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Title: Who Will See 'The Kingdom of God Coming with Power' in Mark 9,1 - Protagonists or Antagonists?
Author(s): HATINA, Thomas R.
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 86    Issue: 1   Date: 2005   
Pages: 20-34
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.86.1.3191696

Abstract :
In conventional readings of Mark 9,1, the meaning of the 'kingdom of God coming with power' determines the identity of the bystanders who will supposedly experience ('see') it. Since the prediction of the kingdom is usually regarded as a blessing, it is assumed that the bystanders are protagonists. In contrast to this conventional approach, the reading proposed in this essay begins with the group(s) which will experience ('see') 'the kingdom of God coming with power', first in 9,1 and then in 13,26 and 14,62. When prior attention is given to these groups in the context of the narrative, Jesus’ prediction in Mark 9,1 emerges not as a blessing promised to the protagonists, but as a threat of judgment aimed at antagonists.

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