Mark: Believers Church Bible Commentary

Believers Church Bible Commentary

by Timothy J. Geddert

Timothy J. Geddert views Mark as a profound theologian and accomplished writer, not a mere compiler of traditions. Mark’s text provokes careful reflection on its subtle and challenging message of hope and its call to faithfully follow Jesus on the way.

Mark’s Gospel speaks plainly, yet sometimes in riddles, of God as revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son of God. Mark presents God’s reign, its present hiddenness and future glory, and its surprising way of coming. Mark is also about Jesus and his followers crossing barriers to pass God’s grace on to those formerly excluded. Mark’s resurrection message is open-ended. Readers supply their own ending, not just in words, but by following their resurrected Lord.

Includes essays on themes useful for teaching, preaching, and Bible study; bibliographies; charts; two maps; and an index of ancient sources.

Genres: Reference

459 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[David Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are planning to preach or teach through Mark, this will be a great addition to your study.

1. The author accepts Mark's testimony as reliable. He treats the text as divine revelation in which each account only needs to be explained, not defended or questioned. I appreciate his high view of Scripture

2. He provides solid exposition of the text, considering each passage in the context in which Mark wrote. Mark's style is abbreviated. Rather than filling in details from the other synoptics, the author seeks to draw out the truth of each passage as Mark presented it. As a result, familiar stories are often presented from a fresh perspective.

3. The author follows his outline and commentary with two sections aimed at considering the timeless applications of the text. The first is "The Text in Biblical Context." This section draws attention to doctrine and biblical themes found in the text. The second is "The Text in the Life of the Church," offering relevant applications of the text to churches and individual believers. These two section are extremely helpful.

The author comes from a Mennonite/Brethren tradition. His doctrinal views are traditional and conservative. His writing style aims at simplicity. Preaching pastors, Sunday School teachers, and Bible study leaders will all benefit from this commentary on Mark.

[Ian Guy]

Excellent commentary. Good for preaching and bible-study for spiritual growth.

[Spencer R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come