Jesus' Defeat of Death: Persuading Mark's Early Readers

by Peter G. Bolt

Peter Bolt explores the impact of Mark's Gospel on its early readers in the first-century Graeco-Roman world. His book focuses upon the thirteen characters in Mark who come to Jesus for healing or exorcism and, using analytical tools of narrative and reader-response criticism, explores their crucial role in the communication of the Gospel. Bolt suggests that early readers of Mark would be persuaded that Jesus' dealings with the suppliants show him casting back the shadow of death and that this in itself is preparatory for Jesus' final defeat of death in resurrection. Enlisting a variety of ancient literary and non-literary sources in an attempt to illuminate this first-century world, this book gives special attention to illness, magic and the Roman imperial system. This is a different approach to Mark, which attempts to break the impasse between narrative and historical studies and will appeal to scholars and students alike.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 1999

About the author

Peter G Bolt is the head of New Testament and Greek at Moore College, Sydney. He continues to be fascinated with Jesus, and loves teaching the Gospels. Peter has a PhD from King's College London and has published works on mission, the Gospels, church life, and the afterlife. These interests arise from a great concern to assist people to understand Jesus better, to put their faith in him, and to take their place in Christ's mission as we wait for the coming kingdom.

Reviews

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bolt's book has alot to commend it: sober handling of scripture, determined engagement with Greek and Roman context, and a perceptive analysis of how Mark seeks to engage his readers.
His deep reading of ancient sources is fascinating. He paints a window into the ancient mind through analysing ancient magical practices and the Roman emperor cults.
Well worth the read.