A G K Y R A

Here is a link to a paper I gave at an academic conference a couple weeks ago, “A Holistic Reading of Mark 9:33-50.”

Mark 9:33-50 is comprised of several units that commentators have often assumed to be independent of each other. The disciples argue about which of them is the greatest, but then Jesus takes a child to illustrate that whoever would be first must be last. John then tells about how they encountered someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name and tried to stop him since he wasn’t following them. But, Jesus forbids them to do that before launching into a series of cryptic sayings such as, “If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell” (Mark 9:47).

If you wonder what all this means, read the paper. Jesus foresees that his disciples will experience suffering similar to what he is preparing to face, and so he tries to prepare them for what lies ahead, warning them to remain faithful even in their moments of greatest difficulty.

It is an academic paper, so if find yourself confused by it or have questions, I would welcome the chance to try to answer your questions.

Technorati Tags: NT new+testament bible jesus gospel gospels mark

A little while ago, I started a Blogdigger group called “Covenant Seminary Blogs,” so now it’s time for me to officially invite people to join this unofficial blog aggregator. It’s unofficial because I’m not affiliated with the seminary at all except as an alumnus who realizes more and more every day just how good an education I received, and who would love to interact more with other such people on their blogs.

So, if you’re affiliated with Covenant Theological Seminary in some way (e.g., current or former student, staff, faculty, officer, spouse of one of those) and would like to join the group, post a comment here and I’ll add you. I have also set up a blogroll at blogrolling, which I will add you to.

Please include the following information in your comment:

1. Your name
2. Name of your blog
3. URL of your blog
4. URL of your blog’s feed
5. Relationship with Covenant Seminary

A little later, I will post the code that will allow you to add the blogroll to your blog.

In omnibus ipse primatum tenens!