Christ the Savior-Holy Spirit Orthodox Church
Archpriest Steven C. Kostoff
4285 Ashland Ave, Cincinnati OH 45212 - (513) 351-0907

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2026 Summer Bible Study - Mark 11-16

Summer Bible Study

Mark 11-16

Beginning June 24

Vespers at 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study to follow in the Education Center

(Also on zoom)

Last summer we began reading and discussing the Gospel According to St. Mark. We made it through ch. 10, hence this summer we will complete the Gospel by reading and discussing ch. 11-16. My goal is to cover a chapter per session; but at times that does not quite work out that way. However, the Bible Study will probably come to a close by the end of July or early August. 

A parish Bible Study is a real parish event. It is a real part of "parish life." It is not meant for Orthodox "nerds," or for people who can't find anything more exciting to do on Wednesday evening. It is, after all, the Gospel! It builds up fellowship by parishioners coming together and reading and discussing the holy Scriptures as a body. Often, questions and comments lead to very lively discussions. In person makes that a much greater possibility than zoom, but acknowledging distances from the church, family responsibilities, etc. I offer participation through zoom so that some of you can connect that way. Usually, Dn. Paul or Mitch Oliver navigates the zoom part of the session by making me aware of questions that arise in the chat box.

Ch. 11 begins with the Lord's Entrance Into Jerusalem. I would highly recommend reading all four Gospel accounts of "Palm Sunday," and comparing the differences in those four accounts. As Palm Sunday inaugurates the Week of the Passion, think of how it connects to the subsequent events that unfold in the Holy City, and thus the connection with the Lord's Passion. Holy Week was not that long ago. The Gospel will give us the opportunity to go back over Holy Week with great care.

The Bible Study is open to inquirers, catechumens, and members of the parish. Friends and visitors are welcome.

I will send the zoom link out on Wednesday morning. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ for an evening of endless intellectual and spiritual stimulation!

Session 1

The Entrance of the Lord Into Jerusalem inaugurates what we call to this day, Holy Week. The following is the sequence of these "holy" events, as narrated as found in the Gospel According to St. Mark:

Sunday - The Entrance into Jerusalem (Mk. 11:1-10)

Monday - "On the following day ..." The cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple (11:11-25)

Tuesday - "And they came again to Jerusalem ... " Discourse With Opponents & Apocalyptic Discourse (11:27-13:37)

Wednesday - "And it was now two days before the Passover ... " The anointing at Bethany and the betrayal of Judas (14:1-11)

Thursday - "And when it was evening ..." The Mystical/Last Supper; Gethsemane (14:12-72)

Friday - "And as soon as it was morning ..." The trial before Pilate; the Crucifixion (15:1-41)

Saturday - "And when evening had come ..." The burial of the Lord (15:42-47)

Sunday - "And when the Sabbath was past .. " The Resurrection (16:1-20)

In the words of Veselin Kesich: "If we read through St. Mark's Gospel in one sitting, we have the impression that the evangelist is in a great hurry in the first ten chapters in order to come as soon as possible to Jesus' days in Jerusalem."

Session 2

Questions for Discussion in Mk. 12


12:1-12 - Parable of the Vineyard


+ The background for the parable is Isa. 5:1-5. Please read this text carefully.

+ This is a parable that also serves as an allegory. What does this mean?

+ How does this parable possibly serve as a fourth passion prophecy of the Lord?

+ Does it end on a positive or negative note?

12:13-17 Pharisees and Herodians

+ Who were these two groups in the context of 1st c. Judaism?

+ Why was their question to Jesus "conceived with ingenious cunning?"

+ What does this episode reveal about Israel's relationship to Rome?

+ Why was the Lord's response effective?

!2:18-27

+ What did the Sadducees believe? What was their role in 1st c. Judaism?

+ Why does Jesus refer them to "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?"

+ How should we understand v. 25 and the resurrection life?

12:28-34 A Scribe and the Greatest Commandment

+ What were the intentions of this scribe?

+ What is meant by the Hebrew term Shema. How does it affirm the monotheism of the OT?

+ Why was the way Jesus answered this question so challenging? 

+ What does this great commandant mean for us today?

12:35-37 Christ as Lord, superior to David

+ Does this question disassociate Christ from David?

+ Where in the NT is Jesus directly referred to as belonging to the line of David?

+ Psalm 110:1 is the most-quoted OT verse in the NT. Why would that be?

12:38-40 Denunciation of the Scribes

+ Why does this passage make someone like Fr. Steven nervous?

+ What is the cost to the Church when hypocrisy is uncovered?

12:41-44 The Widow's Mite

+ What is the strength of the widow's contribution?

+ What does this passage say about "giving" in general

+ Can this passage be read in more than one way?

Meeting summary

 

Quick recap

This was a Bible study meeting focused on Mark 12, where participants discussed Jesus's encounters with opponents including scribes, Sadducees, and Herodians. The group examined key passages including the parable of the wicked tenants (Mark 12:1-12), Jesus's response to questions about paying taxes to Caesar (12:13-17), the Sadducees' challenge about resurrection (12:18-27), and Jesus's discussion with a scribe about the greatest commandment (12:28-34). Participants analyzed the allegorical meaning of the vineyard parable, Jesus's authority in debating with religious leaders, and the significance of his response to the question about Davidic lineage. The conversation ended with a discussion of the widow's offering (12:41-44), where Jesus praised her proportional giving despite her poverty, and participants reflected on the costs to the church when hypocrisy is uncovered.

Next steps

Steven

Collaboration

Summary

Mark's Gospel Chapter 12 Discussion

The meeting focused on discussing Chapter 12 of Mark's Gospel, specifically the parable of the wicked tenants (also known as the vineyard parable). Fr. Steven led the discussion, explaining that this parable serves as both a story and an allegory, with God as the vineyard owner and Israel as the tenants. The group examined how the parable contains elements of a fourth passion prophecy, as well as its mixed negative and positive endings, with Jesus ultimately being killed but the vineyard being given to others (likely the Gentiles). The discussion included questions about the meaning of parables and allegories, with participants sharing insights about the symbolic nature of the story and its broader theological implications.

Jesus and Tax Payment Discussion

The group discussed the Pharisees and Herodians' questioning of Jesus about paying taxes to Rome, focusing on the historical context of first-century Judaism and Roman oppression. Fr. Steven explained that the Herodians were Jewish political supporters of the ruling house of Herod the Great and served Rome, while the Pharisees were more focused on religious matters. The discussion centered on Jesus's response that people should give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, establishing a hierarchy of loyalty but leaving room for ethical discernment in balancing civil obligations with religious duty. Trisha asked about Roman respect for the Jewish faith due to its older age, which Steven acknowledged as a possibility but noted that the exact extent of Roman religious tolerance remains unclear.

Judaism and Christianity Under Rome

Fr. Steven discussed the historical context of Judaism and Christianity under Roman rule, explaining how Jews had protection while Christians later faced persecution. He explained the role of the Sadducees as ruling authorities in Jerusalem who defended the status quo and controlled the temple, noting they disappeared after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, while the Pharisees survived to influence post-70 Judaism. The group examined Jesus's response to Sadducees who questioned him about resurrection, with Jesus emphasizing that in the afterlife, people are like angels and are not married, citing the example of God referring to himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Perspectives on Heaven

Fr. Steven discussed the strength of Jesus's answer in a biblical passage, focusing on how Jesus used the reference to "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" to demonstrate that these patriarchs are still alive. He explained that in heaven, there is no marriage or procreation, but relationships from earth continue in a spiritual form. The group also discussed how sinfulness and flaws will be purged in the afterlife, leading to a perfect state of being, and addressed questions about gender identity and jealousy in heaven.

Shema and Love Commandments Discussion

Fr. Steven led a discussion on the importance of the Shema, a monotheistic confession in the Old Testament, and how Jesus combined two commandments: to love God and to love one's neighbor. He explained the significance of these commandments and noted that while loving God comes first, loving one's neighbor is equally important. The group also shared their experiences reading challenging biblical texts like Leviticus, with some finding it difficult to engage with due to its technical nature.

Jesus and Davidic Lineage Discussion

Fr. Steven led a Bible study discussion focusing on Jesus's interaction with a scribe in Luke 20:39-40, where Jesus praised the scribe's wisdom and noted they were "not far from the kingdom of God." The group examined Jesus's response to questions about his Davidic lineage, with Steven explaining that while Jesus is clearly described as being from the house of David through Joseph's lineage, the passage in Luke 20:41-44 might suggest Jesus's superiority over David rather than disassociating himself from Davidic heritage. The discussion included an exploration of Psalm 110:1, which Steven identified as the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament, highlighting the divine relationship between Jesus and God the Father.

Religious Text Discussion Meeting

The group discussed passages from their religious text, focusing on topics including hypocrisy in the church, the widow's offering, and the importance of love as the overarching commandment. Fr. Steven explained the potential costs to the church when hypocrisy is uncovered, including humiliation, divisiveness, and loss of trust. The group also examined the story of the widow's offering, considering both positive and negative interpretations, and discussed the early Christian practice of caring for widows. Trisha raised a question about love superseding the other commandments, which Steven addressed by noting that the two commandments about love encompass the whole law and prophets. The conversation ended with an announcement that the next week's chapter would be Mark 13, described as difficult and apocalyptic.

 

Session 3

This evening, we will discuss Mk. 13, clearly the most challenging chapter in the entire Gospel in terms of over-all interpretation. The difficulty is based in the apparent fact that two levels of meaning are found in a condensed and united text in this chapter. One level of meaning is the evident prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem; while this is combined with teaching that points the end of time and the return of the glorified Son of Man. This is called eschatology. We will do our best to distinguish those two levels of meaning and interpretation. 

The link provided here is to one scholar's attempt to distinguish between the texts that are directed to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem (left column), together with the hardships of discipleship in the face of persecution. The other texts (right side) are more "apocalyptic" and point toward the eschaton. I would suggest reading the two sides independently of each other at least once, as you read through Mk. 13.

Mark-13.pdf (115kb)

Meeting summary

 

Quick recap

This was an Orthodox Bible study meeting focused on Mark chapter 13, where Father Steven led participants through an in-depth discussion of Jesus's apocalyptic discourse. The group examined Jesus's warnings about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and its parallel to end-time events, with Father Steven explaining how the passage contains two levels of teaching - historical events and cosmic eschatology. Participants read and discussed various verses, including descriptions of false christs, persecution of disciples, and the coming of the Son of Man, with several members taking turns reading different sections. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about the Greek word "grigorita" (watchful) and plans to continue with chapter 14 next week, which will cover the beginning of Jesus's Passion.

Next steps

Fr. Steven

Collaboration

Summary

Bible Study: Mark Chapter 13

Father Steven led a Bible study session focused on Mark chapter 13, explaining how this chapter contains Jesus's message about the Last Judgment connected to the impending catastrophe of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. He noted that the chapter contains two distinct levels of teaching: the fall of Jerusalem and the coming of Christ at the end of time. The session began with prayer and included readings from the text, with Father Steven providing context about Holy Week and the significance of contemplating the end before Christ's death and resurrection.

Jesus's Temple Destruction Prophecies

Fr. Steven led a discussion on biblical verses 3 and 4, focusing on Jesus's conversation with Peter, James, John, and Andrew on the Mount of Olives about the destruction of the temple and signs of the end times. He explained that Jesus warned about false leaders and catastrophic events like wars, earthquakes, and famines, which could refer both to the fall of the temple and the end of the world. The group discussed the difficulty in distinguishing between these two events and considered the implications for worship and the future of the church.

Mark 13 Bible Study Discussion

The group discussed Mark 13, focusing on Jesus's warnings about persecution, false prophets, and the end times. Steven explained that while the text contains apocalyptic imagery, it should be interpreted with sobriety rather than as literal predictions of the world's end. The discussion covered how historical events like the destruction of Jerusalem and Soviet persecution reflect the passage's warnings about suffering and tribulation. The group examined the meaning of "watchfulness" (grigorite in Greek) and discussed how Jesus's humanity may have had limitations in knowing the exact timing of end times. The conversation ended with plans to study Chapter 14 next week, which will cover the beginning of Jesus's Passion.

Session 4

For the Bible Study on Wednesday evening, we will read and discuss Mk. 14. It is a very long and very important chapter, to understate it. We enter into the Passion of the Lord with this chapter. I am not so sure that we will get through the entire chapter in one session. We will allow our discussion to lead us.


If you have the opportunity, also read the other two Synoptic accounts of the Passion: Matthew 26-27; and Lk. 22-23; and St. John's account. Comparing these texts is very illuminating. And when you read Mk. 14, try and read through the entire chapter at one sitting, for the dramatic narrative effective. I would like to explore the two levels of the historical and the theological in this chapter. How do these two levels intersect?
Here are some other questions we can explore together:

+ How would you compare Mk. 14: 3-9 and 14:10-11?

+ What are the key components behind Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsamene?

+ Are there any life lessons we can take away from religious figures in authority in this chapter?

+ What do we learn about ourselves in Peter's denial of Christ?

+ As the Passion of Christ dominates this chapter, in what ways does Christ manifest his authority?

Session 5

The plan is to complete Mk. 14:32-72 and possible get into Mk. 15. We will discuss the Lord's Agony in Gethsemane; The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus; Jesus Before the Council; and Peter's Denial of Jesus. In other words, the very heart of the Gospel.

Here are the questions that are held over from our last session:

+ What are the key components behind Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane?

+ Are there any life lessons we can take away from religious figures in authority in this chapter?

+ What do we learn about ourselves in Peter's denial of Christ?

+ As the Passion of Christ dominates this chapter, in what ways does Christ manifest his authority?

 

Quick recap

This was a Bible study session focused on Mark 14:26-72, where the group discussed Jesus's agony in Gethsemane and his arrest. Father Steven led the discussion through key passages including Jesus's prayer in the garden, where he struggled with the human fear of death while maintaining his divine will, and his encounter with the religious authorities who falsely accused him. The participants examined how Jesus manifested authority even in the midst of betrayal and suffering, particularly through his unequivocal affirmation "I am" when questioned by the high priest. The session also covered Peter's denial of Jesus, which served as a contrast to Jesus's steadfastness, and included patristic interpretations from church fathers like St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine, and others about the dual nature of Christ's humanity and divinity during this pivotal moment in the Passion narrative.

Next steps

Steven

Collaboration

Summary

Bible Study: Mark's Gospel

Fr. Steven led a Bible study session focused on completing Chapter 14 of St. Mark's Gospel and beginning Chapter 15. He announced that due to scheduling conflicts with religious observances in August, future sessions would need to be rescheduled from Wednesdays to Tuesday or Thursday evenings. The discussion began with reviewing key questions from the previous session, including understanding Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and lessons from Peter's denial of Christ, and Fr. Steven quoted St. John Chrysostom about the Passion not being a matter of necessity but of divine dispensation.

Jesus's Agony in Gethsemane

Fr. Steven discussed the biblical passage from Mark 14:26 to 37, focusing on Jesus's agony in Gethsemane. He explained that Gethsemane means "oil press" and highlighted Jesus's intense prayer and struggle in this moment. Fr. Steven noted that the disciples failed to watch and stay awake as Jesus had instructed, and he emphasized the significance of this event as a key part of the Passion narrative, particularly in St. Mark's Gospel where Jesus is completely abandoned.

Jesus's Human Experience with Death

Fr. Steven discussed Jesus's human struggle with facing death and pain, emphasizing his emotional distress and loneliness during this moment. He explained how Jesus, while divine, experienced the full weight of human fear and sorrow over death, contrasting this with Socrates's more courageous approach to death. The discussion included readings from patristic texts, including Origen and Ambrose, which highlighted how Jesus's humanity fully embraced human emotions while also sorrowing over the fallen state of humanity.

Christ's Will in Gethsemane

Fr. Steven discussed the significance of Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, focusing on the intimate use of "Abba, Father" and the dual nature of Christ's will as both divine and human. He explained that Jesus's human will had to willingly accept the Father's will for salvation to be effective, addressing the historical heresy of monothelitism that denied Christ's human will. Fr. Steven emphasized that Christ's willingness to accept the Father's will on behalf of humanity potentially heals our wills, aligning with the teachings of St. Maximus the Confessor.

Gethsemane and Jesus's Arrest

Fr. Steven led a discussion on the biblical text from Mark's Gospel, focusing on Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and the subsequent arrest. He explained the significance of Christ's human nature in accepting salvation and emphasized the divine-human process of salvation. The group examined the disciples' failure to watch and pray, highlighting the contrast between Christ's strength and the disciples' weakness. They discussed the arrest scene, including the betrayal by Judas and the actions of the temple guards, and explored the role of the high priest Caiaphas in the plot against Jesus. The conversation also touched on the symbolic elements in the text, such as the cutting off of the high priest's servant's ear and the mysterious young man who fled naked.

Biblical Reflections on Betrayal and Arrest

The group discussed biblical passages, focusing on Judas's betrayal and Jesus's arrest. Father Steven explored the possibility of Judas being conflicted, though he noted that scripture presents Judas as loving money more than Jesus. The discussion covered Jesus's authority and dignity during his arrest, with Father Steven quoting scholar Raymond Brown about Jesus's "emphatic silence" as a rebuke to the religious authorities' proceedings. The group also examined Peter's distance from Jesus during the arrest, noting how Peter was distancing himself from Jesus out of fear and would later deny knowing Jesus three times.

Jesus's Trial Before Caiaphas

Fr. Steven discussed a biblical passage from Mark's Gospel, focusing on Jesus's trial before the high priest Caiaphas. He highlighted Jesus's unequivocal affirmation of being the Christ, the Son of God, and the Son of Man, despite facing accusations of blasphemy. Fr. Steven noted the irony that Jesus's predictions in the Gospel about his suffering and death were being fulfilled, and he referenced Isaiah 50:6-7 to show how Jesus's experience of humiliation was prophesied. The discussion concluded with the beginning of Peter's denial, as described in Mark 66-72.

Biblical Study of Peter's Denial

Fr. Steven discussed the biblical story of Peter's denial of Jesus, highlighting Peter's three denials and eventual repentance. He explored how Jesus maintained authority despite being humiliated and ultimately dying on the cross. The group decided to cover chapter 15 in the next meeting and plan to finish chapter 16 in a final session. The conversation ended with a prayer led by Steven.

Session 6

We will read and discuss Mk. 15 together, which as the Lord's crucifixion at the center. Please read through the chapter carefully. The class will also be available on zoom. Please join us!

A few Questions:

+ How would you characterize Pontius Pilate and his role in the Crucifixion? The Jewish religious authorities?

+ How does Psalm 22 serve as a scriptural basis for the Crucifixion?

+ Can we detect a certain Markan "irony" in the taunts and insults that Christ endures on the Cross?

+ How should we understand Mk. 15:38 - "And the curtain of the temple was torn in two."

+ What role do the women followers fulfill in Mk. 15?

 

Quick recap

This was a religious study group meeting focused on analyzing Chapter 15 of the Gospel According to St. Mark, which covers Jesus's crucifixion. The participants read and discussed key passages including Jesus's trial before Pilate, the crowd's demand to release Barabbas instead of Jesus, the soldiers' mockery of Jesus as "King of the Jews," and Jesus's final words "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani" ("My God, My God, why have you forsaken me"). The group examined the theological significance of the crucifixion, the role of Simon of Cyrene, and the tearing of the temple veil, with participants sharing different interpretations about whether Jesus felt abandoned by God. The conversation ended with discussion of the women disciples who witnessed the crucifixion and would later discover the empty tomb, setting up the next session which will cover the Resurrection in Chapter 16.

Next steps

Steven

Collaboration

Summary

 

Bible Study: Mark Chapter 15

Fr. Steven led a Bible study session focused on Chapter 15 of St. Mark's Gospel, which covers Jesus's crucifixion. He explained that the chapter cannot be fully covered in one evening but will highlight major themes and insights. The next session was scheduled for August 12th, where they will discuss Chapter 16 on the Resurrection. During the meeting, participants read and discussed passages about Jesus's trial before Pilate, with Fr. Steven providing context on the roles of key figures like Pontius Pilate and the chief priests.

Pilate's Role in Jesus Trial

Fr. Steven discussed Pontius Pilate's role as the Roman governor in first-century Jerusalem, highlighting his challenging position in a Jewish city under Roman authority. He explained how Pilate faced political pressure regarding Jesus, who was accused of being the "King of the Jews," a claim that could be seen as rebellious. Fr. Steven noted the difference between Pilate's political perspective and the Jewish authorities' religious concerns, and he described Jesus's ambiguous response to the accusation during their interaction.

Jesus's Trial and Crucifixion

The group discussed the biblical account of Jesus's trial, focusing on how the Jewish authorities attempted to set up Jesus for crucifixion. Fr. Steven explained that Pilate traditionally released one prisoner during the feast to satisfy the crowd, and in this case, the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, despite Jesus being the one they called "King of the Jews." It was noted that the crowd's opposition to Jesus seemed to stem from their disappointment that he wasn't the revolutionary messiah they had expected.

Jesus's Trial and Crucifixion

The group then discussed the biblical account of Jesus's trial, focusing on Pilate's decision to release Barabbas and sentence Jesus to crucifixion despite questioning the charges. The discussion analyzed Pilate's character, noting his weakness in capitulating to the Sanhedrin's demands and his willingness to appease the crowd at Jesus's expense. The discussion included details about the scourging process and the soldiers' mockery of Jesus, highlighting the brutal treatment he endured before crucifixion.

Crucifixion of Jesus Discussion

The group then discussed the crucifixion of Jesus, focusing on the events leading up to and during the crucifixion as described in the Gospel of St. Mark. He explained how Jesus was mocked as "King of the Jews" and described the significance of the crown of thorns as a Roman parody of kingship. Fr. Steven noted that the Gospel's account of the crucifixion is sober and somber, not going into graphic detail, and highlighted the historical and theological significance of these events. The discussion included reading from Psalm 22, which permeates the crucifixion narrative and reflects Jesus's suffering and trust in God.

Biblical Crucifixion Discussion

The discussion then turned to the biblical text focusing on Jesus's crucifixion, specifically addressing verses 26-32 from Mark. It was explained how the soldiers and onlookers mocked Jesus, unwittingly prophesying about his identity as the King of the Jews. The group discussed how Jesus's death on the cross fulfilled prophecies from Isaiah's Suffering Servant and how it contradicted Jewish expectations of a messianic conqueror. The conversation touched on Pilate's limited presence in Jerusalem and the crowd's preference for releasing Barabbas over Jesus, reflecting unmet messianic hopes.

Jesus's Cry on the Cross

Fr. Steven turned to the biblical passage where Jesus cried out "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani" ("My God, My God, why have you forsaken me") on the cross, exploring different interpretations of this moment. It was considered whether Jesus was experiencing temporary abandonment by God, distress from facing death, or pain from physical suffering, noting that Professor Kesich interpreted it as distress rather than despair. The discussion also touched on the role of Simon of Cyrene in carrying Jesus's cross and the significance of the centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God through his "loud cry" at the end.

The Centurion

The group examined the centurion's declaration that Jesus was the Son of God, discussed the tearing of the temple veil as a symbol of access to God, and noted the presence of women disciples at the crucifixion. Fr. Steven highlighted the significance of Joseph of Arimathea's role in Jesus's burial and left the group with a question about why the women disciples fled and remained silent after the resurrection, which would be addressed in the next session covering chapter 16.

Session 7

Chapter 16 narrates the events around the myrhhbearing women approaching the tomb, discovering that it is empty, and hearing the proclamation that the "Lord is Risen!" This chapter contains two sections: 1-8; and 9-20. Reading these two sections do you sense any difference in vocabulary, terminology and overall presentation? Or, to ask that somewhat differently: What are the distinct emphases of the two sections? Is 16:9-20 printed in the regular text or in a footnote of your particular Bible?


Other questions: 

+ How do we connect 15:40-41, 15:47 and 16:1?
+ What is the contrast between 15:33 and 16:2?
+ Why was the stone rolled away from the tomb?
+ Why is it important that the angel identifies Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified?
+ How does 16:7 connect to 14:28?
+ How should we interpret the silence of the women?
+ How does 16:12-13 compare with Lk. 24:13-35?
+ How does 16:14-18 compare with Matt. 28:16-20?