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This series is designed for those who know biblical languages. It is written primarily for the pastor and Bible teacher, not for the scholar. That is, the aim is not to review and offer a critique of every possible interpretation that has ever been given to a passage, but to exegete each passage of Scripture succinctly in its grammatical and historical context. Each passage is interpreted in the light of its biblical setting, with a view to grammatical detail, literary context, flow of biblical argument, and historical setting. While the focus will not be on application, it is expected that the authors will offer suggestions as to the direction in which application can flow.
- GenresTheologyNew Testament
First published October 1, 2014
About the author
Mark L. Strauss
91 books21 followersMark Lehman Strauss is an American biblical scholar and professor of the New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, which is part of Bethel University, Minnesota. His areas of expertise include New Testament Gospels and Bible translation.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 17, 2017
Mark Strauss has provided another winner in the ZECNT series. As with other volumes in the series, scholarly information is provided for the studious pastor. As it turns out, I imagine scholars will love it too. Mr. Strauss writes as one in love with the Gospel of Mark. To me, that is often the most important element in producing a successful commentary.
His Introduction of Mark really provokes the reader’s understanding of what the Gospel of Mark seeks to accomplish. As is a key focus with this series, he begins by explaining Mark’s story of Jesus. In describing Mark’s fast-paced story, he says, “this is a gospel narrative on steroids!” He explains that Jesus is both the mighty Messiah and the Son of God. He sees the book of Mark as having two distinct halves, which includes the time where the people were amazed at Christ followed by a time of opposition. He traces out the suffering servant motif with good effect too. Next, he explains Mark’s place in scholarly history, and well defines the various criticisms that have been in vogue over the years. He sees narrative criticism as the most significant of our day and then includes a section explaining his approach in this commentary. He says it is “eclectic, drawing insights from historical-critical, social-scientific, and narrative methodologies”.
He goes on to discuss genre, authorship, audience, and date with conservative conclusions in each. I enjoyed it even more when he got into occasion and purpose and brought out what was, in my view, some of the most interesting features of Mark. In literary features, he discusses Mark’s structure and a few other unique details that I found extremely helpful.
The commentary proper is in the fine ZECNT style that I’m growing to appreciate more each day. He puts each passage and literary context, provides a main idea, explains the structure, provides an outline, and then jumps into detailed explanatory commentary of the text. Though Greek words are used in the text, the English words are nearby and are easy to follow. In both the Introduction and in the commentary itself, this volume is theologically rich.
I recently had the privilege to review the volume on John in this same series and am amazed by the consistent quality. When it comes to an up-to-date, quality exegetical commentary, these volumes cannot be beat. I give this book the highest recommendation!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
His Introduction of Mark really provokes the reader’s understanding of what the Gospel of Mark seeks to accomplish. As is a key focus with this series, he begins by explaining Mark’s story of Jesus. In describing Mark’s fast-paced story, he says, “this is a gospel narrative on steroids!” He explains that Jesus is both the mighty Messiah and the Son of God. He sees the book of Mark as having two distinct halves, which includes the time where the people were amazed at Christ followed by a time of opposition. He traces out the suffering servant motif with good effect too. Next, he explains Mark’s place in scholarly history, and well defines the various criticisms that have been in vogue over the years. He sees narrative criticism as the most significant of our day and then includes a section explaining his approach in this commentary. He says it is “eclectic, drawing insights from historical-critical, social-scientific, and narrative methodologies”.
He goes on to discuss genre, authorship, audience, and date with conservative conclusions in each. I enjoyed it even more when he got into occasion and purpose and brought out what was, in my view, some of the most interesting features of Mark. In literary features, he discusses Mark’s structure and a few other unique details that I found extremely helpful.
The commentary proper is in the fine ZECNT style that I’m growing to appreciate more each day. He puts each passage and literary context, provides a main idea, explains the structure, provides an outline, and then jumps into detailed explanatory commentary of the text. Though Greek words are used in the text, the English words are nearby and are easy to follow. In both the Introduction and in the commentary itself, this volume is theologically rich.
I recently had the privilege to review the volume on John in this same series and am amazed by the consistent quality. When it comes to an up-to-date, quality exegetical commentary, these volumes cannot be beat. I give this book the highest recommendation!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 3, 2025
This series has such a great layout. Strauss’ exegetical and historical notes are incredibly helpful. Not an overly aggressive interpreter when it comes to biblical theology and typology, but so good in other areas that it makes up for it.
March 26, 2024
Quickly becoming a favorite commentary series: it combines exegetical depth and insight, with pastoral, theological and practical wisdom so well and in an accessible way.
December 8, 2021
Full review https://spoiledmilks.com/2015/03/07/r...
Strauss believes Mark was the first Gospel. Strauss uses various methodologies to illuminate the text for us—historical-critical, social-scientific, and narrative-criticism. He believes the author is John Mark whose audience was probably in Rome in the late 60s. Strauss believes Mark ends at 16.8, and provides a five-page Appendix as to why the longer ending should be rejected).
Each section of the ZECNT’s layout is beneficial for the reader, either breaking down information visually for the reader to understand the progression and the flow, bringing to light exegetical information on the text, or drawing out application for the life of the church. Strauss’ commentary is readable even for the non-specialist. Strauss covers details of the Greek text.
The Theology in Mark section, though placed at the end of the book, should really be read first by any teacher or student. To know the overarching themes of Mark before studying the book helps to place each section into the big picture, which is important to know for every person, student or teacher.
Strauss digs into the exegetical details (what the Greek says, different verb tenses, what a word may/may not mean), but I couldn’t always see how the story flowed from one verse to the next.
Recommended?
Pastors, teachers, and laymen will benefit from Strauss’ commentary, especially with the Theology in Application sections. There’s not much here that you won’t find in other commentaries. This volume is still a fine volume to get, though it’s not the only one you will want to own.
Strauss believes Mark was the first Gospel. Strauss uses various methodologies to illuminate the text for us—historical-critical, social-scientific, and narrative-criticism. He believes the author is John Mark whose audience was probably in Rome in the late 60s. Strauss believes Mark ends at 16.8, and provides a five-page Appendix as to why the longer ending should be rejected).
Each section of the ZECNT’s layout is beneficial for the reader, either breaking down information visually for the reader to understand the progression and the flow, bringing to light exegetical information on the text, or drawing out application for the life of the church. Strauss’ commentary is readable even for the non-specialist. Strauss covers details of the Greek text.
The Theology in Mark section, though placed at the end of the book, should really be read first by any teacher or student. To know the overarching themes of Mark before studying the book helps to place each section into the big picture, which is important to know for every person, student or teacher.
Strauss digs into the exegetical details (what the Greek says, different verb tenses, what a word may/may not mean), but I couldn’t always see how the story flowed from one verse to the next.
Recommended?
Pastors, teachers, and laymen will benefit from Strauss’ commentary, especially with the Theology in Application sections. There’s not much here that you won’t find in other commentaries. This volume is still a fine volume to get, though it’s not the only one you will want to own.
August 17, 2017
If you are looking through and evangelical commentary on the Greek of Mark, Mark, by Mark L. Strauss published by Zondervan Academic is what you are searching for. This commentary is a recent volume in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament Series edited by Clinton E. Arnold, a series which is synonymous with excellent exegesis and superior application, this volume continues the long legacy. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical modern commentaries on the Mark of the Apostles. While Strauss is no stranger to Biblical commentaries this is his first foray into this first-rate commentary series.
Mark begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, this is common place in Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament. This works dives into history and recent scholarship, of the book of the Gospel of Mark which always helpful to Pastors, Teachers, and Scholars. This introductory section is one of the longest I have had the privilege of reading and it ranks as one of the best interaction with critical scholarship while giving evangelical conclusions.
In reference to the commentary sections on the text of the the Gospel of Mark, Strauss, takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his own translation of the Greek text, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself. The outlines that he provides are also of great use for a pastor looking to preach though the Gospel of Mark exegetically.
With regard of recommending Mark to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to a limited extent educated Laymen looking to teach a Sunday school class, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. There are many commentaries about the Gospel of Mark available at this moment but Mark of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series is a giant leap above all other commentaries on this book of the Bible.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Mark: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
© 2014 by Mark L. Strauss
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
Page Count: 784 Pages
ISBN: 978-0310243588
Mark begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, this is common place in Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament. This works dives into history and recent scholarship, of the book of the Gospel of Mark which always helpful to Pastors, Teachers, and Scholars. This introductory section is one of the longest I have had the privilege of reading and it ranks as one of the best interaction with critical scholarship while giving evangelical conclusions.
In reference to the commentary sections on the text of the the Gospel of Mark, Strauss, takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his own translation of the Greek text, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself. The outlines that he provides are also of great use for a pastor looking to preach though the Gospel of Mark exegetically.
With regard of recommending Mark to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to a limited extent educated Laymen looking to teach a Sunday school class, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. There are many commentaries about the Gospel of Mark available at this moment but Mark of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series is a giant leap above all other commentaries on this book of the Bible.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Mark: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
© 2014 by Mark L. Strauss
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
Page Count: 784 Pages
ISBN: 978-0310243588
December 17, 2024
I read this commentary because I wasn't able to take a master's level class from a teacher that I wanted to take. In the end, I learned an incredible amount about the Gospel of Mark and how he presents Jesus.
Mark looks to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" Mark presents a paradoxical Jesus to a Roman audience. One who is human, yet displays the power, authority, knowledge, and attributes of God. One who has the ultimate authority, but his purpose is to die as the suffering servant, a ransom for humanity.
Mark 10:25 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark looks to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" Mark presents a paradoxical Jesus to a Roman audience. One who is human, yet displays the power, authority, knowledge, and attributes of God. One who has the ultimate authority, but his purpose is to die as the suffering servant, a ransom for humanity.
Mark 10:25 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
June 9, 2021
Here is the ranking of the single volumes I found helpful to read each week in preparation for an expositional series through Mark:
1. Struass (ZECNT); Edwards (Pillar); Hiebert
2. Lane (NICNT); Cole (Tyndale)
3. MacArthur; Hendrickson
Non-standalone volumes included
Wessel (EBC); Garland in ZIBBC (helpful with background); Later in the series I picked up Bock in the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary and found his brief comments helpful.
France and Keller I did not find consistently helpful and stopped utilizing them.
1. Struass (ZECNT); Edwards (Pillar); Hiebert
2. Lane (NICNT); Cole (Tyndale)
3. MacArthur; Hendrickson
Non-standalone volumes included
Wessel (EBC); Garland in ZIBBC (helpful with background); Later in the series I picked up Bock in the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary and found his brief comments helpful.
France and Keller I did not find consistently helpful and stopped utilizing them.
February 24, 2025
“We wonder, ‘Where is God?’ The answer we see here is that He is on the cross, experiencing and absorbing the hatred and evil of humanity - refusing to lash back and instead offering God’s forgiveness. By refusing to save Himself, Jesus is saving others, giving Himself as a ransom for sins.”
on Mark 15:16-32
on Mark 15:16-32
June 2, 2018
Excellent
May 13, 2015
Finally finished the lengthy commentary by Strauss. This commentary is a detailed exegetical work that does not give much attention to historical criticism or source criticism. So for most people with some Greek, this will be a great commentary. If you're more interested in the Synoptic Problem, look elsewhere. This is a great work and while it has some shortcomings, it's not intended to be a research commentary but a teaching commentary. It's on this point that the commentary excels. Adapting Strauss's commentary for teaching with supplemental materials was very effective in teaching this Gospel. Highly recommended.
February 8, 2016
Full review is on my blog here: http://mydigitalseminary.com/mark-zec...
Though not necessarily offering anything new, Strauss’ Mark commentary is a solid contribution to the ZECNT series and certainly recommended for pastors and teachers for its accessibility, clarity of prose and particularly the content in the Theology in Application sections.Some knowledge of Greek is beneficial, but not necessary. Given its format, Mark would serve well giving an introduction a passage, with other commentaries filling in the detail and meeting other needs.
Though not necessarily offering anything new, Strauss’ Mark commentary is a solid contribution to the ZECNT series and certainly recommended for pastors and teachers for its accessibility, clarity of prose and particularly the content in the Theology in Application sections.Some knowledge of Greek is beneficial, but not necessary. Given its format, Mark would serve well giving an introduction a passage, with other commentaries filling in the detail and meeting other needs.
December 15, 2017
I like the way this commentary series is laid out. It provides literary, theological, and critical views of the biblical books. Easy to read and understand. A great set for biblical students and pastors. Note that each book has a different commentator, so some may be good and some okay. This one is a nice read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews