Sacra Pagina: The Gospel of Mark (Volume 2)

Donahue and Harrington's The Gospel of Mark is an instalment in the recent Sacra Pagina series of Catholic biblical commentaries. While technically a Catholic commentary this work is solidly situated in the modern critical tradition of New Testament studies. Indeed one would need a fine eye to identify a particular Catholic perspective - much as with the writing of Raymond Brown.The text is structured in the standard format for contemporary commentaries; an introduction to situate the work and the author's approach, followed by a section-by-section analysis of the text with detailed notes discussing translation issues, textual variants and current interpretive questions. Given that the text is aimed at academics and professional clergy much of the text's value is in the notes.While I read extensively in this area, and, will likely continue to do so, I often wonder about the value of the modern critical approach. I respect its intention to be objective; however, it seems ill-fitted to determining the truth of Christianity. That is, at the end of the day, textual criticism remains a highly speculative field that has borne little enduring fruit. Notwithstanding the efforts of innumerable scholars over the last 2-3 hundred years even basic questions about the Gospels remain open. For instance, despite the claims of certain contemporary scholars traditional views of authorship and dating have not been displaced in any convincing manner. I believe it was Barth that once remarked that when looking down the well of time it is not surprising to find one's reflection at the bottom.Overall this is a good commentary at a modest price. It is well written and recommended for readers seeking a modern critical examination of the Gospel of Mark.

The "Sacra Pagina" series is a must-have if you truly want to understand each book of the NT. A priest put me onto these books. If you read and study each NT Book, you will get much. But, each corresponding Sacra Pagina text explains many facts, cultural traditions, and concepts that are truly NECESSARY to come away with a deeper understanding. I am beginning my 2nd reading of the NT Books, and making study notes on each. And, I plan to have a Sacra Pagina for each book. It will take me longer, but is definitely worth the time as, I said, each Sacra Pagina text reveals much that you won't get out of just reading the Scripture. God Bless to all those who truly desire to understand the Word of God.

This is the year of St. Mark in the church readings. I ordered about five different commentaries and this is by far the best. Great introduction to the study of the gospel. Great format: scripture passage followed by detailed commentary on verses followed by commentary/reflection on the passage as a whole. Scholarly, but suitable for average person. Seems to be solid in the sense that there is less conjecture and reading into it than other commentaries I saw. One of the authors, John Donahue is a lifelong scholar of St. Mark's gospel. I highly recommend it and thoroughly enjoyed using it. I used it to prepare to give a class on Mark's gospel in my parish.

This is probably the best Commentary on Mark since Nineham (1963) or maybe even Taylor (1952). Harrington and Donahue are attentive to the "Jewish" (and apparently anti-Jewish) issues, an emphasis not always found in Markan commentaries. Issues relative to the historical Jesus and the early church also receive adequate attention. The availability of this pb edition makes the book more affordable, and increases its attractiveness. A fine commentary, clearly written and, where appropriate, persuasively argued, by two veteran and sensitive scholars.

Sacra Pagina books are always good sources for translation interpretations on all the Books of the Bible

I use this for Bible study and preparing sermons. The exegesis is great and so is the commentary. Absolutely the best

I particularly like the translation. Many English versions smooth out Marks Greek, this commentary give a good representation of the actual text.

Useful for the scholar and layperson, this is a "must have" for scripture study.

It is good to have quite a detailed commentary on Mark for this Year of Mark in the lectionary. Too early to say how useful it is, though.