This article shows how Mark 11–Mark 12, and the Old Testament quotations therein, expound typological correspondences with Israel’s historic temple. That temple is judged and a new temple is erected, the temple of the community of Christ's followers. In the process, Mark 11:24 becomes clear: “whatever you ask in prayer” is meant in reference to the ministrations of the temple now fulfilled in such followers.

This article suggests that a close reading of the Septuagint translation of Jeremiah reveals that his prophetic message influences the way Mark portrays Jesus’ words and deeds.

How important is a good understanding of the cultural world of the early Christians? This article wants to examine carefully Jesus' encounter with some of his adversaries narrated in Mark 11:27-33. The author highlights the way that the values of honour and shame functioned in Mediterranean culture, and illumines the text at crucial points.

How does a historian need to view supernatural events or miracles? This article argues for the historicity of the miracles and surveys some of the difficult passages in this regard: Mark 4:35-41, Mark 6:32-44, Mark 11:12-14, and John 2:1-11. Blomberg also asks the question whether Matthew 17:27 functions as a pure metaphor.