Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 64:4 (Dec 2021)
Article: Markan Epistemology And The Problem Of Incomprehension
Author: Mateus F. de Campos

JETS 64:4 (December 2021) p. 745

Markan Epistemology And The Problem Of Incomprehension

Mateus F. de Campos*

* Mateus F. de Campos is Assistant Professor of NT, Director of Discipleship, and the Dean of the Hamilton Campus at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 130 Essex St., South Hamilton, MA 01982. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: Mark employs several cognitive terms in his narrative in the context of discussions concerning Jesus’s identity, his authority, his parables, his deeds, and his teaching. More significantly, cognitive terminology is used to signal one of the main themes of Mark’s account—incomprehension. The Gospel creates a distinction between those who are given the mystery of the Kingdom, and those on the outside, to whom everything is “in parables” (Mark 4:11–12). However, the insiders are often portrayed as dense and oblivious to Jesus. This conundrum leads to questions about Mark’s epistemology. How does one acquire knowledge in Mark’s narrative world? Where does knowledge come from? How is it appropriated? How does it relate to Jesus? This article argues that Mark’s epistemology is derived from his preferred scriptural frameworks, Exodus and Isaiah, where knowledge is both revelatory and responsive.

Key words: Gospel of Mark, epistemology, incomprehension, religious authorities, disciples, Exodus, Isaiah, mighty deeds, revelation, response

In Mark 4:11–13, Jesus makes a distinction between a group to whom the mystery of the kingdom of God is given, and a group of outsiders, to whom everything remains “in parables.” The distinction is established in epistemic terms. Those who are outsiders “do not understand” (μὴ συνιῶσιν). By implication, those who are given the mystery are supposed to understand. This dualistic logic, however, is immediately broken in the next verse, when Jesus asks his disciples, the insiders: “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (Mark 4:13). This failure in relation to the parables proves to be a deeper epistemic failure in the experience of the disciples as characters in the narrative. From this point forward they will fail to understand nearly everything there is to know about Jesus—his identity, his cruciform mission, the significance of his miracles, and his teaching. This conundrum introduces questions about Mark’s epistemology. How does one acquire knowledge in Mark’s narrative world? Where does knowledge come from? How is it appropriated? How does it relate to Jesus?

Mark employs severa...