The Gospel of Mark

New Daily Study Bible

by William Barclay

In his introduction to this volume, Dr. Barclay explains why the first three Gospels are called "synoptic," how they came to be written, and why many scholars believe that Mark was the first. Barclay's interpretation of the Gospel is full of wisdom, and it offers clear and captivating insight from beginning to end. Having picked up one section to study, the reader will find it difficult to stop reading until the whole volume is completed. For almost fifty years and for millions of readers, the Daily Study Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. Now, with the release of the New Daily Study Bible, a new generation will appreciate the wisdom of William Barclay. With clarification of less familiar illustrations and inclusion of more contemporary language, the New Daily Study Bible will continue to help individuals and groups discover what the message of the New Testament really means for their lives.

Genres: Christian, Reference, New Testament, Religion, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

WIlliam Barclay was a Scottish author, radio and television presenter, Church of Scotland minister, and Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. He wrote a popular set of Bible commentaries on the New Testament that sold 1.5 million copies.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like William Barclay's commentaries.

The historical references are explained. The differences between cultures are explained and expanded upon.

This is the first of his commentaries that I have read through completely and will be doing this again. The way he breaks down the scriptures it's very easy to also use his commentaries as a daily bible study.

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Barclays gives us an intimate look at the gospel of Mark. So compelling.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay clarifies the timeline and the cultural context.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a great addendum to our Catholic scripture study. Beautiful insights into the Gospel, with very few discrepancies with regard to Catholicism.

[Jennifer Popkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite Bible study of all time.

[Steven Bullmer]

I am surprised at how well this commentary continues to deliver insights that are relevant and helpful for me as I strive to "build a faith that works in real life." Too many commentaries from this era (1960s - 1980s) focused on things that were "TBU" (True But Useless) - history, sociology, form criticism, Mark's messed up ending, etc. You can't find the eternal truths of Scripture if you focus solely on historical context. You can't find spiritual insights when you reduce your study of scripture to sociological investigations. Don't even ask me what I think about focusing on the politics implicit in these Scriptures! Form criticism slices and dices Scripture like a ginsu knife. Great for food preparation; not so great for finding the big picture in Scripture. Barclay does some of that, but what's different with his approach is that those scholarly investigations are always brought back to making them relevant to our on-going spiritual formation as disciples. For me, the only real diminishment of this commentary because of its age is that his illustrations are all very dated, and very Anglo-centric. But I have enough imagination, flexibility, and creativity to replace those dated illustrations and quotations with ones more fitting to my life experiences.
The biggest take-away I have from this commentary is Barclay's understanding of the difference between KNOWING JESUS and KNOWING ABOUT Jesus. Historical and sociological biblical criticism will tell you many things ABOUT Jesus. That is information TBU. Barclay is focused on helping the reader KNOW JESUS PERSONALLY. Which is what I'm looking for in a commentary--a mentor of sorts to help me become a more fully devoted follower of Jesus.

[Ashley Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Barclay is as robust a Bible Scholar as I have come across. This commentary on the Gospel of Mark is packed with historical insight to accompany the Gospel story. It strikes me that Barclay’s is quite a progressive theology for its day (1940s), although this could be the way I have read it through my own theological lens. There are plenty of anachronisms as you would expect from a book that is over 80 years old, but it stands up well and as a devotional book, separated into clear, concise portions intended to be read one-per-day, it is both educating and inspiring. Too
Many devotional books today lack depth. This is an excellent example of how simple, regular, time-pressured study does not have to be superficial.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Barclary's good, he's very good. When he's bad, he's nigh heretical. Some of his insights are faith-building, detailed, and eminently practical. However, then there are sections of doubt. For instance, on the account of Jesus cursing the fig-tree, he writes, "The story does not ring true" (269), that "the whole account is unreasonable" (270). In other places, he cites the profitability of allegorical rather than literalistic readings. Recommended with reservations.

[Stefy Arul Brabhaher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay’s commentary on Mark is excellent, particularly strong on historical timelines, cultures, and geography. It really helps flesh out the context, and the stories from Mark’s Gospel become much more vivid and powerful. It’s inspiring for daily study and still holds up, despite when it was written. Barclay’s own beliefs peek in sometimes (very slightly), but for the most part it is very faithful and theologically sound. For an example, he doesn’t believe in demons or evil spirits, he explains that Jews at the time believed in spirits, and Jesus acted in ways that made people believe he was exorcising them, in line with their worldview.

[Bud Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though not in absolute agreement with some aspects of Barclay's personal faith, his scholarship and commentary on Mark's gospel is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and benefitted from his excellent work. The DSB has become a staple in my personal devotional life.

[John Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful commentary and devotional

For several years I have enjoyed this series as my devotional material. It is thorough and faithful, and I look forward to continuing through the books I have not enjoyed yet.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book like all of Barclay’s commentaries. They offer an absolutely fascinating insight into the Gospels and are brilliant back ground reading for anyone interested in delving deeper, who leads a small group or is planning a preach.

[Monte Hickingbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Barclay is one of my favorite commentators on the Gospels. His commentary on the Book of Matthew was the high-water mark! As is typical with other commentators that I disagree with theologically, you have to eat the meat and spit out the bones. But the meat is worth it with Barclay!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Barclay's style if writing and insights, but for daily reading in Bishop Lewis' challenge, I didn't really have time to do more than scan, so my reading is a bit skewed.

[Judith Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I will definitely get more of his commentaries. It brings background of the time and culture into context so there can be a better understanding of Scripture.

[Lucas Freitas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read up to Mark 8 (Nov/20). It reads like a series of sermons/devotionals. Good for some of its insights and applications.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay’s studies may decades old, but there’s no better way to read the Bible. Truly enriched.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This is a great series to examine and study the word of God. I recommend it to anyone who wants to be closer to God and understand his word.

[Edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful commentary to read along with the Gospel of Mark which my women's group studied.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay's commentaries are truly amazing--especially considering that he managed to compile all of this information without a computerized filing system. Some of his 'modern-day' analogies are no longer modern and a bit cutesy/quirky, but all's forgiven considering the timeless relevance of the Word.

[Russ Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I really enjoyed interacting with Barclay, not that I'm yet comfortable with it being on my Kindle rather than a red-covered paperback (or is that dating myself?).

And to paraphrase my review of Michael Card's Mark: Reading the two in tandem a daily treat.

[Andy]

0018

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific. Insightful.

[mica · Rating 3 out of 5]

School work obv.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired to read Mark from Harold Blooms book on the Names Divine.

[Cws]

226.3

[Tim White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I own two copies one to loan to friends

[Suzy Cook]

Barclay's commentaries are excellent! I highly recommend for the serious student.