Exploring the Gospel of Mark

Studying the scriptures is not always easy. It requires bridging a gap of 8000 miles and 2000 years, let alone language, culture, and worldview. Having a good study Bible and other aids is essential to self-study.

To help people in their understanding of scripture, especially in being able to unpack the language and symbolism in the text, our pastor Mark Schaefer has just finished a years-long project of translating and commenting on the Gospel of Mark entitled: The Good News according to Mark: Translation & Commentary. (You can read all about the project on Mark’s blog.)

The Good News according to Mark is a dynamic new presentation of the Gospel of Mark. Using the side-by-side layout found in the Talmud and other medieval texts, the Good News presents the original Greek text of Mark’s gospel surrounded by a literal translation, a reader’s translation, translation notes, commentary, text references, excurses, and other notes to help the reader to understand the text and its meaning. With its unique layout and new translations, The Good News according to Mark gives the reader a chance to re-encounter the Biblical text with fresh eyes.

Each page of the translation borrows its layout from the Talmud, with the original Greek biblical text in the center, a literal translation on one side, a more reader-friendly translation on the other, with translation notes, commentary, and textual references and notes surrounding. Take a look at these example pages from Mark 1:1–3 and Mark 4:33–41):

You can learn more about The Good News according to Mark on pastor Mark’s blog or on Amazon.