The book of Genesis is a book about how the universe, the earth and its creatures, faith, and the community of faith all began. At its heart, however, Genesis is a statement of faith. The stories in this book testify that all reality begins with God and that nothing exists except by the will and power of God. These stories tell us that, if we push each question of 'Why?' or 'How?' about our world to its ultimate end, the answer must be: God.

* Revised and updated * Based on the NRSV and NIV translations * Covers every book verse by verse * Each volume also contains maps, charts, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary *

* Revised and updated * Based on the NRSV and NIV translations * Covers every book verse by verse * Each volume also contains maps, charts, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary * Available in sets or individually

* Revised and updated * Based on the NRSV and NIV translations * Covers every book verse by verse * Each volume also contains maps, charts, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary *

In this commentary we will examine some of the most extraordinary writing and individuals found in the entire Bible. We know them as prophets. During the long and often troubled history of Israel, uniquely gifted individuals emerged as spokesmen for God. These messengers were of various backgrounds and from different parts of the nation.

We do not know who wrote the Gospel of Mark. According to Eusebius (fourth century), Papias, a bishop of the second century, reported the tradition that Mark was composed by (John) Mark based upon the recollections of Peter. The customary date for Mark is around A.D. 70, at about the time of the Jewish revolt against Rome. Of course, no one really knows and the Gospel does not say.