His interactions with them expose contemporary society to detailed examination and cause conflict. What distinguishes Mark from other examples of this genre in Greco-Roman literature is the connection with Hebraic traditions, both of the authors and, one would have to add, those of his readers. Schildgen recognizes that strict adherence to one particular genre type has eluded scholars. The message of Jesus and his story reflect the power of sacred memory. As a technique it allows Mark to interpret the larger narrative frame of events, stop crisis time, and convey a message to the reader.
Fear is the source for every crisis in Mark, providing the motive behind every major event.
They represent communal acts, sending the newly created community back into ordinary time with a new understanding. Readers of this book will not always agree with the author's interpretive conclusions. But these unique and well-researched studies not only advance our understanding of temporal and narrative relationships in the Gospel of Mark, they provide a pattern for future studies on the ways in which narrative time can inform our understanding of such biblical texts as the Gospel of John and Revelation.