Readers befuddled by Mark’s “surprising ambiguities” will find in Clifton Black a wise companion with whom to explore the puzzles and prizes of this Gospel. If Mark’s genius allows readers to “experience the peculiar quality of God’s good news,” Black’s genius is to appreciate Mark’s peculiarities without “fixing” them. The result: a commentary worthy of the Gospel itself.

--Mitzi L. Minor, Professor of New Testament, Memphis Theological Seminary

[may also add if helpful: author of The Spirituality of Mark and The Power of Mark's Story]

A slightly longer version that I prefer but which exceeds the word limit more:

Readers often befuddled by Mark’s “surprising ambiguities” will find in Clifton Black a wise companion with whom to explore the puzzles and prizes of this Gospel. If Mark’s genius allows readers to “experience the peculiar quality of God’s good news,” Black’s genius is to probe and appreciate Mark’s “peculiarities” without trying to fix them. The result is a commentary worthy of the Gospel itself.
--Mitzi L. Minor, Professor of New Testament, Memphis Theological Seminary

Clifton Black’s commentary on Mark is an excellent tool for students and preachers. The scholarship is evident on every page, in use of original sources and interaction with contemporary studies; and the judgment on disputed issues, of introduction and interpretation, is mature and refined. The commentary embodies the character of the Gospel well: by skimming more detailed paragraphs, the reader can gain a sense of the Gospel’s vigorous forward movement. But if the reader wants to pause or to focus on a particular passage, there is plenty of detail and thought-provoking discussion to inform and stimulate. For those whose book-buying resources are limited, this one commentary on Mark could meet all their needs.
--James D G Dunn, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University

This book is a delight to read. Scholars already know Clifton Black as a seasoned, informed, and reliable interpreter of Mark who writes with theological depth. Pastors, teachers, and laypersons who may not yet have become acquainted with his work will be attracted by its softly elegant English, written with conviction and pizzazz, informed and informing, guiding but not dictating, respectful of both readers and text. Building on his two solid monographs on Mark, this commentary is not a rehash of either his own or others' opinions but a thoughtful and sprightly close reading of the biblical text. In a congested field, it will stand out, and should not be missed. -- M. Eugene Boring, Ph.D., I. Wylie and Elizabeth M. Briscoe Professor of New Testament Emeritus