The Fourth Section

This section by far is the most time consuming and complex. There are a number of considerations that need to be kept on mind as this part is being written.

1. The theology needs to represent the thought of the author of Mark. There is difficulty in

staying away from Paul’s theology, which is the dominant theological mindset in the

Christian realm today.

2. The themes of Mark’s gospel of the suffering servant motif and the cost of discipleship

that leads to the cross must also guide the narrative.

3. The literary intentions of Mark needs to be carefully examined and followed as best as

possible.

Therefore, the process is painstaking at most. The process is such that:

1. The text, which was written in approximately 67AD, needs careful examination.

2. The literary techniques need to be organized in such a way that you can look at and

understand the overall structure and purpose.

3. All this needs to be placed on the lips of the three characters in a theological discussion

format for it to make some type of sense.

4. In other words, the logic that the evangelist followed needs to be inserted into the

dialogue of the three characters in a way that tries to show what the author was

thinking when he constructed his work.

5. Also, the literary techniques vary from a simplistic fivefold chiasm to a multilevel

chiasm with several different moving parts. This in turn does convolute the received

text. As well there are twelve intercalations integrated into the work.

Here is one example that needs to be worked through. In Mark 4:35 through 8:21 there appears to be a parallel fivefold chiasm (Paul Achtemeier) with two intercalations interspersed and framed by two sea voyages. (The Theological Intentions of Mark’s Literary Devices: D Deppe 2015)

This is where it becomes a complex and slow process, of which I am working through.