Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Historical Context ………………………………………………………………………… 1
Cultural Context …...……………………………………………………………………… 2
Literary Context …...……………………………………………………………………… 3
Meaning/Analysis…………………………………………………………………………. 4
Significance ……………………………….………………………………………………..
Application………………………………….………………………………………………..
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………
Bibliography………………………………………
1
Introduction
The Law of God is holy and its relationship with a human is estranged. Paul suggest that the law
of God is to be keep at a high esteem, handed with the care and given the utmost respect but
its causes a person to sin. Moreover, Paul makes it clear that sin is the reason for his person
struggle and he also tells the reader that they also have this same struggle. This struggle with
sin is to powerful to overcome by will power or self-control. Which there is a possibility the
love of God and His instructions creates sinners who needs an outside power working through
faith to save.
Essentially, then, Paul’s thesis is that the power of God is revealed through the gospel for all
who have faith1
Is it possible that the law creates sin.
Problems:
What is the relationship between law and sin?
If the audience is Jews and Roman people, then how would a Roman understand what Paul is talking
about? The Jew and Roman person would understand the Jewish laws and commandments.
1 Kruse, Colin G. 2012. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Edited by D. A. Carson. The Pillar New Testament
Commentary. Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing
Company; Apollos.
2
Historical Context
The Gospel of Mark received considerably less notoriety than the other Gospels because people believed that the
Gospel of Mark was merely artless or pedestrian compared to the others. Scholars noted the narrative structure in
Matthew, expressing Jesus through a narrative format, while Luke was structured using parables and stories. The
Gospel of Mark contains a few scriptures not found in the other Gospels (Mark 4:26-29; 7:31-37; 8:22-26), causing
scholars and contemporaries to push Mark's writing back and label it as inferior to the others. Another concern was
the authorship; it was widely considered that Mark wrote the Gospel, also known as John Mark and Evangelist
Mark. However, in the nineteenth century, scholars took a careful internal investigation of the first three Gospels
and found that Mark was not a follower of Matthew but rather the earliest Gospel written. They also determined that
Matthew and Luke used the Gospel of Mark to help write their Gospels.
The Gospel of Mark was written during the time when the Roman Empire ruled. In the parables and stories of the
Gospel, the ruler of the time was Augustus Caesar. Augustus, adopted by Julius Caesar, changed policies and laws
to benefit the people, unlike the dictatorial Julius. As Romans expanded their influence, different governors were
appointed over various regions. One notable figure was Herod the Great, governing the largest Jewish state from 37
B.C.E to 4 C.E. After his death, the territory was divided among his sons: Herod Antipas, Herod Philip, and Herod
Archelaus. Archelaus ruled Judea but faced challenges, leading to his replacement by a military governor. During
this period, the Roman Empire transitioned from Augustus to Tiberius. Augustus' instructions for running the empire
were initially followed, but Tiberius later became a tyrannical recluse. Pontius Pilate, appointed by Tiberius, served
as the governor over Herod Archelaus's region, facing increased pressure during his reign, especially after the
murder of Tiberius's son, Drusus Caesar, in 25 C.E., by Sejanus, a friend of Pontius Pilate.
This historical backdrop sets the stage for the Gospel of Mark but also points to the nuances in the relationship
between the Roman Empire and the political structures governing Judea and the surrounding areas. These dynamics
influences the Gospel’s theme, and it provides a key understanding to Mark’s perspective on Jesus’ parable.
Furthermore, it shows the actions within the boarder social and political context during Jesus’ time on earth.
Recognizing these complexities enriches the interpretation of the Gospel of Mark.
4
Cultural Context
Mark identifies several groups of people outside of this passage. In Mark chapter 3, he begins by
stating: “And he entered again into the synagogue” (Mark 3:1, KJV). The synagogue was a
place where Jewish people gathered to learn about God, a practice that Jesus and his disciples
regularly followed. Jesus notes the necessity to leave the area because the Pharisees and
Herodians were seeking to kill him (Mark 3:6). The last group introduced by Mark is the crowd
from Judaea, Galilee, Jerusalem, Idumaea, and beyond Jordan. This introduction is significant in
Chapter 3, as Chapter 4 begins similarly, with Jesus in Capernaum going in and out of the
synagogue, with crowds following him.
Capernaum, situated on the edge of Herod Antipas and Herod Philip's governmental control, was
a small town with approximately 15,000 people during Jesus' time. Although smaller than
surrounding towns, Capernaum served as an important trade and commerce hub, attracting many
travelers. The region of Capernaum boasted fertile soil and a favorable climate, allowing for the
cultivation of various crops, including walnuts, palm trees, olive trees, and fruit trees.
Literary Context
Mark enters this book with a force, ensuring the reader is swiftly immersed in the unfolding
narrative. He promptly wields his paintbrush, creating a vivid portrayal of Jesus as a divine
authority, a suffering Servant of God, and the divine Son. Unlike Matthew or Luke, who delve
into the genealogy of Jesus, Mark compels the reader to pay close attention to the forerunner of
Salvation. Jesus, through his healing and teachings, imparts profound wisdom to the people,
choosing the powerful medium of parables.
5
Mark emphasizes Jesus's use of parables, stating: “And with many such parables spoke he the
word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spoke he not unto them”
(Mark 4:33-34, KJV). Through parables, Jesus illuminates familiar images from everyday life to
convey hidden divine truths. He points to God’s promises and their imminent fulfillment. Jesus,
seemingly referencing Isaiah 9, emphasizes God's commitment to honor Galilee and bring joy
and rejoicing at the harvest (Isaiah 9:3). In using this parable, Jesus speaks to the hearts of the
people, reminding them of His unyielding promises and unforgotten care.
6
Bibliography
“Mark 3.” Mark 3 KJV - - Bible Gateway. Last modified February 11, 2024. Accessed February
11, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2B3&version=KJV.
Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark. Nottingham: Apollos, 2018.
Kaiser and Moises Silva. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
2019. https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com/reader.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
