[GMark] Mark's Conflict Stories

HStaiti at aol.com HStaiti at aol.com
Wed Feb 19 08:05:57 EST 2003


I am continuing my analysis of <A HREF="http://www.warecc.com/journey.htm">The Gospel of Mark as a Retelling of the 
Israelite Epic through the Story of Jesus</A> and would like any feedback from 
the following regarding the conflict stories in Mark.

In chapters two and three, the author is addressing the controversy between 
the synagogue Pharisees and the Church of his day (@ 64-70 A.D.) The 
Pharisees have rejected the faith and practice of the Christians, expelled 
them from the synagogue, and placed the Christians in grave danger in the 
Roman Empire (new religions were not permitted). Mark responds to this danger 
by arguing for the supremacy of Jesus. He argues that this same conflict 
existed between Jesus and the Pharisees during Jesus' ministry on the earth. 
1. The conflict regarding the church and forgiveness revolves around the 
supremacy of Jesus (2.1-12)
2. The controversy regarding the church and fellowship revolves around the 
supremacy of Jesus (2.13-17)
3. The conflict regarding the church and fasting revolves around the 
supremacy of Jesus (2.18-22)
4. The final controversy story regarding the church and freedom on the 
Sabbath revolves around the supremacy of Jesus (2.23-28). 

By contrasting the faith and practice of the church with the faith and 
practice of the synagogue, and because he based the crux of the conflict on 
the supremacy of Jesus, Mark offers a conclusion why the Pharisees of his day 
plot against the Christians: The Church faces the same controversies that led 
the Pharisees to be in conflict with Jesus. Those who rejected the supremacy 
of Jesus before and plotted against his life continue to reject his 
supremacy, and continue to plot against the life of the Church of Jesus 
Christ. 

Your thoughts? 



Peace to you,
Harry Staiti
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ware Community Church
"A Life-giving Congregation"
8 South Street
Ware, MA 01082
413 967 5191
<A HREF="www.warecc.com">www.warecc.com</A> (UPDATED February 7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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