Mark 8:27-16:20: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary)
Overview
This second and final commentary on the Gospel of Mark, covering verses 8:27–16:20, details the revelation of who the Christ is, the fate of the revealed Christ played out, His appearances to His disciples, the sending of the apostles, and Christ’s ascension.
Special attention is given to the ending of Mark’s Gospel. The early church father Eusebius, who was tasked by Emperor Constantine with assembling copies of the Sacred Scriptures for the new churches in Constantinople in the early fourth century AD, offers strong evidence that up until that time the majority of New Testament manuscripts ended with the statement regarding the women “for they were afraid,” i.e., at 16:8. But the so-called “long ending,” what we know as 16:9–20, was known to him, and in subsequent centuries it achieved total dominance as the conclusion to the Second Gospel, thus appearing in the English text of the KJV. To respect this longstanding tradition, the editors have concluded this volume with textual notes and commentary on these final twelve verses.
- Pays careful attention to the original languages
- Applies the message to the ongoing life of the church
- Focuses on the rich treasury of language, imagery, and themes found throughout Scripture
Top Highlights
“Note that the blind man asks for mercy, leaving it open-ended for the Lord to respond (as generally the psalmists do). He does not ask for a position of glory, as did James and John (10:37). He does not even ask for sight until Jesus forces his hand, as it were (10:51). He is simply ready to receive blessings from the Lord’s hand, as befits a beggar, one who has nothing that he may offer. In this way, the blind beggar, in his person and in his request, is the perfect expression of our status and standing before God.” (Page 810)
“But second, and, again, more important, Jesus’ statement shows that the man’s circumstances—his possessions, his riches—have been standing in the way of his understanding, much less embracing, Jesus’ friendly, kindly, gracious invitation (‘C’mon, bud, follow me’). Why is this so?” (Page 753)
“In our Mark 9 text, then, it is overwhelmingly likely that believers helping believers is what is in view.” (Page 707)
“Here we see that the true disciple comes to Jesus and does not rely upon himself. This is believing at its most basic (= πιστεύω, ‘I do believe,’ 9:24). But we also see that the true disciple comes to Jesus because he cannot stop relying upon himself (as a sinful human being). This is believing at its deepest level: βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, ‘help my unbelief’ (9:24). Otherwise expressed, a true disciple believes and therefore comes to Jesus. But a true disciple also knows that he does not truly believe in the most complete and deepest sense, and therefore he comes to Jesus to be helped with that unbelief.” (Page 672)
James Voelz’s concentration on the distinctiveness and precision of Mark’s language and style distinguishes this learned and readable commentary from others on the market. The clarity of his articulate expositions, the abundance of helpful examples given and the alertness to contrary views testify to the book's origins in decades of inspiring teaching. Now a world-wide readership is able to participate in this meticulous analysis of Mark’s Gospel.
—J. Keith Elliott, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Textual Criticism, The University of Leeds, UK
Voelz brings to his task years of engagement with the Gospel of Mark, an enthusiasm for exegesis, a particular focus on linguistic matters, and a scholarly voice of his own. This weighty commentary will repay consulting it.
—Larry W. Hurtado, University of Edinburgh
This is a first: a commentary whose primary focus is the significance of the syntax and structure of the Greek text. Insightful, at times helpfully provocative, and always stimulating, this volume is guaranteed a spot within easy reach on my shelf. A must for all serious students and readers of Mark.
—Rikk Watts Regent College, Vancouver
- Title: Mark 8:27–16:20
- Authors: James W. Voelz, Christopher Mitchell
- Series: Concordia Commentary
- Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 1320
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Mark 8:27-16:20 › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780758639554, 0758639554
- Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM62MK2
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-06T18:10:37Z
James W. Voelz is professor of exegetical theology (New Testament) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., where he has taught since 1989. Previously he taught at Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill./Fort Wayne, Ind. (1975–1989), and served as pastoral assistant at Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne (1984–1988).
Christopher W. Mitchell was the third director of the Marion E. Wade Center from 1994 to 2013, and the first holder of the Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, from 2006 to 2013.
