Reading Mark

Mark, the second and shortest Gospel, is far from second-rate or short-sighted. This commentary by F. Scott Spencer provides a lively literary and theological reading of Mark’s remarkable story of the “good news of God” embodied in Jesus Christ. It carefully tracks the developing characters, unfolding plot, and key themes marking the “way” of God from Jesus’s baptism to his empty tomb, with a special eye to surprising detours and crossroads along the way—impelling Jesus to a literal cross.

Spencer uses a variety of analytical methods, paying special attention to intertextual links between Mark and the Old Testament. Mark’s edgy emotional portrait of Jesus and other characters displays poignant elements of anger, anguish, grief, frustration, fear, and other “passions.” Throughout the narrative, Jesus engages in life-and-death battles with oppressive forces, spiritual and political, giving his life to liberate (redeem) weak and vulnerable persons. Mark’s passionate, powerful message continues to challenge and encourage readers today.

Spencer, widely known and respected for his scholarship on Luke, brings his expertise in the Synoptic tradition to this excellent guide to understanding the Gospel of Mark. Truth be told, academic commentaries aren’t known for being page-turners, but Spencer defies these expectations with his engaging and witty writing style. When I teach or preach on Mark, this will be one of the first resources I consult.

—Nijay K. Gupta

Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary


Edited by Todd D. Still, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean & William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the Reading the New Testament commentary series presents cutting-edge biblical research in accessible language.


F. Scott Spencer (PhD, University of Durham) has served as professor of religion at Wingate University (NC) and professor of New Testament and biblical interpretation at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (VA). He has authored numerous books and articles, including commentaries on Luke, Acts, and the Song of Songs. He has enjoyed acting in seminary, university, and community theater, including productions of Shadowlands, God’s Favorite, Godspell, and Cotton Patch Gospel.