Horsley provides a sure guide for first time readers of Mark's Gospel and, at the same time, induces those more familiar with Mark to take a fresh look at this important Gospel text. From tracing the plot and sub-plot in Mark to inquiring how the Gospel was first heard (as oral performance), Horsley tackles old questions from new angles. He consistently and judiciously uses sociological categories and method to help readers see how Jesus challenged the dominant order of his day.