The Theological Role of Paradox in the Gospel of Mark

Scholarship on the Gospel of Mark has long been convinced of the paradoxical description of two of its primary themes, christology and discipleship. This book argues that paradoxical language pervades the entire narrative, and that it serves a theological purpose in describing God's activity. Part One focuses on divine action present in Mark 4:10-12. In the first paradox, Mark portrays God's revelatory acts as consistently accompanied by concealment. The second paradox is shown in the various ways in which divine action confirms, yet counters, scripture. Finally, Mark describes God's actions in ways that indicate both wastefulness and goodness; deeds that are further illuminated by the ongoing, yet defeated, presence of evil. Part Two demonstrates that this paradoxical language is widely attested across Mark's passion narrative, as he continues to depict God's activity with the use of the three paradoxes observed in Mark 4. Through paradoxical narrative, Mark emphasizes God's transcendence and presence, showing that even though Jesus has brought revelation, a complete understanding of God remains tantalizingly out of their grasp until the eschaton (4:22).

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Part One: Parables

1. Paradox Introduced

2. A First Paradox: Concealment and Revelation

3. A Second Paradox: Scripture Both Countered and Confirmed

4. A Third Paradox: Sowing Abundant Waste

Part Two: Passion

5. Paradoxical Proclamations: Waste and Bounty at Bethany

6. Challenging Scripture and Concealing Action: Gethsemane

7. Climactic Concealment and the Wastefully Sent Son: Golgotha

8. The Promise of Paradoxes: The Empty Tomb

9. Conclusion