Explore one of the most enigmatic gospels with a celebrated New Testament scholar.

Most scholars agree that the Gospel according to Mark is the earliest of the four canonical gospels. It is also the shortest, with swift dramatic turns throughout its fast-paced narrative. Because of its brevity, Mark's Gospel leaves many questions unanswered, and it has often been overlooked in the history of Christianity. As you will discover, though, Mark's Gospel is compelling in its combination of simplicity and sophistication. This audio course guides you through Mark's Gospel sequentially, offering you fresh insights and a deeper understanding of its overall shape and message. Prof. Ian Boxall, an esteemed Oxford professor for 20 years, presents each lecture with an erudite yet accessible style. This 12-lecture Bible study course will help you become more perceptive about Mark's challenging book. Under Prof. Boxall's expert guidance, you will explore what makes the Gospel of Mark unique. You will meet major and minor characters alike, and you will come to appreciate the "untamed" aspects of this Gospel, which embody the traditional symbol for St. Mark: the Lion. Along the way, you will explore such fascinating topics as Mark's presentation of Jesus, his use of parables, his symbolic use of geography, and his depiction of the disciples.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.