Paul bridged this metaphysical gap between divine and human by an act of divine humility. Paul’s pre-existing and godly son-spirit emptied himself and took on the likeness of men --- a divine choice --- a divine sacrifice. Paul’s entity was the heavenly Christ spirit. But the setting for Mark’s tale was on earth, and Mark presented Jesus as a son-of-man, with more emphasis on the human nature of Jesus. But the dual nature still loomed large.
With Paul as his stating point, Mark found a different way to bridge the metaphysical gap --- another way to combine the divine and the flesh --- a way that better fit the setting of his story on terra firma. Of course I’m referring to the widely recognized adoption and spirit-possession ---
The dual nature of Jesus is a major theme in gMark, and the author is often explicit on both aspects.Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee … coming up from the water, he saw the heavens tearing open and the Spirit descending as a dove upon him. And a voice came out of the heavens, “You are My Son, the beloved; in you I am well pleased.” And immediately the Spirit drives Him … (Mark 1:10-12)
These guys started a battle over the true nature of Jesus Christ that would rage for centuries. How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
robert j.