Wednesday, November 19, 2008

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15)

Mark's sequence is the same as Matthew's, the baptism is followed by the temptation which is followed by John's arrest which is followed by the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Matthew is explicit that Jesus offered the same message as John: "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2) Mark is is, at best, implicit.

The time: this age, a measure, this specific phase, this state of existence...

has come: is fulfilled, made whole, consumated, completed, is executed...

the kingdom of God is near: approaching, joining, imminent, closing in, at hand...

Repent: change your mind, turn around, perceive anew, look again...

and believe: be persuaded, have confidence, be faithful, trust, be entrusted...

in the gospel: in glad tidings, good news, wonderful message or messanger.

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