Mark: A Commentary

The Pentecostal Readings of Scripture Series is conceived of as a forum in which some of Pentecostalism’s leading biblical scholars may share their readings of Scripture as they emerge in a variety of global contexts. In order to hear these diverse global voices in one accord, authors are not obligated to follow any prescribed pattern or model of reading, allowing interested parties a chance to discern the contours of hermeneutical approaches currently being employed by Pentecostal interpreters. The editors anticipate that by allowing the members of the global Pentecostal community to exercise their individual reading gifts that the nature and shape of Pentecostal hermeneutics will come into clearer focus. Written by noted Pentecostal scholar Roger Stronstad this commentary on the Gospel according to Mark is intended for the general reader who may need an entry level studies tool. Focusing primarily on Mark’s Gospel, with minimal interaction with Matthew and Luke and even the broader Greco-Roman culture, this commentary seeks to identify the ways in which the religious culture of intertestamental Judaism informs the text of the Gospel. With an eye on the broad structure of the book, Stronstad discovers that Mark presents Jesus and his ministry of redemptive words and works as an amazing teacher, a prophet to the nations, Israel’s Messiah, and the (rejected) King of the Jews. This fresh insight enriches an understanding of the good news that is Mark’s legacy for believers around the world in every generation.