The Theological Programme of Mark

In this study, Francesco Filannino focuses on the introductory section of Mark's Gospel (Mark 1:1-15), which scholars believe to be the key to understanding the whole narrative of Mark. In it, one can recognise an incipit (Mark 1:1) and a proper introduction (Mark 1:2-15). The author studies the text of Mark 1:1, 2-15 through a detailed exegesis which attempts to combine diachronic and synchronic approaches. Exegetical analysis highlights the theological contents of this section, which can be classified within the most important poles of Marcan theology: Christology, eschatology, soteriology, and discipleship. The purpose of the study is to show that the incipit and the introduction of the Second Gospel represent a programmatic anticipation of the contents of each of these theological poles and end up by constituting a "miniature" of the theology of the Second Gospel.