A Gospel for Cornelius: Discovering Mark’s Affinity with Matthew. By Daniel B. Moore. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2026, xii, 160 pp.
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Assume that Mark was published for the benefit of Cornelius and other non-Jewish believers in the Roman enclave of Caesarea Maritima, shortly after Matthew was published. Under this premise, what insights might be gained by considering Mark’s affinity with Matthew, when combined with an awareness of Mark’s literary tendencies? For example, supposed difficulties and obscure expansions in Mark, such as the odd quote from Malachi in Mark 1:2 and the reference to wild animals in Mark 1:13, can be recognized as subtly connecting the Gospels while also deepening narrative contexts for those within Mark’s audience who were already familiar with Matthew. Motivations behind Mark’s resequencing of the Galilean narratives can be explained. Mark’s alleged contradictions with Matthew, such as the split fig tree story in Mark 11, can be recognized as having been arranged for the benefit of Mark’s Greco-Roman audience, without suggesting a conflict with Matthew’s chronological account. Skeptical challenges to the doctrine of inerrancy based on such passages can therefore be dismissed. For students of the Synoptic Gospels, this study offers exegetical insights into Mark, while continuing to demonstrate the explanatory power and apologetic benefit of Matthean priority.
“Following his compellingly-argued A Trustworthy Gospel, Daniel Moore’s A Gospel for Cornelius is a fresh and imaginative contribution to Synoptic studies that deserves careful engagement. The volume’s close readings of Mark’s language, alongside a constructive use of patristic testimony, opens new angles on familiar texts. The results suggest that Mark is neither a mere digest of Matthew nor an independent first Gospel, but a deliberately intertextual composition that assumes Matthew’s existence. Especially valuable is the way Moore links compositional questions to broader issues of Gospel reliability and inerrancy.”
–Cory M. Marsh, Professor of New Testament, Southern California Seminary
“Arguing against many critical historians, Moore provides plausible evidence for the early publication of Gospel narratives and supports his proposition with ancient writers, historical references, and biblical texts. In addition to being academically sound and intellectually stimulating, A Gospel for Cornelius is actually a fun book to read. Moore’s style is accessible, welcoming both the beginning student of this genre and the academically trained. This book is worth a thoughtful read. Let the discussions begin!”
–Jay Mosser, Pastor, Sunset Bible Church
“A Gospel for Cornelius offers a compelling, fresh solution to the Synoptic Problem by situating the origin of Mark’s Gospel within the vibrant historical context of Caesarea Maritima. This study is far more than a mere historical inquiry; it is a masterclass in narrative and intertextual analysis. Moore shows that when we view Mark’s unique literary tendencies through the lens of a Matthew-Mark sequence, supposed ‘contradictions’ vanish and are replaced by profound exegetical insights. Whether he is unpacking ‘literary sandwiches’ or exploring subtle allusions to Matthew’s Old Testament citations, Moore offers a robust defense of biblical inerrancy that will encourage students, pastors, and scholars alike. This work is an essential resource for anyone seeking a more coherent and satisfying understanding of the trustworthiness and harmony of the Gospels.”
–Jason D. Crowder, President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics
“Daniel Moore is quickly establishing himself as a leading scholar in the field of Gospel origins research, bringing original insights to Gospel studies. A defender of Matthean priority, Moore takes seriously the testimony of the early church fathers concerning the composition of the Gospels. In this, his second book, Moore again displays his diligent research ethic by building a case that the believers in Caesarea Maritima were the recipients of Mark’s Gospel. Consistent with his firm belief in biblical inerrancy, he offers solutions to differences of details found in Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels. Every person who desires to be knowledgeable concerning the origins of the Gospels should read this book. I highly recommend it.”
–Phil Fernandes, Former President of the International Society of Christian Apologetics
“In this follow up to his A Trustworthy Gospel, Daniel Moore argues quite persuasively for an early date for Mark’s Gospel. In A Gospel for Cornelius, Moore argues that Mark was written at the request of the believers who were converted with Cornelius in Acts 10 and 11. His reasoning is compelling, especially where he shows how Mark’s interaction with the recently but already published Gospel of Matthew answers many of the objections raised against the inerrancy of Matthew and or Mark. I’ll have to reconsider my long-held view that Mark was written in the late 60s. Kudos to Moore for a work well done.”
–Michael Canham, The Barnabas Initiative
“As biblical scholarship continues to retrieve the truth of Matthean priority, Daniel Moore follows up his previous significant work with A Gospel for Cornelius, laying out the logical progression of why Mark would leverage Matthew for his own purposes to his own audience. An essential volume for pastors and theological libraries.”
—Joel Grassi, Pastor, Commonwealth Baptist Church, New York