The Turning Point in the Gospel of Mark: A Study in Markan Christology

Based on linguistic and thematic links in the narrative, The Turning Point in the Gospel of Mark argues that the twin pericopae of Peter's confession (8:27-38) and the Transfiguration (9:2-13) together function as the turning point of the Gospel and serve in a Janus-like manner enabling the reader to see the author's main focus: the identity of Jesus and the significance of that reality for his disciples. Peter's confession of Jesus as Messiah faces backward toward the Prologue (1:1-13) and functions as a mid-course conclusion. The declaration by God on the mountain faces forward and foreshadows the end-course conclusion (14:61-62; 15:39; Son of God). Jesus, in response, teaches that the Son of Man must suffer and die before being raised from the dead (8:31). Christologically, the images of Messiah, Son of Man, and Son of God converge and present Jesus, the crucified, as king, ushering in the kingdom of God in power (9:1 acting as the key swivel between the twin pericopae). When one is confronted with this Jesus, though there remains something elusive about him and the kingdom of God in the narrative, the only wise decision (after calculating the costs, 8:34-38) is to follow.

Gregg S. Morrison (PhD, The Catholic University of America) is a trustee of Judson College, Marion, Alabama.

Francis J. Moloney, SDB, AM, FAHA, has had a long career as a Roman Catholic priest and a scholar. A Salesian of Don Bosco (SDB) since 1960, he has studied at the Salesian Pontifical University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute, both in Rome, as well as at the University of Oxford. He has taught in Europe, Israel, the United States, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Foundation Professor of Theology at Australian Catholic University (1994-99), Dean and Professor of New Testament at the Catholic University of America (1999-2005), Professor Moloney is author of many books and shorter studies, both scholarly and popular. The state honor of Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and his election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (FAHA) are recognition of his life-long contribution to Australian culture and religion. He is currently a Senior Professorial Fellow at the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne, Australia, part of the ecumenical University of Divinity.