The Use of Scripture in the Markan Passion Narrative (The Library of New Testament Studies)

This work examines the effect of the use of scripture on the interpretation of the Markan passion narrative, Mark 14:1-15:47. In the methodically focused section which begins the work, Kelli O'Brien first defines the term allusion and the criteria by which allusions are established and then. She then tests the allusions suggested by previous scholars. For the trial and crucifixion scenes, only eleven references have sufficient verbal and other correspondence to be considered probable or certain allusions, out of the roughly 150 references suggested. The numbers for allusions in Mark 14:1-52 are similar. Demonstrable allusions are relatively few, too few to support the theory favoured by many that the passion narrative was constructed by means of allusions to Scripture. The work assesses the interpretive impact of the allusions on the Markan passion narrative, considering how those passages are treated in Jewish and Christian traditions potentially available to the author. Allusions interpret the Markan Christology, but they also interpret other aspects of the drama, such as the opponents in the Jewish trial and the offer of vinegary wine. Most importantly, allusions in the passion narrative indicate in what sense the author understood Jesus' death to be redemptive and that the "ransom" the Son of Man gives (Mark 10:45) is eschatological. O'Brien then moves to assess the interpretive impact of the most likely allusions on the Markan passion narrative. Some allusions make bold statements with regard to Christology, including Jesus' ultimate vindication and exaltation. Many, however, have little Christological content and function as literary devices to interpret the narrative. Allusions illuminate the significance of events, from the flight of the disciples to the offer of vinegary wine. The presence of allusions provides a window to the evangelist's understanding of Jesus' death in eschatological and redemptive terms. As such this study is of immense importance in furthering comprehension of the Second Gospel's interpretation of the passion. --Book Jacket Kelli S. O'Brien examines the use of scripture in the Markan passion narrative. O'Brien begins by laying firm methodological foundations, providing an incisive definition of the term allusion and the criteria by which the presence of allusions may be established. She then tests the plethora of allusions that previous scholars have discerned within Mark 14-15, arguing that only sixteen references have sufficient support to be considered as allusions out of approximately 270 references suggested The Library of New Testament Studies (LNTS) is a premier book series that offers cutting-edge work for a readership of scholars, teachers in the field of New Testament studies, postgraduate students and advanced undergraduates. All the many and diverse aspects of New Testament study are represented and promoted, including innovative work from historical perspectives, studies using social-scientific and literary theory, and developing theological, cultural and contextual approaches Introduction -- Methodology : identifying an allusion -- Methodology : interpretive impact -- Testing proposed allusions -- Interpreting the allusions -- Are you the Christ? -- Conclusion -- Appendix A : textual analysis of quotations and near quotations in Mark -- Appendix B : textual analysis of Mark 14 -- Appendix C : textual analysis of Mark 15.