Reopening the Word: Reading Mark as Theology in the Context of Early Judaism

by Marie Noonan Sabin

Overview

"Sabin's many keen observation, provocative suggestions, and intriguing statements throughout the book succeed in giving Mark a theological voice. Offers readers genuine insight for a deliberately reflective reading of Mark."— The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"This is a very noteworthy volume. In a very complicated field, the author writes in an admirably lucid, uncluttered style and draws upon the vast pertinent sources. The Gospel of Mark is one of the most scrutinized of all the Gospels. Dr. Sabin recognizes that it has been treated theologically, literarily, liturgically, and catechetically; but she is innovative in suggesting a fresh approach to that Gospel....After a very illuminating chapter in which she sets forth the meaning of the term Midrash, she examines Mark as a midrashic document. To show how such a midrashic approach leads to new insights, she juxtaposes her midrashic exegesis of Mark with one of the early Church Fathers and that of a contemporary exegete....The result is a presentation of Mark which is often provocative and enriching: it may prove to be seminal."—-W.D. Davies, Duke University

"This thoughtful and creative work of scholarship explores Mark's theology from an important vantage point. With deep respect and understanding of the Jewish context of early Christianity, Sabin proposes to read Mark's Gospel as much as possible from the Jewish perspective of its original audiences."-Donald Senior, The Bible Today

"Sabin reminds us that in reading Mark's Gospel we must never forget that its author is a first-century Jewish writer who engages the entire Hebrew Bible in communicating his evaluation of Jesus, his followers, and his adversaries. She consequently claims that only an understanding of the Midrashic interpretation of Scripture in Mark's time can unlock the nature of his Gospel. Her aim is to counter longstanding standard approaches to the interpretation of Mark. She is singularly successful. Time and again she produces original insights into our understanding of Mark."—Calum M. Carmichael, Cornell University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199895748
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/14/2011
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1430L (what's this?)

About the Author

Independent scholar with a Ph.D. in English from Yale and an M.A. from Union Theological Seminary; author of The Gospel According to Mark in the New Collegeville Bible Commentary series (2006)

Table of Contents

1. The Theological Context of Mark
Searching for the Origins of Mark
Retrieving the Jewish Context
Connecting With Christian Tradition
Dialoguing With the Text
Rereading Mark as Theology in the Context of Early Judaism

2. Scripture Interpreting Scripture: Reopening the World
The Opening Verse
The Seed Parables

3. Scripture Intersecting History: Mark's Eschatology
The Outer Frame of Chapter 13
The Inner Frame of Chapter 13
"The Desolating Sacrilege': The Core Evil
Images of Hope
Summary

4. From the Temple to the Cross: An Exegetical Journey
The Temple, the Fig Tree, and the Vineyard
The Exegetical Debates in the Temple
From False Witness to Revelation in the Temple
Summary

5. The Identity of the Markan Jesus: A Meshal
Jesus as "the Messiah"
Jesus as "the Beloved Son"
Jesus as "the Son of Man"
Jesus as "Son of David" and "Son of Mary"
Jesus as "Wisdom"

6. The Discipleship of Wisdom: A Process of Transformation
The Foolish Disciples
The Disciples' Potential for Transformation
Women Transformed: The Ending of Mark is the Beginning of Wisdom

7. The Unending Revolution: Mark 16:8 as a Theological Choice
The Spurious Ending
The Textual Evidence for Mark 16:8
The Canonical Argument for Mark 16:8
How Mark 16:8 Fits the Literary Shape of Mark's Gospel
16:8: Mark's Theological Voice
Conclusion

Notes
Bibliography
Index of Ancient Texts
Index of Authors and Subjects

Editorial Reviews

"Sabin's many keen observation, provocative suggestions, and intriguing statements throughout the book succeed in giving Mark a theological voice . Offers readers genuine insight for a deliberately reflective reading of Mark."— The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"This is a very noteworthy volume. In a very complicated field, the author writes in an admirably lucid, uncluttered style and draws upon the vast pertinent sources. The Gospel of Mark is one of the most scrutinized of all the Gospels. Dr. Sabin recognizes that it has been treated theologically, literarily, liturgically, and catechetically; but she is innovative in suggesting a fresh approach to that Gospel....After a very illuminating chapter in which she sets forth the meaning of the term Midrash, she examines Mark as a midrashic document. To show how such a midrashic approach leads to new insights, she juxtaposes her midrashic exegesis of Mark with one of the early Church Fathers and that of a contemporary exegete....The result is a presentation of Mark which is often provocative and enriching: it may prove to be seminal."—-W.D. Davies, Duke University

"Sabin reminds us that in reading Mark's Gospel we must never forget that its author is a first-century Jewish writer who engages the entire Hebrew Bible in communicating his evaluation of Jesus, his followers, and his adversaries. She consequently claims that only an understanding of the Midrashic interpretation of Scripture in Mark's time can unlock the nature of his Gospel. Her aim is to counter longstanding standard approaches to the interpretation of Mark. She is singularly successful. Time and again she produces original insights into our understanding of Mark. She expresses her ideas powerfully and clearly and commendably communicates to the reader exactly what positions she is arguing for and why they differ from the mainstream ones. Her criticism of major scholars in the field is sophisticated and persuasive. I have not encountered better."—Calum M. Carmichael, Cornell University

From the Publisher