The Temple in the Gospel of Mark: A Study in Its Narrative Role - Paperback

by Timothy C. Gray (Author)

This work analyzes one of the most striking elements of Mark's story: the vital role the temple plays from Jesus's entry into Jerusalem to the moment of his death. Gray's narrative approach detects implications that redaction criticism missed. Using echoes of Old Testament prophets to present Jesus's "way" as the eschatological return of the Lord to his temple, Mark sees Jesus's cleansing of the temple as a pointer to its imminent destruction. It has failed in its appointed mission to serve as the focus for the restoration of Israel and the ingathering of the Gentiles, and that function will now be assumed by its replacement: the community gathered around Jesus. Originally published by Mohr Siebeck, this book is now available as an affordable North American paperback edition.

Back Jacket

Timothy Gray is among the few scholars with the requisite mettle to analyze the role of the temple in Mark: a matter of complex importance that is often dodged. Gray's mastery of relevant scholarship, careful procedure, and exquisite balance of historical, literary, and theological considerations produce a standard investigation of its subject for the foreseeable future.--C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary

"In this elegantly written work, Tim Gray reexamines the theme of the temple in the Gospel of Mark from a narrative-critical vantage point. His well-researched work is presently the most creative and important contribution to this central Markan motif."--Frank J. Matera, The Catholic University of America

"The Temple in the Gospel of Mark unites penetrating narrative analysis with close attention to intertextual links, revealing a far deeper coherence and subtlety in Mark's account of the passion than is usually perceived. Gray's work has significant implications for eschatology, ecclesiology, and christology. This study exemplifies the kind of theologically sensitive biblical scholarship that will allow study of the sacred page to once again take its place as the 'soul of theology.'"--Mary Healy, Sacred Heart Major Seminary

"The Temple performs a very important function in the Gospel of Mark. Gray illuminates this function in five chapters devoted to Mk 11-15. . . . His deliberate combination of intertextual and intratextual methods produces an illuminating and very persuasive reading."--Kent E. Brower, Journal for the Study of the New Testament

"Timothy Gray provides interpreters of the Gospel of Mark with a new and important investigation of the place of the Jewish temple in the narrative of the Gospel. Gray offers detailed analysis of the Old Testament background, showing the ways that the language of the Prophets clarifies Jesus' mission and his warnings of God's fast-approaching judgment upon a temple establishment that has not fulfilled its mandate. Gray's book is a must-read for students of Mark and of the place of the Jerusalem temple in early Christian thought."--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College

Author Biography

Timothy C. Gray (PhD, Catholic University of America) is president and professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute and professor of Sacred Scripture at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado. A nationally known speaker, he has filmed numerous series for EWTN and is the author of several books.