THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL: A THEOLOGY OF MARK, by Peter Orr

A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance 

by Kirsten Birkett 

 

About the Author 

Peter Orr is a lecturer in New Testament at Moore Theological College, Sydney.

 

Contents 

Introduction The Beginning of the Gospel: Mark as Backstory 

1. Divine Identity Jesus Christ, the Son of God 
2. Revelation Written, Proclaimed, Received. 
3. The Kingdom of God is at Hand Jesus and the New Creation 
4. Repent and Believe the Gospel Salvation through Jesus 
5. Follow Me Being a Disciple of Jesus 
6. What Moses Commanded Jesus, the Law, and the People of God 
7. Died, Buried, and Raised The Death and Resurrection of Jesus 

Epilogue The End of the Beginning 

 

General Summary 

An overview of Mark’s Gospel and the connections with Pauline theology.

 

Introduction The Beginning of the Gospel: Mark as Backstory   

Mark’s first words are “the beginning of the gospel” – functionally a book title. The gospel is “a message to be heard, not a book to be read.” Mark is writing its backstory. Peter is “Mark’s historical source” (according to Papias and Irenaeus, and internal evidence) Paul “his theological conversation partner” (a more recent conclusion, based on usage of euangelion, and shared theology). Mark is history and theology, written after Paul’s letters have circulated; Mark does not explain all his terms, he writes for Christians. Reading Mark and Paul together illuminates both.  

 

1. Divine Identity: Jesus Christ, the Son of God

   Central focus of Mark’s Gospel is Jesus. 

• • “Christ” is the fundamental way Jesus is presented. He is a king, but one who suffers. (“Christ” used more often in Paul’s letters.) 
  • “Son of God” is a key title, affirmed twice by God, evoking Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7. It is an expression of kingship, used by both Jews and Gentiles. Can point to divine identity; in Mark, it is recognition of divinity, not adoption as son. 
  • “Son of Man” is used by Jesus to refer to his return, his authority, and his death / resurrection. And it evokes Daniel 7/Psalm 110. 
  • “Lord” is sometimes polite address, but it is also a reference to God (1:3; 2:28; 5:19; 12:26). 
  • “Teacher” is the most common title; Jesus’ teaching highlights his authority. 

The various titles “bring out the different aspects of his singular identity.” Dominant themes are “authority, glory, and suffering.” The narrative, particularly nature miracles, show Jesus’ divinity. . . .

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