The Theological Intentions of Mark’s Literary Devices

"Mark's Gospel is subtle and deep: It provides a compelling portrait of Jesus, designed to address the theological and discipleship challenges faced by Christians in Mark's day. Dean Deppe's study of Mark is subtle and deep: It provides a compelling interpretation of Mark, designed to address the exegetical and literary challenges faced by Markan interpreters in our day. Deppe's study does justice to this most profound Gospel!"

--Tim Geddert, Professor of New Testament, Biblical Seminary, Fresno Pacific University



"Deppe has invested 30 years studying the Gospel of Mark, teaching the Gospel of Mark, and following the scholarly conversation about Mark. It shows. Deppe notices all the small details of the Gospel, and then traces out how those details contribute to the larger message of Mark. He follows the scholarly conversation, but is not afraid to blaze his own trail when the evidence warrants. For example, he is insistent on 16:8 being the natural ending for the Gospel, at a time when many are postulating a 'lost ending.' I found his reconstruction of the setting for the Gospel compelling, and I appreciated how he linked that setting to the overall theme of discipleship failure: in Mark's own life, in the original band of Twelve, and in Mark's audience. Warmly recommended for all students of this, our first written Gospel."

--Thomas Niehof, Cornerstone School of Theology, Ames, Iowa