Abstract
This paper examines Mark's use of Jewish temple cosmology as a means of interpreting the rending of the temple's veil in 15:38. Profiling the relationship between the temple veil and the heavenly firmament (Gen. 1:6) in Second Temple and Rabbinic literature, this paper explores apocalyptic images, such as the opening of heaven, doors, etc., to inform a contextual reading of the tearing of the temple curtain. It argues that the veil belongs within an apocalyptic tradition providing an exposition of the death of Jesus. This helps us understand the nature of the centurion's profession subsequent to the tearing of the veil.
