Tony Burke

The Gospel on the Margins

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“New Testament scholars love the Gospel of Mark. It is our earliest portrayal of Jesus but also the most unorthodox; its origins are well-documented in antiquity, yet, with good reason, most of us discount this evidence. It confounds and delights. Michael J. Kok does much to dispel some of the mysteries behind the creation and early reception of the Gospel, bolstering Willi Braun’s theory that early church writers were ambivalent to Mark because of its appreciation by so-called ‘heretics.’ He carefully adjudicates between previous approaches to the evidence, showing particular caution in his treatment of the still-controversial Secret Gospel of Mark (wisely reserved for discussion in an appendix), which, if authentic, would contribute much to his argument. In all, the book is a deftly-written, comprehensive resource for those seeking answers to Mark’s most challenging questions.”

The Magi

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Vanden Eykel steps around questions of the historicity of the Magi to focus on tracing their literary journey, from their origin in the Gospel of Matthew through selected ancient and modern transformations and interpretations. With wisdom and whimsy, Vanden Eykel gently guides readers through a detailed scholarly examination of the tale and effectively demonstrates how the brevity of the Magi's story invites other writers to supplement and adapt their search for a king for new audiences and new contexts. It is a thoroughly entertaining introduction not only to the story of the Magi but to ways of reading that can be used for all biblical narratives.”