The Narrative Integrity of Mark 13:24–27

“This is a bold and well-argued exegesis of Mark 13 that encourages readers to take seriously its provocative central thesis through a creative and detailed application of literary and audience-oriented criticism. I hope that this publication will enable this fresh reading of a key Gospel text to reach a wide audience and that it will stimulate the critical interaction it warrants.”


—Willis Salier, Consultant, Gafcon Theological Education Network





“In this insightful study, Peter Bolt uses reader-response criticism to demonstrate that Mark 13 is integral to the Gospel narrative. Responding critically to the interpretive debates on Mark 13:24–27, Bolt shows convincingly how Mark’s dramatic narrative reveals his theology of the Messiah, crucified and risen. Bolt argues incisively that the Markan narrative makes sense in itself, both literarily and theologically. From this academic study, the Markan call to discipleship emerges with clarion voice.”


— Michele A. Connolly, RSJ, Associate Professor, Sydney College of Divinity