Kata Markon

[Mike Parsons <Mike_Parsons AT baylor.edu>]

         Reply to:   RE: [gmark] Re: Walking on Water
Boring, Berger, and Colpe, Hellenistic Commentary to the NT (Abingdon,  list 
several 'parallels' to the walking on water scene in Mark 6.  In The Third 
Discourse on Kingship 30 by  Dio Chrystom (40-120CE), Xerxes, king of Persia, 
has the power to walk on the water, and it is explicitly considered a divine 
power.  They also cite Isocrates (4th BCE) Panergyricus 88-89; Iambllichus, 
Life of Pythagoras, 91 attributes this power to Pythagoras.

Though you don't mention it, I have always found curious the little note at 
the end of 6:48, "he meant to pass them by."  My colleague, David Garland, in 
his NIV Application Commentary (which I highly recommend for church bible 
study groups) gives the various options of interpretations and then settles  
(on the basis of the LXX parallels with the verb parechomai) on the reading 
that the phrase when connected to a divinity refers to an epiphany.  
Especially relevant are Exod 33:19-34:7 (where the glory of God "passes by" 
Moses) and 1 Kings 19:11-12 where "the LORD is about to pass by" Elijah."  
Garland (263) concludes "that when Jesus wants to pass by his disciples, he 
wills for them to see his transcendent majesty as a divine being and to give 
them reassurance." And the response of Jesus, "I am" EGO EIMI (v. 50) of 
course, also is integral to this epiphany theme.  

Mikeal C. Parsons
Department of Religion
Baylor University
Waco, TX 76798
Voice:  254-710-4591
FAX:  254-710-3740