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. In short, the events of Mark 11–12 comprise an extended temple antitype.

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. In specific contexts in Mark’s narrative (e.g., Mark 8:17, Mark 11:17-18), where potential linkages with the Greek version of Jeremiah’s prophecy occur, the author demonstrates the potential contribution of the Greek version to the reader's understanding of Mark’s purpose.

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.