The Beginning of the Gospel: A Theology of Mark

New Testament Theology

by Peter C. Orr, Thomas R. Schreiner (Series Editor), Brian S. Rosner (Series Editor)

Understanding Mark in the Context of the Old and New Testaments

The book of Mark--the first and shortest Gospel written--serves as both a historical and theological account, connecting Jesus to the whole storyline of the Bible. Mark writes against the backdrop of the Old Testament and draws from other New Testament writers, specifically Peter and Paul, to articulate many themes that are found in the rest of the New Testament.

In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Peter Orr offers an accessible summary of the theology of Mark, examining its relationship to both the Old and New Testaments. Each chapter focuses on a key theological theme--the identity of Christ, the announcement of the kingdom, the call to follow, and more--and explains how it is relevant for the church today.

Part of the New Testament Theology Series: Other volumes include The Joy of Hearing; The Mission of the Triune God; and United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Deeply: Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople Written by Peter Orr: New Testament lecturer and author of Fight for Your Pastor

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[Shane Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 reads: 19

Rating: 4 stars

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed thinking more specifically about how Mark uses both OT and other NT writings, and how the fact that it's 'the beginning' of the gospel makes sense of perhaps why some things were included and some weren't. Interesting comments on how Mark interacts with Paul and Peter's writing, which I hadn't thought much about before - I think I tend to separate the gospels from the rest of the New Testament, even if some were actually written around the same time. He does all of this whilst walking through the big themes - not hugely detailed, but a clear and pretty short read. Will be recommending to all those who are leading Bible studies in Mark.

[Stephen Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To study Mark’s Gospel it is essential to have a thoroughly biblical and theologically sound commentary to assist. But, I would suggest that one could not find a better and more packed theology of the Gospel of Mark than Peter Orr’s “The Beginning of the Gospel.” A “must have” for any serious study of the Gospel of Mark.

[Ryan Lian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Really essential reading for anyone wanting to teach / preach Mark’s gospel. Clear, succinct, sane. Interesting stuff on how Mark’s gospel could be background info & a conversation with Peter & Paul’s theology.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orr does a commendable job summarizing the major theological points of Mark’s gospel. Of particular note is his well-argued belief that Mark not only draws from Peter’s historical remembrances, but also from the early writings of Paul (a handful of his letters were likely written prior to even the earliest suggested date for the writing of Mark).

I read this quickly as part of a last-minute sermon pivot, and I found many of Orr’s engagements with Mark compelling and clear. He also frequently shares counterpoints and examines their shortcomings.

While beyond the scope of this book, I have to mention that I find Orr’s assumption of Mark ending his account with 16:8 unlikely (for a variety of reasons I won’t get into here, though I do concur that 16:9-20 is almost certainly not the original ending).

Another solid entry in a strong series from Crossway, and a worthwhile resource for those wanting a clearer picture of Jesus in the gospel of Mark.

[Brandon Rathbun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark’s Gospel has always been an intriguing one.
It has so much in common with the other Gospels but yet, it’s writing styles and themes have stuck out.
Orr does a good just at pulling the thread throughout the book while hitting on the topics of discipleship, the Kingdom of God, historical and culture context, and more.

For a commentary, this book is very approach but Alas it is still a commentary so it isn’t for everyone but I believe it is a enough to get peoples feet wet who are new to Mark and deep enough for those wanting more.

Short. Structured. Helpful.

[Brian Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting concept, the way he fleshes it out is just ok. Ch 1 was very helpful and deep. Most of the other chapters were solid, fine and mostly a cataloging of where we see the subject in Mark.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkably helpful as I'm preaching through Mark's Gospel, and from what promises to be a wonderful new series of books!

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thematic overviews have their pros and cons. There is much that is good here, and I especially benefitted from Peter Orr's reading of Mark as 'gospel backstory' in light of Paul's writings.

[Mike Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good basic intro the themes of Mark's Gospel. I think the introduction was the most helpful part of the book for me. I didn't know about the influence of Paul and Peter on Mark's gospel

[Brandon Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, with plenty of insight.

[Paul Renaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary, very scholarly.

[Spencer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my fuller review at SpoiledMilks (4/27/23).

Growing up I thought Mark’s Gospel was just a summary of Matthew and Luke. If you want the Reader’s Digest of Jesus’ life, read Mark. However, Mark is very careful in what he writes, why he writes it, and in how he presents Jesus as fulfilling the OT.

Peter Orr, New Testament lecturer at Moore Theological College, remarks about how, according to church tradition, Peter was Mark’s “historical source” (12). But one thing that I haven’t read before—although it’s right there in Acts 12-13 and 15, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:11—is Mark’s connection with Paul. Orr dives in and looks at similarities between Mark and Paul’s theology. If they spent time together, certainly Paul’s theology and lifestyle would have rubbed off on Mark. Paul was, then, Mark’s “theological partner” (12).

Mark begins his Gospel with a title, “The beginning of the gospel,” and the first-century believer would have understood “gospel” as something to be heard, not read (17). The gospel was “only known as a preached message” (17). What Mark is doing, then, is fleshing out a “detailed backstory to the gospel [his readers] had heard preached” (17).

Orr covers Mark’s theology over seven chapters. Important matters such as Jesus’ divine identity (ch 1), revelation that is written, proclaimed, and received (ch 2), the kingdom of God and new creation (ch 3), repentance and salvation (ch 4), following Jesus and discipleship (ch 5), Jesus, the law, and God’s people (ch 6), and the death and resurrection of Jesus (ch 7) are covered.

Summarizing my longer review, Orr does understand Mark to present Jesus as the fully divine Son of God all throughout the Gospel.
Jesus is the King who has come, and so the kingdom and its effects are now here to a degree. God’s eschatological salvation arrives in the coming of Jesus. Entering the kingdom requires repentance, and “God’s saving presence means the presence of forgiveness” (96). Orr observes how Mark’s structure highlights the importance of forgiveness.

Recommended?
This is a careful volume (in a great series) that hones in and a few of Mark’s themes. Orr gives an excellent overview of what is important in Mark without burdening you with too many details. He teases out the interlocking themes that weave their way through Mark’s Gospel. There is plenty here both to whet your appetite for more of Mark’s Gospel and enough here to give you plenty to study as you seek to shape your sermon series, Bible study, or lesson plans on Mark’s Gospel. Highly recommended.