Mark 1

John the Baptist Begins His Ministry

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.^[a]

2 Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

3 the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!'"^[b]

4 John was there baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming^[c] a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5 And all the Judean region and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem went out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

6 And John was dressed in camel's hair and a belt made of leather around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 And he was preaching, saying, "One [who is] more powerful than I is coming after me, of whom I am not worthy to bend down [and]^[d] untie the strap of his sandals.

8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The Baptism of Jesus

9 And it happened that in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

10 And immediately [as he]^[e] was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens being split apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.

11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

The Temptation of Jesus

12 And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness.

13 And he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Public Ministry in Galilee

14 And after^[f] John {had been taken into custody},^[g] Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God

15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the gospel!"

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16 And [as he]^[h] was passing by along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, casting [a net]^[i] into the sea (for they were fishermen).

17 And Jesus said to them, "{Follow}^[j] me and I will make you become fishers of people."

18 And immediately they left their nets [and]^[k] followed him.

19 And going on a little [farther], he saw James the [son] of Zebedee and his brother John, and they [were] in the boat mending the nets.

20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men [and]^[l] went away after him.

21 And they went into Capernaum and immediately on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue.^[m]

A Man with an Unclean Spirit Healed

22 And they were amazed at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

23 And so then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

24 saying, "{Leave us alone},^[n] Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"

25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"

26 And [after]^[o] convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, the unclean spirit came out of him.

27 And they were all amazed, so that [they began] to discuss with one another, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him."

28 And the report about him then went out everywhere in the whole surrounding region of Galilee.

Many at Capernaum Are Healed

29 And so then he departed from the synagogue [and]^[p] came into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying down, suffering with a fever, and at once they told him about her.

31 And he came [and]^[q] raised her up [by]^[r] taking hold of her^[s] hand, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 Now [when it]^[t] was evening, when the sun had set, they began bringing^[u] to him all those {who were sick}^[v] and those who were demon-possessed.

33 And the whole town was gathered together at the door.

34 And he healed many {who were sick}^[w] with various diseases and expelled many demons. And he did not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Preaching Throughout Galilee

35 And getting up early in the morning [while it was] very dark, he departed and went to a deserted place, and there he was praying.

36 And Simon and those [who were] with him searched diligently for him.

37 And they found him and said to him, "Everyone is looking for you!"

38 And he said to them, "Let us go elsewhere, into the neighboring rural towns, so that I can preach there also, because I have come out for this [very] reason."

39 And he went into all Galilee preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

A Leper Cleansed

40 And a leper came to him, entreating him and kneeling down, saying^[x] to him, "If you are willing, you are able to make me clean."

41 And becoming angry,^[y] he stretched out his hand [and]^[z] touched [him]^[aa], and said to him, "I am willing; be made clean."

42 And immediately the leprosy went away from him and he was made clean.

43 And warning him sternly, he sent him away at once.

44 And he said to him, "See to it that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and bring for your cleansing [the things] which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

45 But he went out [and]^[ab] began to proclaim [it]^[ac] freely and to spread abroad the account, so that he was no longer able to enter publicly into a town. But he was staying outside in deserted places, and they were coming to him from all directions.

Mark 1 Commentary

Chapter 1

Mark was a sister's son to Barnabas, ( Colossians 4:10 and Acts 12:12 ) shows that he was the son of Mary, a pious woman of Jerusalem, at whose house the apostles and first Christians ( 1 Peter. 5:13 ) evangelist is supposed to have been converted by that apostle. Thus Mark was closely united with the followers of our Lord, if not himself one of the number. Mark wrote at Rome; some suppose that Peter dictated to him, though the general testimony is, that the apostle having preached at Rome, Mark, who was the apostle's companion, and had a clear understanding of what Peter delivered, was desired to commit the particulars to writing. And we may remark, that the great humility of Peter is very plain where any thing is said about himself. Scarcely an action or a work of Christ is mentioned, at which this apostle was not present, and the minuteness shows that the facts were related by an eye-witness. This Gospel records more of the miracles than of the discourses of our Lord, and though in many things it relates the same things as the Gospel according to St. Matthew, we may reap advantages from reviewing the same events, placed by each of the evangelists in that point of view which most affected his own mind.

The office of John the Baptist. (1-8) The baptism and temptation of Christ. (9-13) Christ preaches and calls disciples. (14-22) He casts out an unclean spirit. (23-28) He heals many diseased. (29-39) He heals a leper. (40-45)

Verses 1-8 Isaiah and Malachi each spake concerning the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the ministry of John. From these prophets we may observe, that Christ, in his gospel, comes among us, bringing with him a treasure of grace, and a sceptre of government. Such is the corruption of the world, that there is great opposition to his progress. When God sent his Son into the world, he took care, and when he sends him into the heart, he takes care, to prepare his way before him. John thinks himself unworthy of the meanest office about Christ. The most eminent saints have always been the most humble. They feel their need of Christ's atoning blood and sanctifying Spirit, more than others. The great promise Christ makes in his gospel to those who have repented, and have had their sins forgiven them, is, they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost; shall be purified by his graces, and refreshed by his comforts. We use the ordinances, word, and sacraments without profit and comfort, for the most part, because we have not of that Divine light within us; and we have it not because we ask it not; for we have his word that cannot fail, that our heavenly Father will give this light, his Holy Spirit, to those that ask it.

Verses 9-13 Christ's baptism was his first public appearance, after he had long lived unknown. How much hidden worth is there, which in this world is not known! But sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ was. He took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh; and thus, for our sakes, he sanctified himself, that we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him, ( John 17:19 ) . See how honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John's baptism. He saw the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. We may see heaven opened to us, when we perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God's good work in us, is sure evidence of his good will towards us, and preparations for us. As to Christ's temptation, Mark notices his being in the wilderness and that he was with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father's care of him, which encouraged him the more that his Father would provide for him. Special protections are earnests of seasonable supplies. The serpent tempted the first Adam in the garden, the Second Adam in the wilderness; with different success indeed; and ever since he still tempts the children of both, in all places and conditions. Company and conversation have their temptations; and being alone, even in a wilderness, has its own also. No place or state exempts, no business, not lawful labouring, eating, or drinking, not even fasting and praying; often in these duties there are the most assaults, but in them is the sweetest victory. The ministration of the good angels is matter of great comfort in reference to the malignant designs of the evil angels; but much more does it comfort us, to have the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Verses 14-22 Jesus began to preach in Galilee, after that John was put in prison. If some be laid aside, others shall be raised up, to carry on the same work. Observe the great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins. Christ has joined these two together, and let no man think to put them asunder. Christ puts honour upon those who, though mean in this world, are diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ calls, must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to do so. Not that we must needs go out of the world, but we must sit loose to the world; forsake every thing that is against our duty to Christ, and that cannot be kept without hurt to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the sabbath day, by applying himself unto, and abounding in the sabbath work, in order to which the sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.

Verses 23-28 The devil is an unclean spirit, because he has lost all the purity of his nature, because he acts in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit of God, and by his suggestions defiles the spirits of men. There are many in our assemblies who quietly attend under merely formal teachers; but if the Lord come with faithful ministers and holy doctrine, and by his convincing Spirit, they are ready to say, like this man, What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth! No disorder could enable a man to know Jesus to be the Holy One of God. He desires to have nothing to do with Jesus, for he despairs of being saved by him, and dreads being destroyed by him. See whose language those speak, that say to the Almighty, Depart from us. This unclean spirit hated and dreaded Christ, because he knew him to be a Holy One; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, especially against his holiness. When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul; for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy. This put all who saw it upon considering, What is this new doctrine? A work as great often is wrought now, yet men treat it with contempt and neglect. If this were not so, the conversion of a notorious wicked man to a sober, righteous, and godly life, by the preaching of a crucified Saviour, would cause many to ask, What doctrine is this?

Verses 29-39 Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hinderances, may expect the Saviour's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows, and abate their pains. Observe how numerous the patients were. When others speed well with Christ, it should quicken us in seeking after him. Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired. Those who have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must yet sometimes be alone with God.

Verses 40-45 We have here Christ's cleansing of a leper. It teaches us to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to his will, saying, "Lord, if thou wilt," without any doubt of Christ's readiness to help the distressed. See also what to expect from Christ; that according to our faith it shall be to us. The poor leper said, If thou wilt. Christ readily wills favours to those who readily refer themselves to his will. Christ would have nothing done that looked like seeking praise of the people. But no reasons now exist why we should hesitate to spread the praises of Christ.

Footnotes

• [a]. Some manuscripts add "the Son of God"
• [b]. A quotation from Isa 40:3
• [c]. Some manuscripts have "and proclaiming"
• [d]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("bend down") has been translated as an infinitive
• [e]. *Here "[as]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("was coming up") which is understood as temporal
• [f]. Some manuscripts have "Now after"
• [g]. Literally "had been handed over"
• [h]. *Here "[as]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("was passing by") which is understood as temporal
• [i]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [j]. Literally "come after"
• [k]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("left") has been translated as a finite verb
• [l]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("left") has been translated as a finite verb
• [m]. Some manuscripts have "he went into the synagogue and began to teach"
• [n]. Literally "what to us and to you"
• [o]. *Here "[after]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("convulsing") which is understood as temporal
• [p]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("departed") has been translated as a finite verb
• [q]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("came") has been translated as a finite verb
• [r]. *Here "[by]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("taking hold of") which is understood as means
• [s]. Literally "the"; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
• [t]. *Here "[when]" is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle ("was")
• [u]. The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began bringing")
• [v]. Literally "who were having badly"
• [w]. Literally "who were having badly"
• [x]. Some manuscripts have "and saying"
• [y]. Some manuscripts have "having compassion"
• [z]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("stretched out") has been translated as a finite verb
• [aa]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [ab]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("went out") has been translated as a finite verb
• [ac]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO MARK

This is the title of the book, the subject of which is the Gospel; a joyful account of the ministry, miracles, actions, and sufferings of Christ: the writer of it was not one of the twelve apostles, but an evangelist; the same with John Mark, or John, whose surname was Mark: John was his Hebrew name, and Mark his Gentile name, Ac 12:12,25, and was Barnabas's sister's son, Col 4:10, his mother's name was Mary, Ac 12:12. The Apostle Peter calls him his son, 1Pe 5:13, if he is the same; and he is thought to have wrote his Gospel from him {a}, and by his order, and which was afterwards examined and approved by him {b} it is said to have been wrote originally in Latin, or in the Roman tongue: so say the Arabic and Persic versions at the beginning of it, and the Syriac version says the same at the end: but of this there is no evidence, any more, nor so much, as of Matthew's writing his Gospel in Hebrew. The old Latin copy of this, is a version from the Greek; it is most likely that it was originally written in Greek, as the rest of the New Testament.

{a} Papias apud Euseb. Hist. l. 3. c. 39. Tertull. adv. Marcion. l. 4. c. 5. {b} Hieron. Catalog. Script. Eccles. p. 91. sect. 18.