Garland provides a clear and concise exposition of the text that’s understandable for readers without technical training in Greek. As the NIVAC series ages, the “Contemporary Significance” sections at the end of each chapter will feel more dated. Nevertheless, there’s enough there in the suggested applications for lay teachers to get the idea and update them for current use. [Full Review]

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Ser Pounce

April 24, 2019

As usual, David Garland's clear prose and careful exegesis has resulted in another excellent commentary. This work is the best commentary on Mark that I have read, and it is especially useful for anyone in a pastoral/teaching role.

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Warren Truesdale

February 18, 2019

If you’re surprised to see this here, I’m surprised myself that I have an NIV Application Commentary as number 1 on the list. I have been blown away by this commentary. Garland is a gifted writer that has a knack for following the narrative of the gospel. He gets that the focus of the narrative is Jesus [Full Review]

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G Ware

March 6, 2015

Garland is know more for his work on Paul's epistles. His Colossians commentary in this series is quite good. This commentary on Mark was less impressive. The NIVAC is not meant to be comprehensive by any stretch, but some volumes have far more detail than others. This is among those that come up a little thin for me. France and Moloney are better options, in my humble opinion.

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DRamos

December 11, 2012

It does exactly what it proposes to do. While light on linguistic and historical analysis, Garland is able to get at the heart of the passage; a skill sometimes lost in critical studies. Furthermore, the author's pastoral eye does a fantastic job of bringing Mark's world into our own. Highly recommend for anyone in ministry. And if you are currently bogged down by more technical texts, this commentary might offer a breath of fresh air.

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Denver Seminary Journal

May 24, 2008

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