In this study Francesco Filannino focuses on the introductory section of Mark's Gospel (Mark
1:1-15) which scholars believe to be the key to understanding the whole narrative of Mark. In
it one can recognise an incipit (Mark 1:1) and a proper introduction (Mark 1:2-15). The author
studies the text of Mark 1:1 2-15 through a detailed exegesis which attempts to combine
diachronic and synchronic approaches. Exegetical analysis highlights the theological contents
of this section which can be classified within the most important poles of Marcan theology:
Christology eschatology soteriology and discipleship. The purpose of the study is to show
that the incipit and the introduction of the Second Gospel represent a programmatic
anticipation of the contents of each of these theological poles and end up by constituting a
miniature of the theology of the Second Gospel.
