A Theology of Mark: The Dynamic Between Christology and Authentic Discipleship (Explorations in Biblical Theology) Paperback – Box set, April 20, 2012

Dr. Bayer builds on reformed premises from John Calvin and Martin Luther in this study of discipleship in the book of Mark. He begins with a solid foundation of the historical significance of the chosen genre for the Gospel of Mark then dives into a thorough discussion of the "Double Crises" of how we perceive ourselves and God. With this understanding in mind, he explores the call Jesus made to his disciples, and still makes to his followers today, for pattern imitation and to bold bring the good news to the world. This is a must read and I am excited to read additional commentaries from Dr. Bayer.

This book is a tremendous value. It takes advantage of the most recent scholarship in a concise and yet also practical way. For someone wanting a good framework for understanding the book of Mark it is unsurpassed.

OverviewA Theology of Mark unpacks the themes and historical narrative of Mark with the tools of Biblical Theology and from the reformed worldview, all while making the content applicable for daily Christian living. We need more of these kinds of commentaries. Bayer first attacks the most basic questions surrounding Mark like structure, purpose, thematic framework, and questions about the person of Jesus and then develops the theme of discipleship from "a more comprehensive approach--that of Jesus with his own disciples" (Kindle Location 104 of 3008).Jesus Disciples His DisciplesI found the work Bayers did on the topic of discipleship refreshing. This section made his work in section one (the foundational and background questions) come alive. The lay person make ask What does all this background information have to do with me? Of course, there is a major purpose for understanding the historical context and critical thought surrounding Mark but how can we make these truths meaningful for the lay theologian? Bayer accomplishes this by examining the how to of discipleship in light of these foundational issues.Bayer aks two questions: Who do you perceive yourself to be? and Who do you perceive God to be?He then says, "Authentic witness to Jesus brings forth authentic discipleship in the context of the growing messianic kingdom of God" (KL 174 of 3008). These themes (Messiah, Kingdom, & Gospeling) run throughout Bayer's discussion of discipleship. You can catch a glimpse of these themes when he says, The thematic connection between Mark 14:25 and the entire narrative of Mark shows that Jesus' demonstrated authority is connected with his future kingly rule. The death and resurrection of the Messiah mark the actual imagination (see 14:22-24 and the "blood of the covenant") of the eternal messianic rule (KL 811 of 3008)Therefore, the disciples are not following "a mere human being, ready to suffer, he turns out to be God the Son" (KL 835 of 3008). And Bayer sees Jesus rise "as the climatic fulfillment of God's redemptive plan . . . inaugurated in Genesis 3:15" (KL 846 of 3008). He close by offering and unpacking these eight distinctive of discipleship as revealed in Mark's theology. Surrendering (unconditionally) Believing and trusting Praying Watching over--and guarding--your heart (as as to beware of hard-heartedness and lack of understanding) Being humble Forgiving Withstanding temptation Confessing Christ to all humanitySo, Bayer's development of these themes is robust and distinctively reformed.Not Another Reformed CommentaryLet's be honest here. There's more than a few good commentary and reformed folk have written more than their fair share. However, this series promises to be different because of its focus on Biblical Theology allowing the commentary to be connected and practical. By understanding the background of Mark's theology you will end up with a more robust understanding of discipleship as practiced by Jesus himself. We need more focused commentaries of this sort.Bayer's A Theology of Mark would be a great launching pad for pastors starting a preaching series on Mark or for your average lay person who wants to dig a little deeper into Scripture. I could see this book being used to jump-start an extended study of the book of Mark for personal growth in Christ. The writing was scholarly yet accessible.

If you want to study Discipleship biblical, I strongly suggest this book. Dr. Hans Bayer introduce the theology of discipleship according to what the gospel of Mark says.

This went in the bin faster than Rowan Williams' rubbish.

Great book. Easy access to research and a good evangelical guide.