Mark and the Elijah-Elisha Narrative: Considering the Practice of Greco-Roman Imitation in the Search for Markan Source Material

Description: In this monograph Adam Winn proposes that the ancient Greco-Roman literary practice of imitation can and should be used when considering literary relationships between biblical texts. After identifying the imitative techniques found in Virgils Aeneid Winn uses those techniques as a window into Marks use of the Elijah-Elisha narrative of 1 and 2 Kings. Through careful comparisons between numerous pericopes of both respective narratives Winn argues that the Markan evangelist has at many points clearly and creatively imitated the Elijah-Elisha narrative and has relied on this narrative as a primary source. Endorsements: Since 1971 when Raymond Brown identified the Elisha narrative as a precedent for Gospel composition the Elijah-Elisha narrative has slowly been coming into focus as a literary model for Mark and now in the work of Adam Winn the detail of that insight is coming into full view. Winn reviews research applies literary criticism and weighs the data meticulously. This is the moment when the search for Marks literary sources finally begins to reach land. --Thomas L. Brodie Dominican Biblical Institute Limerick Ireland Adam Winns new book shows how the evangelist Mark drew upon the Elijah-Elisha narratives of 1-2 Kings. Winn works in a field where others have labored but he has taken care to avoid the pitfalls that have discredited previous attempts. Winn offers readers a fresh examination of Marks composition and the contribution that Israels old and respected Elijah-Elisha narratives exerted on it. Students of Mark (and the other Gospels) must engage Winns work. --Craig A. Evans Acadia Divinity College Nova Scotia Canada About the Contributor(s): Adam Winn serves as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is the author of The Purpose of Marks Gospel: An Early Christian Response to Roman Imperial Propaganda (2008).