The Baptismal Episode as Trinitarian Narrative: Proto-Trinitarian Structures in Mark's Conception of God

Abstract

This thesis examines the concept of 'God' in Mark's Gospel, with particular emphasis on the baptismal scene of 1:9-11. The introduction outlines the previous research on the subject. Despite recent contributions, the nature of the relation between God, Jesus, and the Spirit is still understudied. Chapter 1 discusses the preliminary question of the extent and function of Mark's prologue and Mark's use of the Old Testament. Chapter 2 argues that the beginning and end of the prologue (1:2-3 and 1:14-15) concerning the coming of the Lord, the good news, and the coming of God's kingdom, must be related with each other and establish the context for interpreting the baptismal narrative. This chapter also examines Jewish monotheism and argues that God is known in his actions and relations. Chapter 3 argues that the torn heaven at the baptism alludes to the plea for God to tear open the heavens in Isaiah 63:19. This is linked with the tearing of the temple veil in 15:38. Chapter 4 examines allusions of the divine voice to Psalm 2 and Isaiah 42, and especially its function in revealing the identity of Jesus. The chapter also argues for the narrative unveiling of Jesus as the Son of God, and thus also of God as the Father of Jesus. Chapter 5 argues that the Spirit's descent is an anointing of Jesus and has a critical function in the coming of the kingdom and the defeat of Satan. The identity of the Spirit is examined and found to be divine yet distinct within God. The final chapter proposes that Mark has a proto- and narrative trinitarian conception of God and that later trinitarian doctrine is a response to pressure exerted by texts such as this one. The appendix further examines the open heaven motif in depth.