Sunday, January 23, 2005

Place of Authorship

I find it interesting to read in the DJG the veiw that the gospel of Mark may have been writen in Rome or Italy. There are many places the gospel could have been writen which include; Decapolis, Trye, Sidon, Syria, and the East as well as Rome. The veiw of Rome or Italy is based on the fact the author uses Latinisms with-in the gospel. Two examples given are the "widows mite," and "inside the court yard." I feel the author would have used more examples than the two given, and some with greater importance than a coin and a courtyard if writen in Rome, where pagan gods were worshiped. What do you think. I do feel it would be impossible to narrow down a place of authorship with out knowing who the author is.

1 comment:

RFoster said...

Brian,

I think that if you will do a little digging, you will find more than just the two Latinisms which you mentioned (they were just examples). You might also note that many Semitic phrases and ideas are explained in Mark as well. This added phenomenon also implies a provenance beyond Israel.

Very good observation on your part, keeping thinking in this direction. I also plan on discussing this issue in an upcoming lecture. Yee-Haw!

peace,
RFoster