Review of Biblical Literature
"The book’s breadth of coverage and depth of insight make it a resource for scholars and pastors who not only wish to grasp the key elements of Markan scholarship but also watch a skilled interpreter at work."
CHOICE
"Black (Princeton Theological Seminary) offers a theologically erudite, witty, and charmingly self-critical collection of mostly previously published essays spanning almost four decades. . . . Recommended."
"Here one of the premier Markan scholars of our generation provides, even in the first half of his work, what amounts to an eloquent, well-arranged, and up-to-date introduction to Markan studies. This may well be the best and most thorough survey of and engagement with contemporary Markan scholarship to date. Those familiar with the debates will recognize how careful, respectful, fair and nuanced are his judgments. Along the way, the reader will also find the work theologically insightful and often spiritually edifying."
—Craig S. Keener
Asbury Theological Seminary
"With his customary literary verve, C. Clifton Black has delivered a stunning exegetical and theological reading of the Gospel of Mark. Black shows that Mark exercised exquisite control over the traditions he received and delivered a surprising yet coherent message for Christian audiences of all ages. This volume marks something of a watershed in Markan studies (and much else)."
—Francis J. Moloney, SDB
University of Divinity, Melbourne
"Mark’s Gospel by Clifton Black is a gold mine for anyone who wants to know anything about the second Gospel. It is rare to find such a breadth of topics in one volume, but unsurprising because Black has been sitting with Mark for decades. Every essay is marked by Black’s trademark balance of careful, critical scholarship and clear, beautiful writing. Whether you are a teacher, preacher, or student of Mark, this will be essential reading."
—Elizabeth Shively
University of St Andrews
"These accessible yet profound essays are the distillation of a master scholar’s lifetime of studying the church’s first and most outrageous Gospel. With historical precision, literary elegance, and puckish wit, Clifton Black surveys the complex field of Markan studies, which he has done so much to shape, and offers trustworthy guidance as to where that field has been and where it may be going. I can think of no other volume that would be better placed in the hands of beginning students, who will find themselves returning to it year after year for insight, illumination, and inspiration. Not only will you learn a ton from this book, but it will probably make you laugh and it may make you cry."
—Joel Marcus
Duke Divinity School
"Written with characteristic erudition, wit and exquisitely crafted prose, this is a glorious collection of almost four decades of scholarship from a leading Markan scholar. With sophistication and candor, C. Clifton Black provides a masterly guide to the wild and mysterious terrain of Mark’s Gospel, bursting with both sophisticated scholarship and personal reflections. A must-read for scholars, students and ministers of religion."
—Helen K. Bond
University of Edinburgh
