Jesus the Teacher: A Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation of Mark

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 interest in its reader...Robbins has accomplished a remarkable feat...Markan studies are certain to benefit greatly from this work. — Jouette M. Bassler, Journal of Biblical Literature

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Introduction to paperback: online
Chapter 1: Comparative Analysis of the Gospel of Mark: online

Robbins proposes a challenging alternative to current approaches to the study of Mark by demonstrating that its literacy 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 contemorary New Testament research — David Aune, Loyola School of Theology