On the basis of a concise definition of the literary form of a summary/Summarium/sommaire that has to be distinguished from epitome (e.g. Mk 1.14f.; 8.31) or ‘Geschichtsabriss’ (cf. Acts), this contribution analyzes the literary and theological function of all three summaries that can be found in Mark 1–6 (1.32–34; 3.7–12; 6.54–56). By these summaries the author of the Markan Gospel not only provides a macro-textual structure for his narrative, but also gives a theological interpretation and a narrative emplotment of Jesus' Galilean ministry, and thus carries forward essential parts of the Gospel story.
