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  • From: HStaiti AT aol.com
  • To: GMark AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [GMark] Mark's Conflict Stories
  • Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 08:05:57 EST


I am continuing my analysis of The Gospel of Mark as a Retelling of the Israelite Epic through the Story of Jesus 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
www.warecc.com (UPDATED February 7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


  • [GMark] Mark's Conflict Stories, HStaiti, 02/19/2003

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