This book asks: How might the earliest gospel have been heard by those first followers of Jesus who were religious Jews? Assuming that the earliest Jesus traditions took their shape from forms familiar to Judaism, Sabin sets the composition of Mark in the context of the theological discourse of first-century Judaism. In that context, she notes, all theology was biblical. It took the form of an exchange between current events and Scripture: contemporary persons and happenings were understood through the lens of the Hebrew Bible, while at the same time, the biblical word was reopened--that is, reinterpreted--so as to reveal its relevance to the present faith-community.
Applying this kind of compositional process to the Gospel of Mark, Sabin uncovers a fresh reading of the seed, fig tree, and vineyard parables; of the various Temple scenes; of the foolish disciples and the wise women; and of the controversial ending. She highlights the results of her findings by juxtaposing them with interpretations of the same passages given by various church fathers such as Origen, Irenaeus, and Bede, as well as by readings from the twentieth century. The results are provocative.
Sabin sees Mark as an original theologian shaping his material out of two primary Jewish traditions: the Wisdom traditions, with their emphasis on God's presence in daily life, and Creation theology, which imagined the End Time not as a catastrophe but as a return to the Garden. She thus offers a new way of understanding Mark's use of Scripture, his eschatology, and his presentation of Jesus.
In conclusion, she argues that retrieving Mark's voice in the context of Early Judaism brings with it insights much needed in our day: of God's presence in the ordinary; of God's image reflected in female as well as male; of watchfulness as the way of wisdom; of God's revelation as ongoing.
Industry 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
"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 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
