Kata Markon

["Rick Frommich" <eugor3 AT hotmail.com>]

I would suggest that since the compiler of Mark only uses the _expression_ two times it is worth investigating to see if they are connected somehow.  The second occurance of the term is found in chapter 16.  Here the _expression_ is coupled with the phrase sitting on the right. In chapter ten the issue of who will sit on the right is one of serious contention.

 

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"37 And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"39 And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."

 

RSV Mar 16:5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed.

 

I would also suggest that the clothing is reminicent of the transfiguration scene and not indicative of the man being an angel in the traditional sense of that word. It would seem to me that the compiler of Mark is pointing to the young man as a kind of successor to Jesus who is now sitting in the place of power with regard to Jesus.  Could the compiler of the Gospel view himself in that role???? If so, it might explain the subtle way in which he alludes to his role.

 

Rick Richmond.

 

This is my first posting to this list.  I have very much enjoyed reading the contributions.

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