Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 35:4 (Dec 1992)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

---

JETS 35:4 (December 1992) p. 531

Book Reviews

Mark, Volume One: Jesus, Servant and Savior. By R. Kent Hughes. Westchester: Crossway, 1989, 224 pp., $12.95. Mark, Volume Two: Jesus, Servant and Savior. By R. Kent Hughes. Westchester: Crossway, 1989, 249 pp., $12.95.

This two-volume expositional set will quickly strike the reader as having genuine warmth, appeal and strength. The books reflect the warmth of a preacher who is faithfully expounding God’s Word to his congregation. It is encouraging to know that there continues to be a love for a steady diet of God’s Word.

This is not a commentary, nor is there any pretense as to its being one. It is a part of the new Preaching the Word series. One or two volumes of this series are to be released each year, and each is to be written by Hughes, pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. We are told that the series is to be “noted especially for its unqualified commitment to Biblical authority, clear exposition of Scripture, readability, and practical application.” Also the series is to be “an ideal resource for pastors, teachers, and for personal Bible study.” These stated purposes are attained in this two-volume set.

The words “Jesus, Servant and Savior” are based on Mark 10:45, and thus the introductory chapter centers on this theme text. We are given a very brief yet good background on the gospel of Mark before the author develops the theme. Hughes also poses these questions in the introductory chapter: “What will it (fresh study of one of the Bible’s books) make of me? What will it make of the people I influence…? What is this indepth study of the Gospel of Mark going to make of you and me?” (p. 13). I found myself asking these same questions, and I appreciated the manner in which Hughes challenged me personally to apply the Word of God and to come into God’s presence.

It is noteworthy that W. Kaiser regards this new series as an evangelical version of what W. Barclay did, presumably with his Daily Study Bible. I believe this comparison is in order and noted this particularly in the format of the introduction and in Hughes’ writing style. Hence I am excited to recommend this as a tremendous resource for personal Bible study for everyone.

Hughes’ homiletical expositions take us through the entire book of Mark, unit by unit. Mark 1 receives several expositions, but each is relatively short, averaging about six pages (the same length basically throughout the books). Readers will appreciate the well-organized chapters as each is subdivided thematically. For example Mark 6:45–52, where Jesus walks on the water,...

visitor : : uid: ()