Mark

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries #2

by R. Alan Cole

These Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text actually says and what it means.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology, New Testament, Biblical, Christianity

340 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[John Brackbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is the ranking of the single volumes I found helpful to read each week in preparation for an expositional series through Mark:
1. Struass (ZECNT); Edwards (Pillar); Hiebert
2. Lane (NICNT); Cole (Tyndale)
3. MacArthur; Hendrickson

Non-standalone volumes included
Wessel (EBC); Garland in ZIBBC (helpful with background); Later in the series I picked up Bock in the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary and found his brief comments helpful.

France and Keller I did not find consistently helpful and stopped utilizing them.

[applesaucevictim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good commentary on Mark, here. I enjoyed his somewhat "contemporary" scholarship (this particular book was written in the late 60s), while maintaining a very theological perspective on his interpretations. Although some of his attempts at application are outdated, Cole's ability to bring other relevant passages from the Bible (not just to provide contextual reference) to provide strong theological implications is greatly appreciated and lost in many contemporary commentaries.

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be the first commentary on Mark I would suggest for the lay person wanting to go a little deeper with the text. Concise, yet very helpful. Cole's economy of words don't keep him from addressing most every issue that comes up in the Gospel of Mark. Very helpful.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great commentary on the book of Mark. Very scholarly without being too heady. Great for historical background and also does a good job of presenting other ideas about a passage and providing evidence of why one perspective is preferred over another.

[Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a "devotional" in my reading of Mark. I found it very useful and not overly technical.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Concise but dense. Well written and thought provoking.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine commentary that was largely devotional but had some academic aspects as well. Mark seems like it could be a tough Gospel to write about as it can be eclipsed by the other three. In fact, the early church largely ignored it. Here we have a fine intro and solid commentary.
Given that Mark was likely written for Rome which was a massive mission field for both Peter and Paul, having this commentary written by a missionary was an excellent decision. This feeling of mission work in the third world adds impact to many parts of the commentary. The world as we know it didn't exist inside the sometimes brutal Roman Empire and sometimes the seeming chaos of the third world makes for a better backdrop than our skyscrapers and Lamborghinis.
One interesting idea was that the author chose three somewhat representative commentaries to interact with. The broad spectrum of their opinions gave an interesting foil to the fairly conservative stance of the commentary.

[Bud Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb commentary on the Gospel account. Excellent scholarship that includes a careful exegesis of each verse, as well as thoughtful reflections on the purpose and meaning of the text. Quite similar in approach to William Barclay's Daily Study Bible. A worthwhile edition for both clergy and laity.

[Christopher Trend · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and thorough commentary which is very accessible. There is a nice balance between scholarly thought, critiques of other commentators and a desire to bring the Gospel of Mark to life. Very useful for individual study, Bible studies/ House groups & for preaching.

[Lucas Freitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read up to Mark 8 (Nov/20)

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[John Hayward · Rating 1 out of 5]

He often misses the point. Don't feel I learnt anything particularly, but at every study of scripture You breathe Your life into us, teaching us to love You more.

[PJ Wenzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally I don't include commentaries as part of my reading list, but the introduction to this book (probably well over 100 pages) is worth remarking on. Several aspects of the introduction are worth buying the book for, even if you aren't studying the gospel of Mark verse by verse.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.