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Example research essay topic: Marks Gospel Chapter 13 - 1,069 words

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When considering theories on the above topics it is certain that the individual issues at debate will interconnect with one another, for example one theory on authorship may be easily incorporated into another theory on location but totally contradict another theory. Hence, there are relationships between the singular debates. During the course of this essay we will look at Mark and John separately, dealing in each case with different theories on sources, date, location and authorship and then analyse the plausibility of the arguments and interconnections between separate arguments in order to find the least problematic proposition. The issue of authorship of Marks gospel is an area of some confusion and debate.

Eusebius, writing in the 4 th century, quotes Papias, who was writing in the 2 nd century, in calling Mark the interpreter of Peter who wrote down Peters teachings. Traditionally Mark is identifies as John Mark who appears in Acts. John Mark was associated with Peter and is mentioned in his first letter (5 v 13), but Mark was said to be Pauls travelling partner in Acts 12 v 12. It is true that Marks gospel gives a prominence to Peter but this is also the case, and to a greater extent, in Matthew. However, if John Mark wrote the gospel he would have presumably done so in Galilee and there is evidence in the gospel to suggest other wise. The gospel contains some unusual Latinisms legion in 5 v 9, quadrant in reference to coins 12 v 42 and in 6 v 27 he refers to John the Baptists executioner as a speculator.

This indicates the writings may have taken place in Rome or may have been written for a Roman audience or had some Roman influence. There is also a certain unfamiliarity with the Galilee both geographically and in terms understanding of the Jewish groups present at the time. In 6 v 35 of the gospel Mark says the disciples went from Capernaum to the other side of the lake, Bethsaida. In actual fact the two sites are with walking distance.

Mark also mentions an alliance between the Herodians and the Pharisees, although the two groups were not known to be associated. However, there is a vividness to Marks accounts, for example 7 v 31 - 47 the account of Jesus healing a deaf man, in this account Mark also retains the Aramaic word Ephphatha which means be open, which is interesting as he was writing in Greek. This would indicate some direct knowledge or access to a detailed source. It has been suggested that a connection to Peter is unlikely as the theology involved in the gospel is too complicated to be attributed to Peter.

Papias may have claimed the connection to add authority to the gospel, as Mark was not an apostle himself. It is clear the author was a man of considerable literary and theological skill, someone with knowledge of Latin, unfamiliarity with the geography and to a certain extent environment of Galilee and someone who preserved great detail in Jesus miracles. This evidence may indicate that the author was working form sources. Theories concerning the dating of Marks gospel are fundamentally concerned with three possible formulations. First, is a mid 60 s A.

D dating in the aftermath of the Neronian Persecution. This may explain themes of suffering, persecution and martyrdom present in the gospel. The parable of the sower (4 v 17) could have significant relevance to this dating. The Christology of Mark, the theme of the Messianic Secret and Jesus suffering and misinterpretation, could support a dating of this kind. Second, a late 60 s A. D dating after the outbreak of rebellion had already occurred.

This sees the gospel as being written in a climate of apocalyptic fervour brought by rebellion. In chapter 13 of the gospel verses 5 - 8 and 24 - 5 are quoted from Isaiah and cites war and civil disorder as a precursor to the end time. These views could be explained if the gospel were written for instance in 68 A. D, the year of four emperors and a time of difficulty for Judea.

Third, an even later dating, suggesting a post 70 A. D model of dating. The gospel predicts the destruction of the temple, 13 v 1 - 2, but is the prediction a statement after the event? Many early Christians expected the end time to be associated with the fall of the temple. This could explains themes of patience and the end time in Mark, 13 v 10 + 32. Mark is assuring the Christian community not to worry about the delay of the proosia or end time.

The later a dating is the more it will stress eschatological themes, whereas an earlier dating will stress themes of suffering and rejection in accordance to the environment the dating stipulates. Most scholars prefer a middle or later theory of dating. Unless the highly speculative model formulated by Greisbach is in fact correct. Theories concerning location of the gospel centre around three main geographical areas.

First, a theory presenting Rome as the location for the gospel. The theory emphasises the connection between Peter and Mark as Peters martyrdom occurred in Rome during the Neronian Persecution. Irenaeus, who was writing during the second century and Clement of Alexandria both refer to the gospels connections to Peter and Rome, although these writings may have been based on the first epistle of Peter that may have been pseudonymous. Internal evidence from the gospel to support this is cited as the Latinisms, mentioned earlier when considering authorship, contained within the gospel. Also the gospel can be interpreted as having a particular interest in gentiles or non Jews. Chapter 56 v 7 of Isaiah is quoted in Mark, a House of prayer for all nations and chapter 13 v 10 in the gospel repeats this theme, the Gospel must be preached to all nations.

This could indicate a special interest in converting Romans or appealing to them. The gospel also holds the Jews as almost wholly culpable for the death of Jesus and exonerates the Romans; in 15 v 10 Mark ascribes the motive of envy to the Jews. This could have stemmed form the circumstance of writing, but equally it could be the author making his opinion clear to the audience. However, in the aftermath of the Neronian Persecution and the fire of Rome Christians...


Free research essays on topics related to: chapter 13, dating, marks gospel, gospel, peter

Research essay sample on Marks Gospel Chapter 13

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