Is Mark\u27s Gospel an Apology for the Cross

Robert H. Gundry\u27s impressive and detailed commentary on the Gospel of Mark is a book built on a central thesis, that Mark wrote an apology for the cross. Mark presented Jesus as a powerful and supernatural savior in order to reach Gentile unbelievers who were stumbling over the shamefulness of the crucifixion. This article argues that the description of miracles within Mark\u27s Gospel, the teaching of Jesus on discipleship, and the passion narrative itself, all create problems for Gundry\u27s approach to Mark\u27s audience