Summary
We find in The Gospel of Mark by William L. Lane a learned and measured exposition of the second Gospel that remains widely respected decades after its first publication. Written in 1974 under the auspices of the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT), this volume offers verse-by-verse commentary, careful attention to textual and historical issues, and a sustained theological vision of Mark as proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. The work seeks to understand both what Mark meant to his first hearers and what the gospel still means for the church today.
Lane engages critical scholarship with respect to authorship, dating, occasion, structure and theology of Mark, while refusing to sacrifice the evangelical confidence in Scripture as trustworthy and authoritative. He reads Mark as the proclamation of the Messiah and the Son of God in a context of persecution, likely under Nero, and understands the Gospel as a unified literary work with theological purpose.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
First, for a preacher or pastor seeking a balance of academic rigor and pastoral clarity there is real value in Lane’s approach. He takes the text seriously, wrestling with linguistic, historical and redaction, critical issues in the footnotes and appendices, but his exposition remains accessible and geared to the life of the church, indeed to the spiritual strengthening of believers under trial.
Second, Lane’s theological sensitivity is consistently Christ-centred and gospel-focused. He sees the evangelist’s intent not merely as the recording of events but as proclamation of who Jesus is, what he has done, and why it matters. That makes the commentary especially helpful for homiletical preparation, for pastoral teaching, and for preaching from Mark with faithfulness to both text and gospel.
Third, though older, the volume still serves as a stable foundation for understanding Mark in light of mid-20th century evangelical scholarship. For those who want a commentary that does not depend heavily on speculative modern literary theories, but rather on careful historical-grammatical exegesis rooted in evangelical confidence, this remains a work of enduring value.
Closing Recommendation
We commend The Gospel of Mark by William L. Lane as a dependable, serious, and church-worthy commentary. For pastors, preachers, or students who want a measured, gospel-centred exegesis of Mark that respects both scholarship and faith, this work remains a top choice. Its age does not undermine its usefulness; if anything its calm, thoughtful pages provide a yard-stick by which to gauge newer scholarship. We recommend obtaining a copy while it remains available in print or digital form.
William L. Lane
William L. Lane was an American New Testament scholar of the twentieth century known for clear evangelical conviction. Lane devoted much of his work to careful exegesis that served the preaching of the church. His studies in Hebrews and Mark showed a steady hand, a careful ear for the text, and a deep respect for the flow of redemptive history. Readers value his blend of scholarship and pastoral instinct. His writing speaks plainly, avoids embellishment, and keeps the preacher close to the authorial intent of Scripture. Notable works include his commentaries on Mark and Hebrews.