Mark 3
DOYLYMark 3:17
- — Boanerges,] This word is compounded of two Hebrew words explained in the text. Christ seems to have given the name to these two disciples from a foresight of the peculiar heat and zeal of their temper. Of this they quickly gave an instance in their desire to call down fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans, Luke ix. 54. St. John also shewed his zeal in forbidding him that cast out devils in the name of Christ, Mark ix. 38. We find too, in the Acts, that St. John was generally one of the chief speakers and actors in the defence and propagation of the Gospel; and the peculiar zeal of these two Apostles seems to have afforded the reason why the one was imprisoned, (Acts iv, v.) and the other shin by Herod, Acts xii. 2. Dr. Whitby.
By this title He intimated the powerful effects of their preaching that word, which is frequently compared to thunder; being, like that, the voice of God speaking from heaven, mighty in its operation. Bp. Horne.
Mark 3:18
- — Thaddeus,] See note at Matt. x. 3.
Mark 3:21
- — to lay hold on him:] To restrain Him from such a laborious discharge of His ministry; to use their persuasions with Him that He would take proper repose and refreshment. Abp. Newcome.
— for they said, He is beside himself.] They thought His zeal had carried him too far, so as to make Him
neglect even the necessary refreshments of nature. Dr. S. Clarke,
They mean, He has forgotten Himself and His own health: He is so vehement in discharging His office, and in preaching, that He is transported beyond Himself, and His understanding disturbed, so that He takes not the necessary care of His food and sleep. Dr. Lightfoot. Or the expression, “they said,” may not refer to our Lord’s relations; but may mean generally, “Men said;” “a rumour had gone abroad,” spread probably by the Pharisees. Rosenmüller.
We have here an instance of the impartiality with which the Evangelists relate our Lord’s history, and of their consciousness that His conduct refuted the objections raised against it. Abp. Newcome.
Mark 3:22
- — which came down from Jerusalem] Probably for the purpose of watching our Saviour’s conduct. Abp. Newcome.
— He hath Beelzebub,] See note at Matt. ix. 34.
Mark 3:28
- — All sins shall be forgiven &c.] See notes at Matt. xii. 31, 32.
Mark 3:31
- There came then his brethren &c.] See notes at Matt. xii. 48, 50. Chap. IV. ver. 1. And he began again &c.] On the The parable of the sover, and the meaning thereof. Anno DOMINI 31. gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.