In the final nine chapters of the "Gospel of Mark", Jesus increasingly struggles with his disciples' incomprehension of his unique concept of suffering messiahship and with the opposition of the religious leaders of his day. "The Gospel" recounts the events that led to Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion by the Roman authorities, concluding with an enigmatic ending in which Jesus' resurrection is announced but not displayed.In this volume, New Testament scholar Joel Marcus offers a new translation of "Mark 8-16" as well as extensive commentary and notes. He situates the narrative within the context of first-century Palestine and the larger Graeco-Roman world; within the political context of the Jewish revolt against the Romans (66-73 C.E.); and, within the religious context of the early church's sometimes rancorous engagement with Judaism, pagan religion, and its own internal problems. For religious scholars, pastors, and interested lay people alike, the book provides an accessible and enlightening window on the second of the canonical Gospels.

Joel Marcus is professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Duke Divinity School, and the author of Mark 1-8 in the Yale Anchor Bible series, available from Yale University Press.

"A significant achievement in Markan scholarship . . . a valuable resource for students, pastors, and scholars alike.#160;"Religious Studies Review"--Thomas Anderson "Religious Studies Review "