Cynthia A. Jarvis and E. Elizabeth Johnson, editors.
Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Ky. 541 pages
Another feast! Traveling on a food and wine tour in Italy, I heard this frequently while gazing upon a table laden with delicious and sometimes exotic foods. That same exclamation — another feast! — will be made about this commentary by pastors, teachers and church leaders. It is indeed another feast of scholarship — both delicious and occasionally exotic — for those working with the weekly Gospel texts. This is the second in a planned series on each of the Gospels. (The two volume Matthew was published last year.)
Several reasons make this commentary a welcome addition. It is purposely conversational. As the editors say, “At their best, people who write about Scripture are conversation partners.” They know they are entering into a process of interpretation with others who are responsible for public proclamation. The writers come from a variety of Christian traditions making this so valuable for a wider (exotic?) perspective on the Gospel than the confines of one’s usual exegetical habits. Every passage in the Gospel of Mark is reviewed through a four-fold lens: theological, historical, exegetical and pastoral.
While lectionary preachers will benefit, the comprehensive commentary will aid those Bible study leaders and preachers/teachers who don’t follow the lectionary. This is another feast!
