Craig S. Keener provides an in-depth critical and exegetical commentary of the first four chapters of Gospel of Mark in this first of four volumes of commentary on the Markan text. Keener brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary and theological - to provide a complete overview and understanding of this crucial Christian document. Keener incorporates new evidence available in the field and applies new methods of studies. As is a hallmark of the series, the volumes on Mark are not bound by a single theological or critical approach. Keener's own distinctive approach brings great erudition and scholarly expertise with careful and comprehensive consideration of every aspect of the text. This first volume of commentary covers the start of Mark's Gospel, the commissioning of the twelve disciples, the baptism of Jesus, and gives full attention to the teaching of Jesus in parables, and the culmination of this section of the Gospel in the calming of the storm.