This book offers an alternative commentary--concise, up-to-date, readable, engaging the text as a cross-cultural encounter, acknowledging distance and difference from our contemporary world as well as highlighting proximity and relevance. It is written by a leading international New Testament scholar and designed for individual and group use. The commentary looks at Mark's special emphases, with attention also to its use by other Gospel writers and its use for recovering the emphases of Jesus himself. It explores why Mark thought to tell the story of Jesus' ministry as the good news and what impact he likely sought to have on communities of his time. The commentary also considers what in Mark's Gospel might still have something to say to our time, and what might not. This book is written for faith seeking an informed understanding of the past and a critical appreciation of its abiding relevance. Also included is the full text of Mark's Gospel in a fresh translation by the author.
Industry Reviews
“With characteristic clarity and scholarly insight, William Loader takes his readers on an engaging step-by-step journey through the Markan text. The book’s readable translations and informative explanations of individual sections will secure its place as a particularly reliable guide for those wishing to learn more about the meaning and significance of the Gospel of Mark.”
—Catrin H. Williams, professor of New Testament studies, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
“William Loader’s Following Mark distills the insights of a seasoned scholar and brilliant communicator into a highly readable format that will benefit those teaching or preaching the Gospel of Mark. This volume assists readers both to grasp the central message of Mark and to bridge the cultural gap back to the first century world in which this text was written. Every page is replete with incisive and penetrating analysis of Mark’s story of Jesus.”
—Paul Foster, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, University of Edinburgh
“Bill Loader always writes with an open, inviting style that encourages thoughtful engagement with the biblical text. This short book is no exception. The pages brim with lucid explanations, vivid images, and provocative questions. Loader’s own translation of Mark that is included is peppered with some wonderful turns of phrase that reflect how Australian ears hear the stories about Jesus. This book will help many as they read Mark’s Gospel.”
—John Squires, editor, With Love to the World
“Following Mark takes a fresh approach to the Gospel of Mark for preachers and all keen to develop their understanding of the New Testament. William Loader’s clear and accessible explanation of nuances of translation, cultural and geographical contexts, and links to the Hebrew Bible provide the reader with a firm foundation for contemporary interpretation. This book will be invaluable for those faced with the challenge of reading and preaching the Scriptures in today’s world.”
—Cathie Lambert, formation and learning culture coordinator, Uniting Church Western Australia
“William Loader’s deep knowledge of the text and its historical setting shines through in this immensely engaging and accessible introduction to Mark’s Gospel. Written to be a concise guide for ‘busy people,’ this book is a superb resource for preachers, lay leaders, students, and all those who wish to learn more about following Jesus in the ancient world and in ours.”
—Robyn Whitaker, associate professor of New Testament, University of Divinity
