Abstract
Before all else, scholarly interpretation of the texts that form the New Testament involves reading those texts in the original language. The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament series not only facilitates that task, but it also empowers readers to deepen their reading of the Greek text. In no way are these volumes commentaries in the traditional sense. However, they offer deep insights into the meaning of the Greek text with which commentators must grapple when providing exegetical analysis.
Williams’ volume on Mark in this series is no exception in providing such insight, and it maintains the uniform high standard that exists throughout the books published so far in the series. The format is consistent. There is a useful and succinct introduction (pp. 3-15). It covers issues of authorship, the occasion and date of the text, discussion of the structure of the gospel, comments of the style of Greek in the Gospel of Mark, an explanation of the homiletical statements found in the volume, and guidance in regard to recommended traditional commentaries on Mark. In terms of authorship, Williams notes that the gospel would have originally circulated without an attribution of authorship, yet he also observes the early and consistent attribution to Mark from the second century onwards (pp. 3-5). In terms of date and provenance, Williams outline the two major proposals: either Rome in the 60s during the reign of Nero; or Galilee or Syria perhaps reflect the Jewish War and thus closer to 70 or thereafter. While not advocating strongly for either alternative, he appears to lean towards the former. Williams outlines several distinctive features of Mark’s Greek style. He also offers some sensible comments on how a better appreciation of verbal aspect might assist deeper understanding of the meaning of Mark’s Greek text.
The structure of the exegetical analysis is constant throughout. For instance, in regard to Mark 1.14-3.35, first there is a short overview of the content and progression of thought in this block of material (p. 29). This large unit is broken into shorter pericopae, each with its own short introduction. Then the bulk of the treatment is focused upon the description and analysis of the Greek text, describing aspects of lexicography, grammar, and syntax. Where appropriate, there are also short comments on issues of textual criticism. The treatment of the text ends at Mark 16.8. While there are good reasons to consider this as being the original ending of the gospel, given the early attestation for Mk 16.9-20 and other endings it would have been helpful to provide an analysis of this material also.
This is a splendid treatment of the Greek text of Mark, full of many sparkling insights and providing aids to interpretation. This volume is of great value to students studying Greek, yet also to seasoned scholars. Moreover, unlike so many other books, this one is readily affordable. There is no reason why anybody interested in the Greek text of Mark’s Gospel would not want this book on her or his shelf, or better still, open on the desk!