The Gospel of Mark

Mark 15: Limited good

Mark 15 features two lêstai, social bandits (Malina and Rohrbaugh: 270-271, 275) crucified alongside Jesus. These bandits, in addition to the murderous revolutionist Barabbas, represent the continuous struggle between the centralized temple economy, with its cooperative contracts with the Roman prefect, and peasant communities who are forced to support its position of authority, privilege, and luxury.

From V. K. Robbins, Exploring the Texture of Texts, (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1996), p. 85.

Back to index of Markan examples

For other examples of social and cultural texture, click here.