At the risk of being judgmental this book is very complicated. The points are many and varied. In his lead up to his commentary proper Myers makes many points as he expounds the many topics that would influence that commentary. The World of Jesus and the World of Mark, the filters and models of that social world, the cross-cultural history and the socio-economic tensions of both worlds are all considered. The Jewish War is also a point to consider in that it occurs around the time of writing and most of the historicity comes from the works of Josephus. The major point to consider however is Myers' self confessed socio-historical hermeneutic.

Because there are two parts to this essay discussion has been restricted to those points that have to do with traditioning and the consequences of translation from an oral tradition to a written tradition, the world...