Description: Peter Bolt explores the impact of Mark's Gospel on early readers in the first-century Graeco-Roman world. Focusing upon the thirteen characters in Mark who come to Jesus for healing or exorcism, Bolt analyzes their crucial role in the communication of the Gospel. Enlisting a variety of ancient literary and non-literary sources, this book recreates the first-century world of illness, magic and Roman imperialism. This new approach to Mark combines reader-response criticism with social history.
Brief description: Peter G. Bolt is Head of New Testament Studies at Moore Theological College, Sydney. He has edited (with M.D. Thompson) and contributed to The Gospel to the Nations: Perspectives on Paul's Mission (2000).
Review Quotes: 'Friedeman's book offers a fresh solution to the Christological puzzle of Luke 1-2. His insights into the intertextual use of Daniel offers a framework for mystery and revelation, making sense of what Luke is doing ... Friedeman sets Luke's introduction within Jewish apocalyptic traditions, elevates Mary's role in discipleship and revelation for us today, and draws connections between Luke and Acts to show their coherence and the unity between them.' Caleb Friedeman, spoiledmilks.com