Very likely the first of the four Gospels to be written, Mark presents an intriguing and puzzling portrayal of the disciples with predominantly negative overtones. In Resisting Jesus, Mateus de Campos proposes that the evangelistâs characterization should be understood under the rubric of resistanceâa willful disposition against Jesusâ self-revelatory program and his discipleship prescriptions. Utilizing a combination of narrative and intertextual analyses, de Campos demonstrates that Markâs portrayal of resistance to Jesus follows a specific plot dynamic that finds its fundamental framework in the Scriptural depiction of YHWHâs relationship with Israel. The study provides fresh insights into how the evangelistâs negative characterization of the disciples fosters a Scripturally-informed reflection and admonition concerning the nature of discipleship.
Mateus F. de Campos, Ph.D. (2017), University of Cambridge, is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, in Massachusetts, USA.
List of Illustrations Acknowledgments
1 The Problem of Markâs Negative Depiction of the Disciples
â1âThe State of the Question
â2âMethodology
â3âAssumptions and Limitations
â4âOutline
2 The Scriptural Shape of Markâs Narrative of Resistance
â1âIdentifying Markâs Scriptural Frameworks
â2âThe Scriptural Plot of Revelation and Response
â3âExamples of the Use of the Language of Resistance in Sources Contemporary to Mark
â4âThe Plot of Revelation and Response in Mark
â5âConclusion
4 Revelation and Resistance in Galilee (Part 2)âMark 4:35â8:21
â1âLiterary Patterns
â2âResistance by Outsiders
â3âResistance by Insiders
â4âConclusion
5 Teaching and Resistance on the WayâMark 8:22â10:52
â1âLiterary Structure
â2âThe Scriptural Frameworks in Mark 8:22â10:52
â3âPeterâs Confession (Mark 8:27â38)
â4âThe Mountain Theophany (Mark 9:1; 2â8)
â5âThe Ethical Teaching (Mark 9:30â10:45)
â6âConclusion
7 Exposing ResistanceâMark as Narrated Paraenesis Bibliography Index
The book deals with âDiscipleshipââa topic of interest for students of the Bible and theology, as well as practitioners. Those who will benefit the most are specialists, graduate and post-graduate students, and well-educated practitioners.