Synopsis:
Mark: A Theological Commentary for Preachers engages hermeneutics for preaching, employing theological exegesis that enables the preacher to utilize all the narrative units of Mark to craft effective sermons. This commentary unpacks the crucial link between Scripture and application: the theology of each preaching text. The Gospel of Mark is therefore divided into twenty-five narrative units, with the theological focus of each clearly delineated. The specificity of these theological ideas for their respective texts makes possible a sequential homiletical movement through each pericope of the book, progressively developing the theological trajectory of Mark's theme of discipleship, and enabling the expositor to discover valid application for sermons. While the primary goal of the commentary is to take the preacher from text to theology, it also aids in the advance from theology to sermon by providing tips for preaching and two possible sermon outlines for each of the twenty-five units of the Gospel. The unique approach of this work results in a theology-for-preaching commentary that promises to be useful for anyone teaching through Mark's Gospel with an emphasis on application.
From the Inside Flap:
"Abraham Kuruvilla has produced a book that theologians, pastors, and laypersons will all appreciate at one and the same time, for he has laid out the Gospel of Mark in twenty-five narrative units simultaneously developing two possible sermon outlines on each of the twenty-five units along with the central theological focus of each unit. More than that, he has also developed a homiletical teaching tool as he progresses through the Gospel stressing the core idea of discipleship while emphasizing the work of the expositor in ending up with discovering valid applications and contemporary responses for living the content of each teaching unit in this Gospel. This emphasis on application of the text continues to be desperately needed in today's pulpits, as the need for truly expository preaching still exists; one that uses the text of Scripture as the exclusive basis for powerful preaching of the word of God in our day."Walter C. Kaiser Jr.President EmeritusGordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"Stunning. Truly, outstanding work. I read (or try to read) a new commentary on Mark every year, and [Abe's] is head and shoulders above the vast majority--easily within the top three of all I've read."Reg GrantDirector of Media and Communication ProgramProfessor of Pastoral MinistriesDallas Theological Seminary
"Dr. Kuruvilla has produced a very fine work that will be a great aid to pastors and teachers. One of the real strengths of this volume is its emphasis on biblical theology. Without denying the historicity of events depicted in the Gospel, Kuruvilla asserts--correctly in my opinion--that the Gospel must be read, first and foremost, as narrative theology. In short, Kuruvilla is a narrative theologian whose goal is to set out for the preacher the theological message of each pericope in order to promote expository preaching for life transformation. The commentary style is accessible and not overly technical. The theological approach is Protestant and Evangelical, although its exegetical focus will make it appropriate for any Christian tradition that views the text as authoritative Scripture. [T]his is a sturdy and well written commentary, well informed by biblical scholarship. It will serve its purpose well, encouraging preachers to follow carefully the narrative theology of Mark's Gospel."Mark L. StraussProfessor of New TestamentBethel Seminary San Diego
"Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla's commentary is up to date, relevant, in touch with recent literature, suggestive, and well written. This preacher's commentary on Mark introduces the pastor to the key issues of the gospel and points the preacher in a solid direction in terms of application emerging from the text. One of the keys is the excellent selection of materials made to get into the meat of the passage, which means pastors can utilize their limited time well in getting familiar with the gospel and where they might go with it. This work is well done and should serve pastors well."Darrell L. BockResearch Professor, New TestamentDallas Theological Seminary
"This is a well-formatted exposition of Mark intended to bring out the theology of the Gospel for the benefit of preachers. For me the interesting thing was that, although I had always thought of this Gospel as a book about Jesus, this preacher's slant on it sees it as a book about disciples and discipleship right the whole way through; yes, the original disciples and contemporary ones need to learn about Jesus, but Mark's scope is much wider than that. The approach is basically theological ... and represents a conservative evangelical approach but draws on a wide range of scholarship. This is a helpful guide for preachers, and is the right sort of length to give them the basic and essential help that they need when they may well feel bewildered by the massive other resources currently available."I. Howard MarshallProfessor Emeritus of New Testament ExegesisUniversity of Aberdeen(From Journal for the Study of the New Testament)
"Kuruvilla orients this commentary on Second Gospel to the needs of pastors by providing frequent theological reflection on the theology of Mark. Kuruvilla's approach may be called 'author-centered narrative criticism'.... This approach emphasizes the story of the Gospel more than the history behind it. As a result, AK's treatment of Mark yields a work that thoroughly engages with the text of Mark, and yet he does not ignore the history behind the text where this history is deemed useful for his analysis. ... [T]his reviewer enthusiastically recommends Kuruvilla's work to any pastor or Bible study leader that is teaching through Mark's Gospel. This commentary is clear, critically engages the text, and is an asset to anyone preaching through Mark's Gospel."Mark BatluckUniversity of Edinburgh(From Expository Times)
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