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Mark 8:34
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
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Interpretation

Jesus teaches a deny self that is embodied in solitude and community. Mark 8:34: trace "himself" and "called". Choose deny self in hospitality and listening—brighten hope by remembering.

Context

In Mark (Gospel Narrative), highlighting deny self. Within ch. 8, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “himself” and “called”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early sources associate Mark with John Mark (assistant of Peter). In current research on Mark, Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.. Scholars commonly date Mark AD 65–70. Discipleship unfolds along the road to the cross. Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later. A compact, vivid narrative often seen as an early gospel source.

More details
Traditional:John Mark (assistant of Peter)
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.
Date:AD 65–70
  • Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but leave the overall message intact.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46