The Function of Exorcism Stories in Mark's Gospel

This book investigates stories of Jesus' exorcisms in the Gospel of Mark. The story of Jesus' first public ministry in the synagogue (Mark 1:21-28) and the Beelzebul controversy story (3:20-30) are examined to understand the other acts of exorcism that Jesus performed (5:1-20; 7:24-30; 9:14-32). Both Mark 1:21-28 and 3:20-30 highlight Jesus as a teacher and as an eschatological exorcist. The latter stresses Jesus' own understanding of exorcism and relates his identity with that of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the first two exorcism stories in Mark's Gospel confirm Jesus as the bearer of the kingdom of God. The motif of discipleship, which is evident in both stories, contributes to delineating Jesus' christological identity as the Son of God, as indicated by the incipit of Mark's Gospel (Mark 1:1).
Markan exorcism stories in Mark 5:1-20; 7:24-30; and 9:14-29 further develop the presentation of Jesus' exorcisms and other primary motifs. The motifs of authority, identity, and mission confirm the christological identity of Jesus within gentile territory, and are an important part of his mission to the gentiles. Jesus' specific mission in Mark 9:14-29 presents the exorcism that Jesus performed in the context of his role in both death and resurrection. In this way, Jesus as the bearer of the kingdom of God defeats the kingdom of Beelzebul.


""The publication of Andreas Hauw's doctoral dissertation is a welcome contribution to an area often neglected in academic research: exorcism. . . . This book is well researched and written in a readable style that makes it accessible to non-specialists in addition to the intended scholarly audience.""
--Michaelis C. Dippenaar, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Tainan Theological College and Seminary, Taiwan

""In the Gospel of Mark, more than in other Gospels, exorcism constitutes an integral part of Jesus' ministry. . . . This book of Andreas Hauw offers a meticulous as well as holistic approach to the stories of exorcism done by Jesus.""
--Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan, O.Carm, Roman Catholic Bishop of Malang and Professor of New Testament at STFT Widya Sasana, Malang, Indonesia

""Exorcism is a neglected theme in Western biblical hermeneutics. Christians who live in areas where people regard the cosmos as being spirit-filled--such as in South East Asia (including Singapore)--will surely benefit from the publication of Andreas Hauw's scholarly examination of this theme in the Gospel of Mark.""
--Gerrit E. Singgih, Professor of Old Testament at Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

"". . . exorcism accounts are an essential part of fulfilling Mark's purpose in demonstrating the identity of Jesus, the purpose of his mission, and its implications for his disciples. This work is a significant contribution to modern Christology.""
--Elim Hiu, minister in charge of English Ministries CECA Petra, Sydney, Australia

""Few books discuss the complex concept of exorcism from such a thorough and solid b...