Wednesday, July 22, 2009

NT Pod 5: Simon Peter in Mark's Gospel

The fifth episode of the NT Pod discusses Mark's depiction of Simon Peter and the disciples, noting the use of the language of the skandalon or "stumbling block" with respect to the idea of the crucified Christ.

It is just under eight minutes long. Feel free to leave your comments below.



NT Pod Episode 5: Simon Peter in Mark's Gospel (mp3)

Key texts: Mark 4:16-17; Mark 8:27-33; Mark 14: 27-42; Mark 14:66-72; 1 Cor. 1:23.

NT Blog: Programme Notes

Thanks to Ram2000, Me and You, for the opening theme, released under a Creative Commons agreement.

13 comments:

  1. Excellent podcast as always. Thanks, Mark.

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  2. Thanks for your kind words, Brandon.

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  3. Kathy Ehrensperger and others have argued that rather than seeking out the Jesus tradition evident in Paul's writings we should seek to find evidence of the Pauline tradition in the Gospels. Is it possible that 1 Cor 1.23 then influenced the narrative formation of Mark's presentation of Peter with regard to the crucifixion? Is that a plausible implication of your argument?

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  4. Yes, that's exactly the kind of argument I want to make. In fact, I have made this argument with respect to Matthew too in my article "The Rock on Rocky Ground: Matthew, Mark and Peter as Skandalon" in Philip McCosker (ed.), What Is It That the Scripture Says?: Essays in Biblical Interpretation, Translation, And Reception in Honour of Henry Wansbrough Osb (Library of New Testament Studies; London & New York: Continuum, 2006): 61-73. I am going to make this article available online soon, and I also plan a future podcast on Peter in Matthew.

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  5. I have always understood that Mark was Peter's scribe and therefore found the style (fast-paced and impetuous) completely consistent with Peter's perceived character.

    At any rate, I value these insights and want to thank you for sharing them.

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  6. Was just pointed to your podcasts and I'm really enjoying them. Keep up the great work!

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  7. Thanks very much, Jason; appreciated.

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  8. Just a quick note to say that I've recently discovered your podcasts and am enjoying them!

    With respect to this episode, I loved the "aha" moment I had when you spoke about the parable of the seed falling on rock and tied that together with the character of Simon Peter. I literally sat up straight and went "wow!"

    So thank you for your insights and I look forward to many more in the future!

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  9. I have recently started listening to your podcast and have enjoyed them. I find your suggestion about the reason Mark's depiction of Peter (and the other disciples) intriguing but am not sure how it ties into Mark's abrupt ending to the Gospel. He never shows Peter coming around and being able to embrace the crucified Christ which in some way fails to complete the movement of bringing the reader along to the point of being able to embrace the notion of a crucified Christ. In your view is abrupt ending a way of asking the reader whether the reader is ready to embrace the Crucifixion or run away like the women (and men) before them?

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  10. Thanks, JCW. Not sure. Will give it some thought.

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