Jesus the Teacher

"This book makes an important, indeed a groundbreaking, contribution to Markan studies. Not only does it address a lacuna in these studies, but it does so by means of an innovative methodology... that permits a satisfying integration of the Jewish background of Mark's Gospel with its Greco-Roman background while retaining a sensitivity to the literary dimensions of the text as well as an interest in its reader. Robbins has accomplished a remarkable feat... Markan studies are certain to benefit greatly from this work." -Jouette M. Bassler> "Robbins proposes a challenging alternative to current approaches to the study of Mark by demonstrating that its literary qualities are inseparable from ancient social conventions in which Greco-Roman traditions are no less relevant than those of the Old Testament and early Judaism. This book is a major contribution to Markan scholarship as well as an incisive critique of some of the self-imposed limitations of contemporary New Testament research." -David E. Aune> "In this important contribution of Markan studies, Robbins demonstrates that contemporary approaches to the New Testament can lead to genuinely new and fruitful insights." -Richard I. Pervo> "This volume breaks new ground in Markan study in the areas of historical background, genre, structure, plot, and theology... It contains more fresh ideas than most books of its size." -Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. Catholic Biblical Quarterly