The first of the Gospels and a literary influence on Matthew and Luke, Marks Gospel is significant in many ways. It is a witness document, a proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ, which received its creative impulse from the early apostolic preaching. Mark bears witness to the word of revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark's task in writing to the believers being persecuted by Nero was the projection of Christian faith in the context of suffering and martyrdom. William Lane shows that Mark was a theologian whose primary intention was the strengthening of the people of God in a time of fiery ordeal.
“... undertaken to provide earnest students of the New Testament with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.”

This new commentary was begun through the cooperation of New Testament scholars in Europe, South Africa and America under the general editorial direction of the late Dr. Ned Stonehouse, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. The commentary is being brought to completion under the direction of F. F. Bruce, Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis, University of Manchester, England. The several volumes already published have come to be regarded by ministers and scholars as authoritative works that will give direction to conservative New Testament scholarship for years to come, fulfilling the need for a commentary “which, while’ conversant with the modern critical assaults, draws from the Scripture the ancient faith.”

Serving the interests of both pastor and Stier. The introductions and expositions proper are written exclusively in English. They are, however, based on a thorough study of the Greek text. Textual problems especially significant for the interpreter are evaluated, and the most important exegetical literature is taken into account. Supplementing the exposition, the more technical aspects, including grammatical, textual and historical problems, appear in footnotes and special notes or appendices.