Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesConsidered the earliest of the New Testament Gospel of Mark announces the good news of the fulfilment of God's redemptive purposes in the life and ministry of Jesus. By gradually revealing the identity of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, the narrative strips away any militaristic ideas popularly associated with messiahship. For Mark, the humiliation of the cross, with all its torture and horror, points to Jesus as a Messiah who gives his life on the cross and who calls his disciples to do likewise. In spite of the disciples' failures, which are unflinchingly displayed, the Gospel ends on the high note of hope found at the empty tomb.Kent Brower expertly delves into this Gospel, carefully reflecting on its literary and historical setting, in this case, the Second Temple period.