8:27–30 This passage should really be read in connection with the following passage (8:31–9:1), which is given a separate heading in the NIV. Together, the two sections give us an open acclamation of Jesus as Messiah, and the first of three predictions of Jesus’ death, which triggers the rebuke of Peter, revealing that his acclamation of Jesus was not based on a full understanding of Jesus’ purpose and activity.

The answers given to Jesus’ first question remind us of the list of the same opinions given in 6:14–15, and this repetition of these varying labels for Jesus intensifies the sense that the question about who Jesus really is must be seen as central for Mark. (On the significance of each of the labels mentioned in 8:28, see the discussion and notes on 6:14–15.) Already, Mark has giv…