06-05-2012, 10:23 PM
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#42
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bronx, NY
Posts: 945
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The interpretation that I've always understood is that the disciples could make no progress without Jesus. Without him there were contrary winds which ceased when he joined them. Similar, but with a different emphasis.
Also, do you know " The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark (or via: amazon.co.uk)". Homeric influence would be consistent with your argument.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeWallack
JW:
The purpose of this Thread is to Inventory evidence that "Mark" intended to write a significantly Fictional narrative. This is an expansion of my previous Thread:
Mark's DiualCritical Marks. Presentation Of Names As Evidence Of Fiction
We begin once again with superior Skeptic correspondent Neal Godfree:
Matthew’s “misunderstanding” of Mark’s miracle stories
Quote:
Compare Mark’s and Matthew’s versions (even in English translation the pertinent differences are clear enough). First, Mark. I have highlighted in bold type the differences:
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
And he saw them straining in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
...
Mark’s original meaning
In my previous discussion of this miracle I showed how each one of those features, removed by Matthew, placed Mark’s version of the miracle within the broader theological context of the entire gospel.
That Jesus would have passed the disciples (and then have gone on before them) is a regular motif with metaphorical significance throughout Mark, from the first callings of the disciples through to the last message to be delivered to them. Having already called his disciples Jesus was expecting them to continue to follow him.
That the disciples were said to be “straining at rowing” here recalls the time when Jesus first called the disciples. The focus here, as then, is on the physical efforts of the disciples. (Then they were working at trying to catch fish, mending their nets, and sitting at the tax collection post. Now they are in serious difficulties as they attempt to row against the wind.) Both Jesus and the disciples are going in the same direction, to Bethsaida (= “the house of the fisherman/fishing”). Jesus had called them to become fishers of men. It is (ought to be) clear to the reader that if the disciples want to also reach Bethsaida all they need to do is climb out of the boat that is taking them nowhere and follow Jesus.
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JW:
Neal notes the following characteristics of the individual story which are evidence of intentional Fiction:
1) Jesus passing the Disciples and expecting them to follow him is a Theme of the Gospel as a whole.
2) The Disciples fail to Recognize Jesus and have no Faith in him. Themes of the Gospel as a whole.
3) The destination is Bethsaida = House of fishing, another in a long list of Contrived names.
4) "Matthew" takes "Mark's" story as too fictional and exorcises the most fictional parts (in his mind).
Joseph
STORY, n.
A narrative, commonly untrue. The truth of the stories here following has, however, not been successfully impeached.
"Mark's" Fourth Philosophy Source (After Imagination, Paul & Jewish Bible) = Josephus
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