great possibility that his contemporaries will misunderstand his mission... Far from embracing the role of a political leader, Jesus labors to reconfigure messianic expectations through his example of servanthood and suffering... Only at the Crucifixion is the Sonship of Jesus fully recognized as he surrenders his life with love to the Father. It is here that a single Gospel character (Roman centurion) confesses Jesus as 'the Son of God.'" (Pg. 14)
Later, they add in a comment about 1:44, "The 'messianic secret' is a leading theme in Mark... Several considerations account for this strategy. (1) Jesus wanted to avoid a sensationalist reputation of being no more than a wonder-worker. Publicizing his deeds by word of mouth comes with the danger that rumors will begin to disconnect his miracles from his saving message. (2) He wanted to sidestep popular expectations that the Messiah would be a political and military leader. (3) He did not want to ignite the wrath of his enemies before the appointed time of his Passion." (Pg. 19)
They observe about 3:29, "The scribes utter blasphemy by attributing to Satan what is actually the work of the Holy Spirit (3:22, 30). Their sin is not unforgivable in principle since no sin can place us beyond the reach of God's mercy. However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a form of rebellion that is particularly grievous because it blinds people to their own need for forgiveness; in this case, sins are unpardonable when they are not confessed with contrition." (Pg. 23-24)
Hahn's/Mitch's commentaries will be of great use to conservative Catholics---particularly those with an apologetic interest.
March 17, 2016
Fine bible study on the book of Mark. This is suited especially for Catholics who are somewhat unfamiliar with scripture. I have used it in that context to do a bible study, and am retaining it in my library for further use of that type.
The introduction on reading scripture is one of the finest I have seen for Catholics. I recommend it whole-heartedly. That alone is a good enough reason to use this book for a bible study with Catholics.
The text is the RSV-CE book of Mark.
There are 4 to 5 object-level questions at the end of the booklet for each chapter of the text. Most of the responses can be found in the footnotes at the bottom of the pages--however--I recommend that you not allow people to give answers copied from the footnotes, but get them to take a full-text bible and look up the other passages that are usually given. Get them to think!
There are also 4 to 5 personal reflection questions at the end of the booklet for each chapter of the text. These are generally good, and time should be spent on them in a good bible study.
Overall, a good resource.
The introduction on reading scripture is one of the finest I have seen for Catholics. I recommend it whole-heartedly. That alone is a good enough reason to use this book for a bible study with Catholics.
The text is the RSV-CE book of Mark.
There are 4 to 5 object-level questions at the end of the booklet for each chapter of the text. Most of the responses can be found in the footnotes at the bottom of the pages--however--I recommend that you not allow people to give answers copied from the footnotes, but get them to take a full-text bible and look up the other passages that are usually given. Get them to think!
There are also 4 to 5 personal reflection questions at the end of the booklet for each chapter of the text. These are generally good, and time should be spent on them in a good bible study.
Overall, a good resource.
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September 1, 2014The Ignatius series covers all the books of the Bible. This book is the Gospel of Mark. Hahn and Mitch offer a comprehensive commentary to that Gospel. “They provide rich historical, cultural, geographical and theological information pertinent to the Gospel”. The commentary includes, interpretation, word definitions, topical essays, word studies, map, chart and study questions at the end of the book. The book is shaped with the Gospel covering the first third and the commentary the remaining two thirds of each page. It is useful having them side by side because you can refer back the Gospel if you have a question or need revision of a certain section. Hahn and Mitch use their own interpretative powers and those of the early Church Fathers to flesh out the commentary. Overall, Mark spends considerable amount of the text on the events leading up to the Crucifixion and is useful to read for that reason. Hahn and Mitch offer a commentary that is easy to read and easy to digest for the novice through to the experienced theologian
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July 19, 2008My review? The Bible is a really good book, I give it 4 1/2 stars.
April 27, 2015
Read with Peace of Heart group
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2025
“For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage , but are like angels in heaven.” 12:25. One of the best books of the Bible. It has so much meaning. At the foot of His cross only three stuck it out unafraid of what would happen. God’s other close friends left him, denied him but later redeemed themselves. I read this book for one of my Bible studies. I like how you don’t have to do any homework for this book. We just read one chapter during the beginning of each study and reviewed questions and responses.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews