O. Wesley Allen, Jr., is the Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and the codirector of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence. He is a homiletician and New Testament scholar who brings his expertise in the Synoptic Gospels together with a conversational model of preaching. Allen has authored and edited over thirty books, including The Homiletic of All Believers: A Conversational Approach; The Preacher’s Bible Handbook; and Preaching and the Thirty-Second Commercial: Lessons from Advertising for the Pulpit with Carrie La Ferle. Allen is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and past president of the Academy of Homiletics.

"Wes Allen's The Gospel of Mark is a work of homiletical, exegetical, and theological depth. The genius of his interpretation is seen in the rich harvest of theological, homiletical insights it yields for contemporary preachers in complex contexts. Each passage includes general suggestions for preaching, followed by an analysis of literary context, theological and homiletical reflections, and exegetical notes. This magisterial work should be on the shelf of every biblical scholar and preacher!"—Alyce McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship Emeritus, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "I have been in New Testament studies and preaching since 1968. Once in a generation, a commentary comes along that opens a window on a biblical book in new and compelling ways. Allen's The Gospel of Mark is that book for the early twenty-first century, as Allen sees the second Gospel as itself a parable intended to get inside the minds, hearts, and behaviors of an unfaithful congregation and awaken them to want to turn toward faithfulness and to join the movement toward the present and coming realm of God. Even better: Allen leads readers in theological reflection and lifts up homiletical possibilities. I have never said this about any other commentary, but I believe this work is so comprehensive that it is the only commentary a preacher needs on the Gospel of Mark."—Ronald J. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, and Gospels and Letters, Christian Theological Seminary "In this splendid scholarly commentary on Mark’s Gospel, Allen has given preachers two fine gifts. He provides provocative, homiletically stimulating comments on every passage in Mark, and he shows the literary and theological connections throughout that show how this Gospel works together as a whole. Any preacher who reads this book will be invigorated with renewed excitement to preach the great 'parable' that is the Gospel of Mark."—Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology "Allen was classically trained as a New Testament scholar and has spent decades preaching and teaching preaching. His ability to combine exegetical rigor and homiletical vision is everywhere evident in this substantial contribution to the understanding—and communication—of Mark's distinctive version of the good news. Here at last, and not a moment too soon, is that rarest of books: a large commentary on a Gospel that is also, and impressively, useful. Allen's clear prose, cogent judgment, and creative theological reflection make this a book every serious preacher will appreciate."—Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University  "Allen’s commentary on Mark works so well because it’s written with preachers in mind. Word-level commentary is blended with notes on literary structure and context, alongside reflections for preaching, all framed by Allen's assertion that Mark’s Gospel should be read as a parable written for a community of believers struggling to find their way in complicated and traumatic times. Veteran preachers in search of fresh ideas and new preachers who don't know where to start will find wisdom in these pages."—Lee Hull Moses, Senior Minister, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis "The most useful commentaries for preachers perform two distinctive tasks: They offer thorough analysis of individual passages, and they connect each passage with pervasive themes and the overarching theological rhetoric of a biblical book. The first task proves especially handy for late-week sermon writing; the second for long-range planning to facilitate a congregation’s deeper, thoughtful engagement with Scripture. Allen's treatment of Mark devotes itself to both tasks, with a theological generosity and an approachable style that readers will find welcoming and stimulating for their callings to preach good news."—Matthew L, Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary "Allen invites preachers and all clergy and laity alike to a fresh reading of Mark’s story of Jesus. By analyzing every component of the Gospel within its overarching framework and function as an extended parable, Allen enables Mark’s readers to understand the Gospel as a fully and deftly integrated narrative. The result is a stirring interpretation that ushers readers into a new experience of Mark’s theology and message. Sophisticated in approach and rich in insight, the book's style and format are yet very accessible, making the book an ideal theological and homiletical companion throughout Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary."—Mary F. Foskett, Wake Forest Kahle Professor and John Thomas Albritton Fellow, Department for the Study of Religions, Wake Forest University "This lucidly written commentary makes a bold case for the unsettling nature of our earliest Gospel. Allen presents Mark as a parabolic performance that uses ambiguities, ironic reversals, and unexpected narratological shifts to create a salutary crisis of understanding for those who follow Jesus. Guiding preachers skillfully through the liminal terrain of Markan proclamation, Allen argues that Mark disrupts theological triumphalism as a pastoral strategy, bearing witness to a crucified Savior whose power has been made manifest in conditions of suffering and despair."—Carolyn J. Sharp, Professor of Homiletics, Yale Divinity School

O. Wesley Allen, Jr., is the Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and the codirector of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence. He is a homiletician and New Testament scholar who brings his expertise in the Synoptic Gospels together with a conversational model of preaching. Allen has authored and edited over thirty books, including The Homiletic of All Believers: A Conversational Approach; The Preacher’s Bible Handbook; and Preaching and the Thirty-Second Commercial: Lessons from Advertising for the Pulpit with Carrie La Ferle. Allen is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and past president of the Academy of Homiletics.

"Wes Allen's The Gospel of Mark is a work of homiletical, exegetical, and theological depth. The genius of his interpretation is seen in the rich harvest of theological, homiletical insights it yields for contemporary preachers in complex contexts. Each passage includes general suggestions for preaching, followed by an analysis of literary context, theological and homiletical reflections, and exegetical notes. This magisterial work should be on the shelf of every biblical scholar and preacher!"—Alyce McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship Emeritus, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "I have been in New Testament studies and preaching since 1968. Once in a generation, a commentary comes along that opens a window on a biblical book in new and compelling ways. Allen's The Gospel of Mark is that book for the early twenty-first century, as Allen sees the second Gospel as itself a parable intended to get inside the minds, hearts, and behaviors of an unfaithful congregation and awaken them to want to turn toward faithfulness and to join the movement toward the present and coming realm of God. Even better: Allen leads readers in theological reflection and lifts up homiletical possibilities. I have never said this about any other commentary, but I believe this work is so comprehensive that it is the only commentary a preacher needs on the Gospel of Mark."—Ronald J. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, and Gospels and Letters, Christian Theological Seminary "In this splendid scholarly commentary on Mark’s Gospel, Allen has given preachers two fine gifts. He provides provocative, homiletically stimulating comments on every passage in Mark, and he shows the literary and theological connections throughout that show how this Gospel works together as a whole. Any preacher who reads this book will be invigorated with renewed excitement to preach the great 'parable' that is the Gospel of Mark."—Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology "Allen was classically trained as a New Testament scholar and has spent decades preaching and teaching preaching. His ability to combine exegetical rigor and homiletical vision is everywhere evident in this substantial contribution to the understanding—and communication—of Mark's distinctive version of the good news. Here at last, and not a moment too soon, is that rarest of books: a large commentary on a Gospel that is also, and impressively, useful. Allen's clear prose, cogent judgment, and creative theological reflection make this a book every serious preacher will appreciate."—Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University  "Allen’s commentary on Mark works so well because it’s written with preachers in mind. Word-level commentary is blended with notes on literary structure and context, alongside reflections for preaching, all framed by Allen's assertion that Mark’s Gospel should be read as a parable written for a community of believers struggling to find their way in complicated and traumatic times. Veteran preachers in search of fresh ideas and new preachers who don't know where to start will find wisdom in these pages."—Lee Hull Moses, Senior Minister, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis "The most useful commentaries for preachers perform two distinctive tasks: They offer thorough analysis of individual passages, and they connect each passage with pervasive themes and the overarching theological rhetoric of a biblical book. The first task proves especially handy for late-week sermon writing; the second for long-range planning to facilitate a congregation’s deeper, thoughtful engagement with Scripture. Allen's treatment of Mark devotes itself to both tasks, with a theological generosity and an approachable style that readers will find welcoming and stimulating for their callings to preach good news."—Matthew L, Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary "Allen invites preachers and all clergy and laity alike to a fresh reading of Mark’s story of Jesus. By analyzing every component of the Gospel within its overarching framework and function as an extended parable, Allen enables Mark’s readers to understand the Gospel as a fully and deftly integrated narrative. The result is a stirring interpretation that ushers readers into a new experience of Mark’s theology and message. Sophisticated in approach and rich in insight, the book's style and format are yet very accessible, making the book an ideal theological and homiletical companion throughout Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary."—Mary F. Foskett, Wake Forest Kahle Professor and John Thomas Albritton Fellow, Department for the Study of Religions, Wake Forest University "This lucidly written commentary makes a bold case for the unsettling nature of our earliest Gospel. Allen presents Mark as a parabolic performance that uses ambiguities, ironic reversals, and unexpected narratological shifts to create a salutary crisis of understanding for those who follow Jesus. Guiding preachers skillfully through the liminal terrain of Markan proclamation, Allen argues that Mark disrupts theological triumphalism as a pastoral strategy, bearing witness to a crucified Savior whose power has been made manifest in conditions of suffering and despair."—Carolyn J. Sharp, Professor of Homiletics, Yale Divinity School

O. Wesley Allen, Jr., is the Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and the codirector of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence. He is a homiletician and New Testament scholar who brings his expertise in the Synoptic Gospels together with a conversational model of preaching. Allen has authored and edited over thirty books, including The Homiletic of All Believers: A Conversational Approach; The Preacher’s Bible Handbook; and Preaching and the Thirty-Second Commercial: Lessons from Advertising for the Pulpit with Carrie La Ferle. Allen is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and past president of the Academy of Homiletics.

"Wes Allen's The Gospel of Mark is a work of homiletical, exegetical, and theological depth. The genius of his interpretation is seen in the rich harvest of theological, homiletical insights it yields for contemporary preachers in complex contexts. Each passage includes general suggestions for preaching, followed by an analysis of literary context, theological and homiletical reflections, and exegetical notes. This magisterial work should be on the shelf of every biblical scholar and preacher!"—Alyce McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship Emeritus, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "I have been in New Testament studies and preaching since 1968. Once in a generation, a commentary comes along that opens a window on a biblical book in new and compelling ways. Allen's The Gospel of Mark is that book for the early twenty-first century, as Allen sees the second Gospel as itself a parable intended to get inside the minds, hearts, and behaviors of an unfaithful congregation and awaken them to want to turn toward faithfulness and to join the movement toward the present and coming realm of God. Even better: Allen leads readers in theological reflection and lifts up homiletical possibilities. I have never said this about any other commentary, but I believe this work is so comprehensive that it is the only commentary a preacher needs on the Gospel of Mark."—Ronald J. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, and Gospels and Letters, Christian Theological Seminary "In this splendid scholarly commentary on Mark’s Gospel, Allen has given preachers two fine gifts. He provides provocative, homiletically stimulating comments on every passage in Mark, and he shows the literary and theological connections throughout that show how this Gospel works together as a whole. Any preacher who reads this book will be invigorated with renewed excitement to preach the great 'parable' that is the Gospel of Mark."—Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology "Allen was classically trained as a New Testament scholar and has spent decades preaching and teaching preaching. His ability to combine exegetical rigor and homiletical vision is everywhere evident in this substantial contribution to the understanding—and communication—of Mark's distinctive version of the good news. Here at last, and not a moment too soon, is that rarest of books: a large commentary on a Gospel that is also, and impressively, useful. Allen's clear prose, cogent judgment, and creative theological reflection make this a book every serious preacher will appreciate."—Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University  "Allen’s commentary on Mark works so well because it’s written with preachers in mind. Word-level commentary is blended with notes on literary structure and context, alongside reflections for preaching, all framed by Allen's assertion that Mark’s Gospel should be read as a parable written for a community of believers struggling to find their way in complicated and traumatic times. Veteran preachers in search of fresh ideas and new preachers who don't know where to start will find wisdom in these pages."—Lee Hull Moses, Senior Minister, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis "The most useful commentaries for preachers perform two distinctive tasks: They offer thorough analysis of individual passages, and they connect each passage with pervasive themes and the overarching theological rhetoric of a biblical book. The first task proves especially handy for late-week sermon writing; the second for long-range planning to facilitate a congregation’s deeper, thoughtful engagement with Scripture. Allen's treatment of Mark devotes itself to both tasks, with a theological generosity and an approachable style that readers will find welcoming and stimulating for their callings to preach good news."—Matthew L, Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary "Allen invites preachers and all clergy and laity alike to a fresh reading of Mark’s story of Jesus. By analyzing every component of the Gospel within its overarching framework and function as an extended parable, Allen enables Mark’s readers to understand the Gospel as a fully and deftly integrated narrative. The result is a stirring interpretation that ushers readers into a new experience of Mark’s theology and message. Sophisticated in approach and rich in insight, the book's style and format are yet very accessible, making the book an ideal theological and homiletical companion throughout Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary."—Mary F. Foskett, Wake Forest Kahle Professor and John Thomas Albritton Fellow, Department for the Study of Religions, Wake Forest University "This lucidly written commentary makes a bold case for the unsettling nature of our earliest Gospel. Allen presents Mark as a parabolic performance that uses ambiguities, ironic reversals, and unexpected narratological shifts to create a salutary crisis of understanding for those who follow Jesus. Guiding preachers skillfully through the liminal terrain of Markan proclamation, Allen argues that Mark disrupts theological triumphalism as a pastoral strategy, bearing witness to a crucified Savior whose power has been made manifest in conditions of suffering and despair."—Carolyn J. Sharp, Professor of Homiletics, Yale Divinity School