In this book the author explores how contexts determine the meaning of embedded scripture texts in the Gospel of Mark. Many historical critics base their readings on a context that is external to MarkÆs story world, be it a reconstructed socio-religious setting of the evangelist, a Jewish exegetical tradition or some earlier stage in the development of the gospel. What is common to these readings is the neglect for the context of the story world- the very context in which scripture quotations and allusions are embedded. The author proposes a method of reading these embedded texts that is sensitive to the story world, though not at the expense of the historical setting in which the gospel was written. Jesus' announcement in 1:15 concerning the kingdom of God serves as the point of entrance into Mark's story world.

Nadine Gordimer's many novels include THE LYING DAYS, THE CONSERVATIONIST, joint winner of the Booker Prize, BURGER'S DAUGHTER, JULY'S PEOPLE, MY SON'S STORY, NONE TO ACCOMPANY ME, A GUEST OF HONOUR and THE HOUSE GUN. Her collections of short stories include SOMETHING OUT THERE and JUMP. In 1991 she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. She lives in South Africa.