The Ritual Bridge between Narrative and Performance in the Gospel of Mark

The abundance of ritual descriptions in the Gospel Mark suggests a discourse about between narrator and early audiences Gospel. prominence baptism at beginning (Mark 1:9–11) anointing end (16:1–8), recurrence themes introduced Jesus’s turning points (9:2–8; 10:38–39; 15:38–39) suggest broader ritual—and specifically baptismal—significance narrative. Recent changes helpfully differentiate narrative- performance-critical interpretive approaches as text-oriented (narrative) audience-oriented (performance), but these hermeneutical methods also work concert. This article combines cognitive studies narrative immersion with observations role group identity formation impartation religious traditions to analyze narration acts Mark. Giving attention use internal focalization description bodily movements narrations, this argues that depictions rituals involve audience ways deliver interpretations through means. analysis shows how Mark’s narrations are conducive evoking audience’s experience baptism, familiar members described undisputed Pauline epistles, only rite clearly antedate composition Publicly reading narrated creates an neither requires performance context event nor “acting out” depicted create participatory, communal text.