Sacra Pagina: The Gospel of Mark

Sacra Pagina #2

by John R. Donahue, Daniel J. Harrington

In The Gospel of Mark Fathers Donahue and Harrington use an approach that can be expressed by two terms currently used in literary intratextuality and intertextuality. This intratextual and intertextual reading of Mark's Gospel helps us to appreciate the literary character, its setting in life, and its distinctive approaches to the Old Testament, Jesus, and early Christian theology. "Intratextuality" means we read Mark as Mark and by Mark. Such a reading expresses interest in the final form of the Gospel (not its source or literary history) and in its words and images, literary devices, literary forms, structures, characterization, and plot. Reading Mark by Mark gives particular attention to the distinctive vocabulary and themes that run throughout the Gospel and serve to hold it together as a unified literary production. "Intertextuality" comprises the relation between texts and a textual tradition, and also referring to contextual materials not usually classified as texts (e.g., archaeological data). "Intertextuality" is used to note the links of the text of Mark's Gospel to other texts (especially the Old Testament) and to the life of the Markan community and of the Christian community today.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Biblical, Biblical Studies, Scripture

512 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Michael Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrington and Donahue give a "close reading" to the Gospel of Mark, paying close attention to how the author subtly uses plot to proclaim, as the book should properly be titled, "The Beginning of the Gospel." The commentary is not exhaustive. It does not dwell long on "form-critical" issues. But it doesn't intend to! It's goal is to closely read the text and let the text explain itself.
Bravo!

[Damian North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout this year I have slowly worked my way through the Sacra Pagina on Mark's Gospel, introduced to it by an online study class that I have taken part in on Friday evenings with Fr James Martin.

The Sacra Pagina greatest strength is its clarity and balance. Donahue and Harrington skillfully navigate between historical-critical analysis and theological reflection, offering a comprehensive view of Mark's Gospel. The introduction alone is a treasure trove, covering the historical context, literary structure, and theological themes in a way that sets the stage for the commentary itself. Readers unfamiliar with the complexities of biblical scholarship will appreciate how the authors make these concepts approachable without oversimplifying them.

The verse-by-verse commentary is where this book truly shines. Each passage is meticulously unpacked, with the authors paying close attention to the text's literary nuances and theological implications. They also situate Mark's narrative within the broader context of early Christianity, exploring its connections to the Old Testament and its relevance to the life of the early Church. For example, their discussion of Mark's portrayal of discipleship—emphasizing vulnerability, service, and the paradoxical nature of the cross—is both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching.

Another notable feature of this volume is its emphasis on Mark as a storyteller. Donahue and Harrington highlight the evangelist's literary techniques, such as his use of urgency, irony, and dramatic contrast, which bring the Gospel's message to life. This approach not only enhances the reader's appreciation of Mark's artistry but also illuminates how these techniques serve the Gospel's central themes of Christ's identity and the demands of discipleship.

While the book is steeped in scholarship, it never loses sight of its pastoral dimension. The authors write with a deep reverence for the text, and their reflections often invite readers to consider how Mark's message can inform contemporary faith and practice. This makes the commentary an excellent resource for preachers and teachers, as well as for personal or group study.

I look forward to beginning my journey with Luke.

[Sue]

Reading this commentary as a lay person. This series follows the format of (1) translation, (2) notes which examine the structure, word usage and meanings, etc. of the text, and (3) an interpretation of the text. Because I am also using the Pillar commentary on Mark (James R. Edwards, Jr.), I am skimming and passing over much the notes section and concentrating on the translation and interpretation. The translation, unique to the authors of this volume, and the interpretation are very beneficial as personal Bible study aids, teaching me things I did not know or have forgotten, challenging my preconceived notions, and helping me to examine my understanding of what my relationship with God should be.

[Jill M Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good exegesis.

[Sandy Reenders]

Read the one in the Bible not this one