From Q to "Secret" Mark A Composition History of the Earliest Narrative Theology

The literary complexity and the theological nuances of the Gospel of Mark did not spring from the evangelist's pen at a single sitting. The evangelist we call "Mark" composed segments of our present gospel for different situations, over an extended period of time, perhaps several decades, and the present text reflects the mature, spiritual reflection on the nature of discipleship. In this provocative book, Humphrey challenges the traditional view that Mark was simply an editor drawing together different sources to put together his gospel. Humphrey describes two major segments-really two different compositions-of Mark. It is clear, he argues, that there was a narrative version of the "Q" tradition as well as a "Passion Narrative" in Mark. Mark composes the gospel by weaving Q and the Passion Narrative and adding an emphasis upon discipleship. The deeper theological reflection provides what Mark called the "mystery of the Kingdom of God" (4:11) and what Clement of Alexandria calls Mark's "secret gospel." Humphrey focuses on distinguishing the narrative interests that disclose the ultimate righteous teacher of God's Kingdom (Son of God), the suffering Christ, and the lessons for discipleship. The gospel of Mark results not from an editor working on unattested documents but on the ever-maturing theological reflection of "Mark." This reconstruction of Mark's gospel serves to highlight the talent, depth, and personality of its author as well as Mark's handling of traditions about Jesus in a way that provides a useful paradigm for the Church today. Book jacket.

Hugh M. Humphrey is Professor of Religious Studies at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut