A Theology of Mark: The Dynamic between Christology and Authentic Discipleship

Explorations in Biblical Theology

by Hans F. Bayer

A discussion of Mark's gospel, with emphasis on the themes of Christology and discipleship. Excellent copy; very little wear inside or out.

Genres: Theology, New Testament, Biblical Studies

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2012

About the author

Born and raised in Germany, Professor Bayer came to Covenant Seminary in 1994 after teaching for ten years at the German Theological Seminary at Giessen, where he also planted and co-pastored a church.

With his expertise in critical scholarship and commitment to the authority and unity of the Scriptures, Dr. Bayer seeks to exemplify our pastor-scholar model. He hopes that his personal interest in world mission might add a multicultural dimension to each student’s world vision for the Gospel.

Dr. Bayer lectures and preaches regularly in the U.S.A. and throughout Europe. He has published English and German monographs, essays, and dictionary articles, primarily on the Gospels and the book of Acts. He contributed to the ESV Study Bible, as well as video-taped lectures on Acts for Third Millennium Ministries, and has recently published A Theology of Mark: The Dynamic Between Christology and Authentic Discipleship, as well as a German commentary on the Gospel of Mark. He is currently working on a New Testament Introduction volume and The Watermarks of Christ: Contours of Peter’s Transformation in Mark, Acts, and His Epistles.

Reviews

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. Bayer does a great job of painting a holistic picture of discipleship that is framed in the "Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, Restoration" narrative.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Gospel of Mark as a template, Bayer examines the heart of genuine Christian discipleship as exemplified and enabled by Christ. Eight core characteristics of all true disciples are detailed. Of particular importance is Bayer’s argument that denial of self is not self-abasement, but surrender of self-determination and control. Our value is determined by God alone, not by pride or degradation (which is still self-centered and, thus, prideful). A helpful, thorough resource for disciple making.

[Dagan Mayfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the Gospel of Mark. Dr. Bayer does an exceptional job clarifying and elaborating the nature of the call to discipleship for the modern Christian. It is thoroughly researched and as conversant with relevant issues as the most academic commentaries, yet able at the same time to provide penetrating insights and questions that will not allow the reader to shrug off the words of Christ in Mark as irrelevant for the modern person. Highly recommend.

[PD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to have Hans Bayer as a professor. Much of the material in this book was seeded in a class I took called "Discipleship in Mark." His teaching and these discussions, much of it presented in the book, have shaped and informed my understanding and practices.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.