The Barren Temple and the Withered Tree

by William R. Telford

A redaction-critical analysis of the cursing of the fig-tree pericope in Mark's gospel and its relation to the cleansing of the temple tradition.

The overall aim of this investigation of Mark 11.12-14, 20ff. is to ascertain the attitude to the Temple taken by the author of the earliest Gospel and his community. More specifically, it is a meticulous study of the most curious of all the Synoptic miracle-stories, in which the place of the story within the Markan redaction and subsequently in the Synoptic Gospels is explored. The study also entails a detailed exploration of the story's origin, background and Sitz in Leben prior to Mark, involving thorough consideration of the Old Testament and Jewish background of its motifs.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

W.R. Telford is the author of a number of books and articles on the New Testament and Christian origins. Formerly a Senior Lecturer at Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion (and now Emeritus), he is currently Visiting Fellow at St John’s College, Durham University.