Mark 3

Hendriksen

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-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 3 3 8 0 0 CHAPTER III ) Outline of Chapter 3 ) Theme: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Work Which Thou Gavest Him To Do) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 6 3 8 0 0 3:1 6 The Son of Man Asserting His Authority as Lord Even of the Sabbath (continued); the Shriveled Hand ) 3:7 12 By the Seaside Teaching and Healing Great Multitudes ) 3:13 19 Choosing The Twelve ) 3:20 30 Were Christ s Miracles Proof of Beelzebul s Dominion or of His Doom? ) 3:31 35 The Mother and the Brothers of Jesus ) 3:1 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Son of Man Asserting His Authority as Lord Even of the Sabbath; The Shriveled Hand) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.9-40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.9-40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:9 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6-42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6-42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 3 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 And in order that they might bring a charge against him [Jesus], they were watching him closely (to see) whether he would heal him on the sabbath. 3 He said to the man with the shriveled hand, Rise and come forward. 4 And he [Jesus] asked them, Is it right on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill? But they remained silent. 5 And when he had looked around at them in anger, being deeply grieved at the hardening of their heart, he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 Then the Pharisees left, and immediately, in consultation with the Herodians, began to take counsel against him, how they might destroy him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.0|AUTODETECT|” The story is found in all three 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.0|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.0|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.0|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They all report: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that on a sabbath Jesus somewhere attended the synagogue and noticed a man with a withered or shriveled hand; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that present also were some Pharisees, who were aiming to bring a charge against Jesus; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that the Lord told the man to stretch out his hand; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 d.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that obedience to this command resulted in complete restoration; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 e.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that the Pharisees discussed what should be done about the situation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to further details, there is a very interesting variety of presentation, again showing that the Gospel writers were no mere copyists. There are no contradictions. Combining the various items mentioned in the three accounts, the following vivid and dramatic narrative results: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Another sabbath has arrived. Jesus has entered the synagogue. Here he teaches 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Attending the service is a man with a shriveled hand. It is the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 right) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” hand 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Opponents of Jesus, that is, Pharisees and scribes 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ) are closely watching him 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ), with the purpose of preparing a charge against him. He knows their thoughts 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ), and makes them voice what they have on their minds. Is it right to heal on the sabbath? they ask 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus turns to the man, telling him to rise and step forward 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Then Jesus asks his adversaries, Is it right on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill? 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ). When they remain silent, Jesus looks around at them in anger, being grieved at the hardness of their hearts 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” a). He continues, What man of you, if he has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not grab hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is right to do good on the sabbath 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 100) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.13|AUTODETECT|” �� Jesus then says to the man, Stretch out your hand. So complete was the restoration that the (right) hand was now sound as the other 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ). The opponents were furious 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ). Having left the synagogue 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ), not only did they discuss among each other what they should do to Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.6|AUTODETECT|” b), but they also made contact with the Herodians 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” a), so that a combined plot was hatched. The aim was to kill, to destroy Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 b). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Turning now to the story as found in Mark we read: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.13-41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” The exact location of this synagogue is not indicated. Could it have been the one in Capernaum? In view of the fact that Mark and Luke relate this story in close connection with that of the choosing of The Twelve and the ascent up the mountain 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.13-41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:13 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12-42.6.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12-42.6.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:12 49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.1|AUTODETECT|” ), a mountain or hill probably not far removed from Capernaum 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.5|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), it is at least possible that a synagogue somewhere in the vicinity of what was now Jesus headquarters is meant. But we cannot be sure. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 On this sabbath in walks a man with a lame hand. The apocryphal Gospel according to the Hebrews states that the man was a stonemason, who pleaded with Jesus to heal him that he might not have to spend his life as a beggar. Be that as it may, the point is that this is a sabbath, and though there may well have been a difference of opinion between the disciples of Shammai with their stricter interpretation of sabbath observance, and those of Hillel, with their more lenient view the more rigorous position prevailing in Jerusalem, the more lenient in Galilee , the rule that only in such cases in which a man s life was actually in danger would it be permissible to heal him on the sabbath was widely endorsed.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Would Jesus dare to oppose this rule, by the Pharisees regarded as a well-established and basic principle which must not be violated? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is useless to speculate how the man had come to have a hand that was paralyzed. There are those who think that the form of the word used in the original here in 3:1, and translated shriveled or withered, indicates that the condition of the hand was not congenital, but the result of an injury caused by disease or accident.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� This, however, may well he an over-refinement. It may be true but cannot be proved. Far more important is what follows in verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

And in order that they might bring a charge against him [Jesus], they were watching him closely (to see) whether he would heal him on the sabbath.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Secretly the opponents hope that Jesus may trample upon their rule with respect to the sabbath. Who were these opponents? According to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1|AUTODETECT|” , the Pharisees; to which Luke, as was shown, adds the scribes. It is with evil intent that they watch Jesus so closely, that they observe him so scrupulously. See also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” 20:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� They wanted to see whether Jesus would actually heal this man on the sabbath. If so, they will be in a position to press charges against him for unnecessarily practicing medicinal therapy on that day. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus, however, does not shrink from his purpose to show kindness to this man: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

He said to the man with the shriveled hand, Rise and come forward.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The Lord clearly takes the offensive. He is opposed to all secret scheming and conniving, furtive watching and under-cover planning. Besides, he may have wished to elicit the sympathy of the audience for this handicapped person. So, he tells the man to get up and to stand where everybody can see him. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
And he [Jesus] asked them, Is it right on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Were not the Pharisees and the scribes the very people who were always claiming that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 they) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 knew what was permitted, lawful, and therefore right ? Let them therefore give their expert opinion. Of course, the answer to Christ s question was so obvious that a child could have given it. If it is right ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to do good) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” for which see also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.33|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.15|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.20|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.6|AUTODETECT|” 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.17|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.19|AUTODETECT|” 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.11|AUTODETECT|” III John 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 on any ordinary day of the week, would it not be right to do good on the sabbath? Besides, in the Old Testament was it not exactly ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doing good,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.6|AUTODETECT|” both with respect to God loving, serving, and delighting oneself in him , and with respect to man delivering him from bondage, feeding and clothing him , which God had required and even emphasized? And this in a context of fasting and sabbath observance? How strange that these adverse critics had not recalled the clear and definite teaching of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 56:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.6-23.58.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.6-23.58.14|AUTODETECT|” 58:6 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ! The Lord had urged Israel to use the sabbath for the very purpose for which Jesus was here, now, and always using it. Nevertheless, it was with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 him) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that men who were supposed to be experts in the law were finding fault. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21|AUTODETECT|” However, Jesus probed even more deeply. He exposed the perversity of the critics even more unequivocally; for not only did he ask whether it was permitted on the sabbath to do good and to save life; he added, or to do harm and to kill? Certainly, if it was improper to do harm and to kill on the other six days of the week, was it not very improper to engage in this sinister business on the day specifically set aside for honoring God and showing sympathy to man? Nevertheless this doing harm and killing was exactly what these enemies were right now engaged in! In their hearts they were doing harm to the Messiah, sent by the Father. They were engaged in killing him! For proof see verse 6; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.22|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.15|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . O that even now they had repented and confessed their wickedness. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 But they remained silent.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

And when he had looked around at them in anger, being deeply grieved at the hardening of their heart, he said to the man, Stretch out your hand.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Mark s description is very vivid, He writes as if he were reporting the very words spoken by an eye-witness, which was probably what he was indeed doing, the eye-witness being Peter.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.23|AUTODETECT|” Mark states that it was in anger that Jesus looked around at his critics. For this word anger or wrath see also 3:7 in both Matthew and Luke; further: ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” John 3:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ; and the many references to divine wrath in the epistles and in the Book of Revelation. Similarly, Jesus was going to be moved with indignation upon noticing that the disciples were trying to stop those who were bringing the little ones to him, that he might touch them 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.14|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.0|AUTODETECT|” It should not be necessary to point out that there was nothing wrong with such indignation, such intense horror and disapproval. Actually it was simply the necessary concomitant of love. What was happening, as recorded here in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.0|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” , was that the Pharisees were esteeming man-made ritualism above God-ordained concern about a man s welfare. Strict adherance to a rabbinical rule evidently meant more to them than the happiness of a human being. Jesus, on the other hand, sympathized with this handicapped person. Hence, he was terribly displeased with those cold-hearted ritualists. But even his anger was tempered by grief: he was deeply grieved at the hardening of their heart, that is, at their spiritual obtuseness, insensibility, and obstinacy. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” . Are we correct in saying that he felt sorry even for these rigid traditionalists? Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . However that may be, it is significant that, according to the tenses used in the original, the angry look was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 momentary,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the deep-seated grief was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 continuous,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 abiding.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 A chilling silence prevails in the ranks of the critics. With bated breath the rest of the people are also watching, wondering what will happen now. The atmosphere in the synagogue is surcharged with uneasiness on the one hand, expectancy on the other. The man with the withered hand is still standing there, in full view of the audience. Jesus is about to perform the miracle demanded by this situation. He must act ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 now,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not later. For him to have waited until the following day could easily have been interpreted as an admission on his part that deeds of healing, unless in a case of life or death, were after all wrong when performed on the sabbath. Such a delay would have compounded error. This must not be. Now is the appropriate moment. So, after the scrutinizing all-around look, Jesus says to the handicapped man, Stretch [or: hold] out your hand. Immediately he obeys: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.13.6|AUTODETECT|” The cure was instantaneous and complete. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.13.6|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 13:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Subsequent treatments or check-ups were not required. In a manner too mysterious for any mortal to comprehend, the Savior had concentrated his mind on the plight of this poor man, and by means of his power and compassion, had willed and performed the cure; and this not in a dark corner but in the sight of everyone present. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The effect upon the legalists? Answer: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

Then the Pharisees left, and immediately, in consultation with the Herodians, began to take counsel against him, how they might destroy him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Not only did the Pharisees leave the synagogue; they left ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in a huff) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” . They were furious 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The fact that a handicapped man had been delivered of his serious impediment, did not affect them in the least. It did not make them feel happy for this man. And it did not make them kindly disposed toward the Healer. What riled them was that here, before the eyes of everybody, they and their traditionalism had suffered a humiliating defeat. What a vast difference between ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ s) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” totally unselfish anger 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.16|AUTODETECT|” thoroughly selfish resentment! Moreover, as the word immediately shows, these men lost no time in planning their opponent s destruction. At once they started their scheming, choosing as their co-plotters & of all people, the thoroughly unholy, worldly adherants of Herod Antipas and his family. A strange coalition between the sanctimonious and the sacrilegious! See also 12:13 and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Nevertheless, a little reflection may well lead to the conclusion that the unholy alliance was not so strange after all. The life and teaching of Jesus implied a denunciation of worldlimindedness; hence, of the mode of life that characterized, among others, the Herodians. Besides, as viewed by the Herodians, who were lovers of the political status quo, would not Christ s huge following appear to hold within its bosom the seeds of political rebellion and revolution? If, then, the Herodians are willing to be in on the plot to bring about the destruction of Jesus, their co-operation will be welcomed and appreciated by the Pharisees. Anything & yes, anything will do, to get rid of Jesus! ) 3:7 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 By the Seaside Teaching and Healing Great Multitudes) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.15-40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.15-40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:15 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 7 Together with his disciples Jesus withdrew to the seashore, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 And many people, hearing all the things he was doing, came to him from Judea and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 So, because of the crowd he told the disciples that a small boat should be kept in readiness for him, to prevent the people from crushing him; 10 for he had healed so many that all those who were suffering from illnesses were crowding in upon him in order to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they were falling down at his feet and were screaming, You are the Son of God. 12 But he strictly forbade them to reveal who he was. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
Together with his disciples Jesus withdrew to the seashore, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Up to this point Mark has recorded four clashes��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� whether direct or indirect between Jesus and the Pharisees (2:6 11; 2:15 17; 2:23 28; 3:1 6). The most bitter of these were the first, when the opponents in their hearts accused Jesus of blasphemy, and the fourth, when they began to scheme how they might destroy him. At the close of the first confrontation Jesus went to the seashore. It is not surprising, therefore, that now, too, after the fourth collision, he withdraws to the seashore. Both times it is from inside a building (crowded house, synagogue) that he retires to the shore; the first time, after healing a paralyzed man; now, after restoring a paralyzed hand. We must bear in mind also that the time for the decisive head-on confrontation with the religious authorities had not as yet arrived.

According to the Father s time-clock Calvary is still some distance away. For the present therefore the seashore is better suited to the Master s purpose than the synagogue. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.35-43.1.51|AUTODETECT|” The disciples accompany Jesus to the seashore. From Mark s Gospel we know that Simon, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew had accepted the call to be Christ s disciples (1:16 20; 2:13, 14). According to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.35-43.1.51|AUTODETECT|” John 1:35 51) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Philip and Nathanael had also been added to the group. Were all of these present with Jesus at this time? Any others? Mark s five but not Philip and Nathanael? However that may have been, it is clear that The Twelve as a body had not yet been appointed. Since the Galilean Ministry was still continuing, we are not surprised that a large crowd from Galilee followed Jesus. It must be borne in mind that already many sick, demon-possessed, and handicapped persons had been blessed by Christ s healing, rescuing, and restoring power and love. See 1:29 34, 39 42; 2:1 12; 3:1 6. This was going to continue (see verses 10 12). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The good news with reference to what was taking place in Galilee kept on reaching other places both within and outside of the nation: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 8. And many people, hearing all the things he was doing, came to him from Judea and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The reports kept coming in, for Christ s deeds, too, were continuing. So, people came in great numbers and from several different places. They came from Judea including Jerusalem in the south. Also, from south of the borders of Palestine, that is, from Idumea, which by John Hyrcanus had been conquered and whose people had by him been forced to observe the laws of the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 XIII.257). They came also from the region across that is, east of the Jordan; hence, from Transjordan or Perea, stretching from beyond Machaerus in the south, almost to Pella in the north, a region for the most part desert and rugged, but interspersed with tracts of finer soil, productive of every kind of crop 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jewish War) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.15|AUTODETECT|” III.44 47). For this see also 10:1; Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.1|AUTODETECT|” 19:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.28|AUTODETECT|” John 1:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” 3:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.40|AUTODETECT|” 10:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.14.1|AUTODETECT|” . They even came from Phoenicia, the region around Tyre and Sidon, along the Mediterranean Sea, northwest of Galilee. Cf. 7:24, 31; see also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.14.1|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 45:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.83.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.83.7|AUTODETECT|” 83:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.4|AUTODETECT|” 87:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.3-44.21.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.3-44.21.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:3 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was mainly because of Christ s continuing miracles that people from everywhere, many of them seeking healing for themselves and/or for relatives, came to him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The size of the crowd and the eagerness of the people to get close enough to Jesus to touch him caused a problem: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 9, 10. So, because of the crowd he told the disciples that a small boat should be kept in readiness for him, to prevent the people from crushing him; for he had healed so many that all those who were suffering from illnesses were crowding in upon him in order to touch him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Jesus had already healed many. Accordingly, the people were so thoroughly convinced of his power and readiness to deliver them from their scourges or illnesses 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and see the very comforting ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) that, unwilling to wait for Jesus to touch ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 them,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 they were crowding upon him, in order to touch ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 him) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the significance of either touch see on 1:41; cf. 5:27 31; 6:56. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Therefore, for safety s sake, Jesus told the disciples to provide a boat for him. The original uses a diminutive. Mark makes frequent use of diminutives; see footnote 5 on p. 19f. The one here used is generally translated a small boat. By no means is it true, however, that such diminutives always emphasize smallness in size, though in the present instance the vessel was probably small. But the small boat of 3:9 may have been equal in size to the boat of 4:1.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 108) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Whether in the present instance the emphasis is on size or on familiarity with the indicated object would be hard to determine. At any rate, by making use of such a boat moored offshore, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 if) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he found it advisable to do so, Jesus could when he deemed it necessary not only protect himself but also in an unhampered manner address large throngs on the beach. Jesus tells the disciples that such a vessel should be kept in readiness ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 109) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� for him, so that it could be used ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 if) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 when) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 needed. Whether at this particular time the Lord actually made use of the boat, as he was going to do in 4:1, is not indicated. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.19-40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” The passage about the little boat must not be passed by as if it were of no practical significance, as is often done. On the contrary, it is intensely practical. It shows that even Jesus, though divine as well as human, in his state of humiliation made wise use of precautions, measures taken before-hand against possible danger. In doing this, is he not teaching a lesson which everyone would do well to heed? This lesson is not always taken to heart. Think of the student heading for the ministry, but neglecting the study of Scripture in the original; of the would-be enthusiastic missionary, preaching the gospel in his own native tongue on a busy street corner in a foreign land, to people who do not understand a word of what he is saying; and of the man who is down on medical care for himself and for his family, because (as he puts it) he trusts wholly in God. Certainly ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.19-40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:19 34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.6|AUTODETECT|” 4:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” , must not be emphasized at the expense of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 41:33 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.38.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.38.21|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 38:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.28-42.14.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.28-42.14.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:28 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.8|AUTODETECT|” 16:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Philippians 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.9|AUTODETECT|” . When God created the human body he equipped it with many precautionary extras! At the particular occasion to which ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 refers the small boat may not have been used. The point is: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 it was there, always ready, ever available) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That little vessel teaches a big lesson! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus not only healed all those many sick people; he also drove out demons: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 11. And whenever��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 110) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� the unclean spirits saw him, they were falling down at his feet and were screaming, You are the Son of God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.2|AUTODETECT|” For demon possession see on 1:23a. These spirits are called unclean because they are morally and spiritually filthy, evil in themselves, and because they urge those whom they inhabit to commit evil. They here, of course, those possessed by them, their helpless tools, the demoniacs kept falling down at his feet and screaming. It is pointless to argue that when these spirits yelled, You are the Son of God, they were using the term Son of God in the sense of angel 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ), or Israel 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ), or child of God, believer 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Clearly, when they yelled You are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Son of God, they were referring to Jesus as Son of God in a unique sense, God s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Son) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as no one else ever was or will be. Cf. 1:24. Also the idea that this item is not historical but merely expresses Mark s theology must be rejected. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 12. But he strictly forbade them to reveal who he was.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 More literally, But he kept on strictly warning [or: charging]��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 111) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� them not to make him known. Just why was it that Jesus refused to allow the demons to reveal his identity? Several answers may be suggested: ) 6 5 3 8 0 0

The person and the work of the Savior are so holy and exalted that it would not be fitting to allow corrupt, filthy demons to proclaim them. ) 2. The title the Son of God implied at least that Jesus was the long expected Messiah. However, most of the people conceived of the Messiah in a nationalistic sense: one who could deliver them from the yoke of the foreign oppressor. So, before publicly revealing himself as the Messiah, or allowing himself to be thus proclaimed, Jesus must first make clear the nature of his Messianic office: that he has to suffer and die for the sins of his people, etc. The time to proclaim this publicly, or to have it thus proclaimed, has not as yet arrived. ) 3.

The scribes were telling the people that Jesus and the demons were allies (3:22). If, then, Jesus permitted himself to be advertised by demons, would he not seem to be confirming the allegation of these scribes? ) Which of these reasons is the correct one? Or which combination of reasons? Or was there perhaps another reason? We simply do not know. The possible reasons that have been enumerated show at least that Christ s unwillingness to be proclaimed as the Son of God by demons need not be considered very surprising. ) 3:13 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Choosing The Twelve) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.1-40.10.4|AUTODETECT|”
Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.1-40.10.4|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 10:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.12-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.12-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:12 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
13 He went up into the mountain and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve whom he also named apostles , that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to expel demons. 16 He appointed these twelve: Simon whom he named Peter , 17 and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James them he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder , 18 and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
13. He went up into the mountain and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they came to him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
The transition is again very natural. With so many sick to be healed, so many demoniacs to be set free, so much preaching needed (see 3:7 12, 14, 15), it was natural that Jesus would authorize some of his followers to have a share in the work he himself was doing, his own power and sympathy operating also in them. Moreover, the hostility of the religious leaders had become so bitter (3:6) that co-operation with them had become impossible: God s people must become separately organized. Also, from the start of Christ s earthly ministry death and (after resurrection) departure from this earth were staring him in the face. In fact, he had come for the very purpose of giving his life as a ransom for many (10:45). He felt the need therefore of appointing witnesses by means of whom, through his own work in them, the militant church could be gathered and guided, after his own physical departure. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
So Jesus went up into the mountain. Both in Matthew (see 8:1) and in Luke (6:12, 17) the description has so much local color, that a specific elevation whether we today would call it a mountain or a hill is of no consequence seems to be meant. Hence, the rendering the mountain would in this case seem to be better than the hills. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref13
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
112) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.1|AUTODETECT|”
�� It is true, nevertheless, that neither here nor in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.1|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
, where the same expression occurs, are we told which mountain is indicated. To the people of that day it was probably well-known, so that they understood exactly what the Gospel writers meant by the mountain. It seems to have been in the general vicinity of Capernaum. For more on this see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref14
11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
on Matthew, pp. 259, 260. And for an introduction to the Sermon on the Mount preached here, see that same commentary, pp. 259 262. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|”
So very important did Jesus consider the appointment of The Twelve and the preaching of the sermon to be that on this mountain he spent the entire preceding night in prayer 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). Thereupon he��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref15
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
113) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.15.16|AUTODETECT|”
�� called to himself those whom he wanted. His sovereign will prevails. They choose him only after he first had chosen them! In the night of his betrayal he was able to say to his disciples, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit & 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.15.16|AUTODETECT|”
John 15:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.10|AUTODETECT|”
). See also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.10|AUTODETECT|”
I John 4:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|”
19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.1.16-41.1.20|AUTODETECT|”
. Result: they came to him, leaving behind whatever had to be left behind. In fact, several of them 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.1.16-41.1.20|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 1:16 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.2.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.2.13|AUTODETECT|”
2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.2.14|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.2.14|AUTODETECT|”
14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.35-43.1.51|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.35-43.1.51|AUTODETECT|”
John 1:35 51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.13|AUTODETECT|”
) had already been closely associating with him, and even the rest must have been his followers, though in a more general sense 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.13|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
14, 15. And he appointed twelve whom he also named ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
apostles) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to expel demons.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.0|AUTODETECT|”
It is clear that Mark summarizes. The full content of the commission is found in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.0|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0: The Charge to the Twelve, which must be dated a little later. The disciples all twelve of them must have been in Christ s company a while before they could be sent out to proclaim the good tidings to others. As ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Mark) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 relates, the task for which Jesus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appointed) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.12.31|AUTODETECT|” 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.12.31|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 12:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) these men was threefold: association and education, mission, and demon-expulsion. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Matthew) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 adds a fourth item. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Association) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Education) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . He appointed them, first of all, to spend some time with their Master, seeing and hearing him, and learning whatever it was he wished to teach them. For them such association meant spiritual education. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Mission.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.40|AUTODETECT|” Secondly, and in close connection with the preceding, he appointed them to be his heralds; hence, in that sense, to preach. Receivers must become givers. Disciples must become apostles. They must publish the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In a sense they were invested with his authority. So real was this authority that Jesus was going to say, He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ). Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21-43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21-43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:21 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” . They were sent first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ); later, to all the nations 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ), into all the world 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Demon Expulsion.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Thirdly, Jesus appointed them to have��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� authority (the right and the power) to expel demons. For demon possession see on 1:23. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Restoration) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.8|AUTODETECT|” of the body both healing and bringing back to life was also included, as ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 shows. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 16 19. He appointed these twelve: Simon whom he named Peter , and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James them he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder , and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” The very fact that Jesus appointed exactly twelve men, no more no less, indicated that he had in mind the new Israel, for ancient Israel had twelve tribes and twelve patriarchs. The new Israel was going to be gathered from among all the nations, Jews and Gentiles alike 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:10 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” 28:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.9|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.15|AUTODETECT|” 16:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.16|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.25-42.4.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.25-42.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.2-40.10.4|AUTODETECT|” In the New Testament the names of The Twelve are listed four times 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.2-40.10.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:2 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.16-41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.16-41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:16 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.14-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.14-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:14 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.26|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ). ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:15 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 records the manner in which Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias. With that exception the twelve names undoubtedly indicate the same persons in each of the four lists. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With respect to the three lists recorded in the Synoptics note the following: If theoretically the twelve names are viewed as in each case consisting of three groups of four, the ones mentioned are the same in each group. They are, however, not always arranged in identical sequence. In the first group of four Mark, unlike Matthew and Luke, separates the names of the two brothers Simon (=Peter) and Andrew. Mark s order is: Simon, James, John, Andrew. Matthew s and Luke s is: Simon, Andrew, James, John. In the second group Luke s order agrees with Mark s: Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas.

In this group Matthew places Thomas before his own name; hence, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew. In the final group Matthew s order is the same as Mark s: James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananaean, Judas Iscariot. Here Luke, reversing the middle two, has: James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the (son) of James this Judas, we may assume, is Thaddaeus , Judas Iscariot. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark, it will be noted, does not arrange the twelve names in pairs, as Matthew does. He mentions them all in one long row. Just why it was that Mark separated the names of the two brothers, Simon and Andrew, is not clear. Suggestions: Does he group Simon, James, and John in immediate succession because frequently Jesus chose exactly these three, not the others, to be with him? Does he mention Andrew in immediate connection with Philip because there may well have been a close relationship between these two? See ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” John 12:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Or is it possible that he separated the names of the brothers Simon and Andrew because he wanted to indicate that in Christ s family spiritual kinship was even more important than physical? See this very chapter (3:31 35). We simply do not know. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to the twelve, considered individually, in the order in which Mark has arranged them, note the following: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Simon.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.44|AUTODETECT|” He was a son of Jonas or John. By trade he was a fisherman, who with his brother Andrew first lived in Bethsaida 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.44|AUTODETECT|” John 1:44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ), afterward in Capernaum 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” ). Both Mark and Luke report that it was Jesus who gave Simon the new name Peter. For details of this event see ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” John 1:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This new name, meaning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rock,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.28|AUTODETECT|” was a description not of what Simon was when called, but of what by grace he was to become. At first, and for some time afterward, Simon was anything but a model of steadfastness or imperturbability. On the contrary, he was constantly swaying from one position to its opposite. He turned from trust to doubt 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.16|AUTODETECT|” ); from open profession of Jesus as the Christ, to rebuking that very Christ 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.33-40.26.35|AUTODETECT|” ); from a vehement declaration of loyalty, to base denial 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.33-40.26.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:33 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.69-40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.69-40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” 69 75) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.29-41.14.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.29-41.14.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:29 31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.66-41.14.72|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.66-41.14.72|AUTODETECT|” 66 72) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.54-42.22.62|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.54-42.22.62|AUTODETECT|” 54 62) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ); from By no means shalt thou wash my feet ever, to Not my feet only but also my hands and my head 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.8|AUTODETECT|” John 13:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” John 20:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.13-40.16.20|AUTODETECT|” . Nevertheless, by the grace and power of the Lord this changeable Simon was transformed into a true Peter. For the significance of Peter in the post-resurrection church see N.T.C. on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.13-40.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:13 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.16|AUTODETECT|” . Accordingly, when Jesus at this early date-for ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” reflects ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” John 1:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 assigned to Simon his new name, that was an act of love, a love that was willing to overlook the present and even the near future, and to look far ahead. Wonderful and transforming grace of our loving Lord! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Two New Testament books are by tradition accredited to this apostle: I and II Peter. As was shown earlier see pp. 12, 13 , Mark has not unjustly been called Peter s interpreter. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Mark mentions these two fishermen not only here and in 1:19, 20 (see on that passage) but also later on (9:2; cf. 10:35 45). There are also several references to them in the other Gospels. Probably because of their fiery nature Jesus called these two brothers Boanerges. This is an Aramaic word, which Mark, who is the only Gospel-writer to report this, for his non-Jewish readers interprets to mean sons of thunder. The Hebrew name would be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 13 1 -1 9 0 0 e) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 n reghesh) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 115) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.54-42.9.56|AUTODETECT|” �� That the two did indeed have a fiery nature may perhaps be inferred from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.54-42.9.56|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:54 56) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” . James was the first of The Twelve to wear the martyr s crown 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.23|AUTODETECT|” ). While he was the first to arrive in heaven, his brother John was in all probability the last to remain on earth. On the life and character of John, considered by many (I believe correctly) as being the disciple whom Jesus loved 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.23|AUTODETECT|” John 13:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” 19:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.2|AUTODETECT|” 20:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.7|AUTODETECT|” 21:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, pp. 18 21. Five New Testament books have by tradition been assigned to John: his Gospel, three epistles (I, II, and III John), and the book of Revelation. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Andrew.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.41|AUTODETECT|” It was he, also a fisherman, who brought his brother Peter to Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.41|AUTODETECT|” John 1:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ). For other references to Andrew see above (on 1:16, 17, 29); also study ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.8|AUTODETECT|” John 6:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” 12:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also below under Philip. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Philip.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.45|AUTODETECT|” He was at least for a while a fellow townsman of Peter and Andrew, that is, he too was from Bethsaida. Having himself responded to the call of Jesus, he found Nathanael, and said to him, The one about whom Moses wrote in the law and about whom the prophets wrote, we have found, Jesus, son of Joseph, the one from Nazareth 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.45|AUTODETECT|” John 1:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). When Jesus was about to feed the five thousand he asked Philip, How are we to buy bread-cakes that these (people) may eat? Philip answered, Bread cakes for two hundred denarii would not be sufficient for them so that each might get a little something 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.5|AUTODETECT|” John 6:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ). Philip apparently forgot that the power of Jesus surpassed any possibility of calculation. To deduce from this incident the conclusion that Philip was a coldly-calculating type of person, more so than the other apostles, would be basing too much on too little. In the Gospels Philip generally appears in a rather favorable light. Thus, when the Greeks approached him with the request, Sir, we would see Jesus, he went and told Andrew, and these two, Andrew and Philip, brought the enquirers to Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” John 12:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.8|AUTODETECT|” ). It must be admitted that Philip did not always immediately understand the meaning of Christ s profound utterances did the others? but to his credit it must be said that with perfect candor he would reveal his ignorance and ask for further information, as is also clear from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.8|AUTODETECT|” John 14:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.9|AUTODETECT|” , Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be content. He received the beautiful and comforting answer, & He who has seen me has seen the Father 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.9|AUTODETECT|” John 14:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Bartholomew) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (meaning: son of Tolmai). He is clearly the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Nathanael) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of John s Gospel (1:45 49; 21:2). It was he who said to Philip, Out of Nazareth can any good come? Philip answered, Come and see. When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him he said, Look, truly an Israelite in whom deceit does not exist. This disciple-apostle was one of the seven persons to whom the resurrected Christ appeared at the Sea of Tiberias. Of the other six only Simon Peter, Thomas, and the sons of Zebedee are mentioned. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Matthew.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This disciple has already been discussed in some detail (see above on 2:14 17). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Thomas.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.16|AUTODETECT|” The references to him combine in indicating that despondency and devotion marked this man. He was ever afraid that he might lose his beloved Master. He expected evil, and it was hard for him to believe good tidings when they were brought to him. Yet when the risen Savior in all his tender, condescending love revealed himself to him it was he who exclaimed, My Lord and my God! For more information on Thomas see N.T.C. on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.16|AUTODETECT|” John 11:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.5|AUTODETECT|” 14:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.24-43.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.24-43.20.28|AUTODETECT|” 20:24 28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.2|AUTODETECT|” 21:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James the son of Alphaeus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.56|AUTODETECT|” By Mark (15:40) he is also called James the Less, which by some is interpreted as meaning James the younger, but by others as James small in stature. About him we have no further positive information. It is probable, however, that he was the same disciple who is referred to in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.56|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:56) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.25|AUTODETECT|” . If this be correct, his mother s name was Mary, one of the women who accompanied Jesus and stood near the cross. See N.T.C. on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.25|AUTODETECT|” John 19:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It has already been shown that the Alphaeus who was the father of Matthew should probably not be identified with Alphaeus the father of James the Less. See above on 2:14. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Thaddaeus) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.3|AUTODETECT|” 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.18|AUTODETECT|” and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.18|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.22|AUTODETECT|” ). He is in all probability the Judas not Iscariot of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.22|AUTODETECT|” John 14:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” (see on that passage); cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Acts. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.0|AUTODETECT|” . From what is said about him in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.0|AUTODETECT|” John 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it would seem that he wanted Jesus to show himself to the world, probably meaning: to get into the limelight. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Simon the Cananaean.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.15|AUTODETECT|” The Cananaean is an Aramaic surname meaning enthusiast or zealot. In fact Luke calls him Simon the Zealot 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In all probability this name is here given him because formerly he had belonged to the party of the Zealots, which party in its hatred for the foreign ruler, who demanded tribute, did not shrink from fomenting rebellion against the Roman government. See Josephus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jewish War) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 II.117, 118; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” XVIII.1 10, 23. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Judas Iscariot.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14|AUTODETECT|” This name is generally interpreted as meaning Judas the man from Kerioth, a place in southern Judea. The Gospels refer to him again and again 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.47|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.47|AUTODETECT|” 47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3|AUTODETECT|” 27:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.43|AUTODETECT|” 43) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” 47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.71|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.71|AUTODETECT|” John 6:71) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.4|AUTODETECT|” 12:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.2|AUTODETECT|” 13:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.2-43.18.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.2-43.18.5|AUTODETECT|” 18:2 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.70|AUTODETECT|” ). He is at times described as Judas who betrayed him, Judas one of the twelve, the betrayer, Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, Judas Iscariot, Simon s son, or simply Judas. This man, though thoroughly responsible for his own wicked deeds, was an instrument of the devil 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.70|AUTODETECT|” John 6:70) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.71|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.71|AUTODETECT|” 71) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|” ). While other people, when they felt that they could no longer agree with or even tolerate Christ s teachings, would simply disassociate themselves from him 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|” John 6:66) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ), Judas remained, as if he were in full accord with him. Being a very selfish person he was unable or shall we say unwilling ? to understand the unselfish and beautiful deed of Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.1|AUTODETECT|” John 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ff.). He was unable and unwilling to see that the native language of love is lavishness. It was the devil who instigated Judas to betray Jesus, that is, to deliver him into the hands of the enemy. He was a thief; yet it was he who had been entrusted with the treasuryship of the little company, with the predictable result 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” John 12:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.20-40.26.25|AUTODETECT|” ). When, in connection with the institution of the Lord s Supper, the dramatic moment arrived forever commemorated in Scripture 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.20-40.26.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:20 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.21-43.13.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.21-43.13.30|AUTODETECT|” John 13:21 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” ) and emblazoned in art (Leonardo da Vinci, etc.) in which Jesus startled The Twelve by saying, One of you will betray me, Judas, though having already received from the chief priests the thirty pieces of silver as a reward for his promised deed 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:14 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.49|AUTODETECT|” ) had the incredible audacity to say, Surely not I, Rabbi? Judas served as guide for the detachment of soldiers and the posse of temple police that arrested Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. It was by means of perfidiously kissing his Master, as if he were still a loyal disciple, that this traitor pointed out Jesus to those who had come to seize him 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.49|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.50|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.50|AUTODETECT|” 50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.43-41.14.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.43-41.14.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:43 45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” ). As to the manner of Judas self-inflicted demise, see on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:3 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.22|AUTODETECT|” . What caused this privileged disciple to become Christ s betrayer? Was it injured pride, disappointed ambition, deeply entrenched greed, fear of being put out of the synagogue 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.22|AUTODETECT|” John 9:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” )? No doubt all of these were involved, but could not the most basic reason have been this, that between the utterly selfish heart of Judas and the infinitely unselfish and outgoing heart of Jesus there was a chasm so immense that either Judas must implore the Lord to bestow upon him the grace of regeneration and complete renewal, a request which the traitor wickedly refused to make, or else he must offer his help to get rid of Jesus? See also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.28|AUTODETECT|” 4:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . One thing is certain: The shocking tragedy of Judas life is proof not of Christ s impotence but of the traitor s impenitence! Woe to that man! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What points up the greatness of Jesus is that he took ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 such men as these,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and welded them into an amazingly influential community that would prove to be not only a worthy link with Israel s past but also a solid foundation for the church s future. Yes, he accomplished this multiple miracle with such men as these, with all their faults and foibles. Even when we leave out Judas Iscariot and concentrate only on the others, we cannot fail to be impressed with the majesty of the Savior, whose drawing power, incomparable wisdom, and matchless love were so astounding that he was able to gather around himself and to unite into ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.28|AUTODETECT|” family men of entirely different, at times even opposite, backgrounds and temperaments. Included in this little band was Peter the optimist 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.35|AUTODETECT|” :33, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.16|AUTODETECT|” ), but also Thomas the pessimist 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.16|AUTODETECT|” John 11:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.24|AUTODETECT|” 20:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); Simon the one-time Zealot, hating taxes and eager to overthrow the Roman government, but also Matthew, who had voluntarily offered his tax collecting services to that same Roman government; Peter, John, and Matthew, destined to become renowned through their writings, but also James the Less, who remains obscure but must have fulfilled his mission. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Jesus drew them to himself with the cords of his tender, never-failing compassion. He loved them to the uttermost 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.1|AUTODETECT|” John 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and in the night before he was betrayed and crucified commended them to his Father, saying: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.6-43.17.19|AUTODETECT|” I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word.& Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, in order that they may be one, even as we are one.& I do not make request that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Consecrate them in the truth; thy word is truth. Just as thou didst send me into the world, so have I also sent them into the world. And for thy sake I consecrate myself, in order that they also may be truly consecrated 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.6-43.17.19|AUTODETECT|” John 17:6 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , in part). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 3:20 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Were Christ s Miracles Proof of Beelzebul s Dominion or of His Doom?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22-40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22-40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:22 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:14 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 20 He came home; and again a crowd gathered, so that they were not even able to eat a meal. 21 Now when his friends��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 116) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� heard (about this), they went out to take charge of him, for they said, He is out of his mind. 22 And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebul ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 117) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and It is by the prince of the demons that he is casting out the demons. 23 So he called them to himself and spoke to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand he is finished.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 118) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 27 On the contrary, no one can enter the strong man s house and carry off his goods unless he first binds the strong man. It is only then that he will ransack his house. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 28 I solemnly declare to you: all things will be forgiven to the sons of men, all their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never receive forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin. 30 (He said this) because they were saying, He has an unclean spirit. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12-42.6.49|AUTODETECT|” At this point, after the calling of The Twelve, we might have expected some phrases from the Sermon on the Mount. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12-42.6.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:12 49) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But Mark, being predominantly the Gospel of action see pp. 18, 19 , does not specialize in discourse material.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 119) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Abruptly Mark s account continues: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 20. He came home; and again a crowd gathered, so that they were not even able to eat a meal.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 There are no indications as to just when the incident (verses 20, 21) took place. It must have happened sometime during the Great Galilean Ministry, but there is no definite ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 chronological) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 link. Nevertheless there may well be a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 logical) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.20-41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” connection between ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.20-41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:20 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” and what has gone before, in 2:1 3:19. Mark has shown that the hostility of the religious authorities had advanced to the point where they were plotting Jesus destruction (3:6), and where he, in turn, by means of the calling of The Twelve was establishing the foundation of the church in its New Testament manifestation. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But now something is added to the burden of the Man of Sorrows. Not only his enemies, the Pharisees and scribes, but now also his friends begin to make matters difficult for him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In the sense already explained (see on 2:1) Jesus was at home once more in Capernaum, his headquarters. And just as on a previous occasion the crowd had been so large that the entrance was blocked (2:4; cf. 1:33), so now also the throng was so enormous that it was impossible for Jesus and his disciples note they even to eat.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 120) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Result: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 21. Now when his friends heard (about this), they went out to take charge of him, for they said, He is out of his mind.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Who were those people who thought that Jesus was bereft of his senses,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 121) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and who therefore wanted to take him into protective custody?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 122) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The phrase used in the original to describe them��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 123) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� is rather ambiguous. It means basically those from his side. The theory according to which the reference is to Jesus immediate family, that is, to his mother Mary and to his brothers,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26” 124) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� is held, by those who favor it, to be supported by the following considerations: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.21|AUTODETECT|” a. Family (parents and other relatives) is the meaning of this phrase in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.21|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 21:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and in a passage of the apocryphal writing Susanna 33. See context, verse 30. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” b. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” John 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 states, Even his brothers did not believe in him [Jesus]. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 c. Here in Mark the context, verses 31 35, mentions Jesus mother and his brothers. ) d. The atmosphere of tension revealed in the chapter s closing paragraph is best explained by the supposition that Jesus immediate family had originated or at least given credence to the opinion, He is out of his mind. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.21|AUTODETECT|” On the basis of considerations such as these it is not surprising that the phrase his family occurs in several translations of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27” N.E.B.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc.). Others offer the not very different rendering his relatives (Phillips, Goodspeed, Berkeley, Norlie, Weymouth, Jerusalem Bible) or something similar. That the phrase used in the original does at times have this meaning has already been shown. See a. above. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Nevertheless, by no means all translators have adopted the rendering his family, or even his relatives. Several avoid it, in favor of his friends -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28” A.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29” A.R.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30” R.S.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Living N.T., R. Young). F. C. Grant��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31” 125) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� states, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 His friends) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is probably the best translation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Whatever one may think of the rendering his family or his relatives, the further conclusion, namely, that the passage (3:21) must be interpreted to mean that Mary and Jesus brothers were the ones who were calling Jesus insane is not nearly as unavoidable as it may seem to be. As for the arguments that have been used in its support (see a.-d. above), note the following: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As to a) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 True, but the word also has other meanings. In I Macc. 9:44; 11:73; 12:27; 13:52; 15:15 the meaning is probably his men, his envoys, his company, his adherants or followers. Josephus, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.27|AUTODETECT|” I.193 reflects ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.27|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , where many more are included than those who belonged to Abraham s immediate family. In the papyri, too, the expression used in the original has many different meanings, in accordance with the specific context in each individual case. See F. Field, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Notes on the Translation of the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Cambridge, 1899, p. 25. It can mean neighbors, agents, friends, etc. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As to b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” It is true that ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” John 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” teaches that even Jesus brothers did not believe in him, but the context clearly shows that they did not consider him mentally unbalanced. Otherwise would they have said, & show yourself to the world ? Whether or not these brothers were included in 3:21 is not known. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” John 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 does not prove that they were. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As to c) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The words & those with him may mean his family, though it is doubtful if Mark meant to anticipate vs. 31 in this way (F. C. Grant). The theory according to which vss. 31 35 resume the story begun in verse 21 is questionable. To be sure, there is a relation between vss. 20 30, on the one hand, and vss. 31 35, on the other. But that relation is probably of a different character. See on vss. 31 35. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As to d) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This point concerns both Jesus brothers ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and his mother) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” . For the brothers see above, under As to b. With respect to Mary: even though it is true that she erred at times and that her criticisms and attempts at interference with Christ s program were always firmly reproved 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” John 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” ; and so probably also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:31 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” ), yet we have no reason to doubt that the relation between Mary and Jesus was ever one of tenderness and respect, proceeding from both sides 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.5|AUTODETECT|” John 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” 19:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). There is no reason to believe that Mary s faith in God s revelation regarding her firstborn son (see below, on verses 33 35) was ever obliterated to the extent that she regarded Jesus as having lost his mind. The burden of proof rests entirely on those who think otherwise.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32” 126) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Who, then, were those friends or associates of Jesus that were convinced that he had taken leave of his senses? We simply do not know! They may have been people with whom he had grown up in Nazareth, including possibly even relatives. Or, again, they may have been persons well disposed toward Jesus, an outer circle of disciples. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33” 127) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.12|AUTODETECT|” �� That there was indeed such an outer circle, probably consisting of a great number of people, is clear from many passages 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.3|AUTODETECT|” 14:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.12-41.14.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.12-41.14.16|AUTODETECT|” 12 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.51|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.51|AUTODETECT|” 51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.52|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.52|AUTODETECT|” 52) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” 15:43) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.1|AUTODETECT|” 10:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.50-42.23.56|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.50-42.23.56|AUTODETECT|” 23:50 56) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.2.17|AUTODETECT|” What may have been the reason(s) causing these friends, associates, or followers to consider Jesus to have become demented? Many possibilities suggest themselves. They may have thought: At times the Master acts so strangely; for example, at an earlier occasion, when everybody in Capernaum wanted him to return to that town, he said, Let us go elsewhere, to the next towns (1:36 38). Also, he is constantly opposing the establishment, consisting of scribes and Pharisees. That is not what is generally done by those who aspire to leadership. He pronounces pardon as if he were God himself (2:7)!

Yet, on the other hand, he is on close terms with & of all people, sinners and tax collectors (2:15, 16). Horrors! Moreover, his teaching, too, is unusual. As to the latter, see, for example, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; to which later on would be added such baffling passages as those found in 8:34, 35; 9:43 50; 10:23, 24. Because of such and similar teaching and this by a carpenter! were not the people of Nazareth going to take offense at him? See 6:3. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 All this and more should be borne in mind when we try to determine why friends of Jesus considered him bereft of reason. Nevertheless, the main consideration that led those who stood in some undefined relation to him to arrive at this judgment may well have to be found in the immediate context. That context indicates that it was especially Christ s willingness to move from one large crowd to another, teaching, healing, casting out demons (1:32 34; 2:2), and now his presence among a throng so large that he and his disciples did not even have an opportunity to eat (3:20), that led to the remark, He is out of his mind. It was at least seems to have been what looked to his friends as his slighting of rest, recreation, and refreshment, that occasioned the exclamation. Add to this the fact that whenever Jesus granted sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, healing to the sick, and liberty to the demon-possessed, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his heart was in it!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 He sympathized as no one else invested with the human nature ever sympathized before or after him. In all ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|” afflictions he was afflicted 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 63:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4|AUTODETECT|” ). In him was fulfilled the prophecy, Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.45|AUTODETECT|” ). Is it not possible that all of this caused the friends to think, He is altogether too hard on himself, and to say, He is mentally unbalanced, is being consumed by religious frenzy ? Granted that this judgment, no matter how well intentioned, was untrue and unjust, is it not understandable? If even The Twelve, who benefited from close and constant fellowship with Jesus, were often confused 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.34|AUTODETECT|” 18:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.16|AUTODETECT|” John 12:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), we can well imagine that those friends of Jesus who were further removed from him might indeed have interpreted his behavior, so strange by human standards, to be that of a person who had lost his mind. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.24|AUTODETECT|” In later days Christ s followers, too, have often been charged with madness. This happened to Paul 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Francis of Assisi, the man with the life and commandments of Jesus ever before his eyes, was called the mad son of Bernadone. When Martin Luther defended the supremacy of the Word of God over the traditions of men he was regarded even by some of his former sympathizers as a fool and one possessed by the devil. And see ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.18|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.19|AUTODETECT|” 3:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The friends, we may assume, meant well. The enemies did not: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 22. And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebul and It is by the prince of the demons that he is casting out the demons.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Scribes had been sent to spy on Jesus. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Down) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 from Jerusalem elevation about 2400 feet above sea level they came to Galilee, the Sea of Galilee being about 600 feet ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 below) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 sea level. However, when these law experts, probably delegated by the Sanhedrin, descended toward Capernaum, they must have considered their descent ideological Jerusalem being the citadel of Jewish orthodoxy fully as much as merely physical. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22|AUTODETECT|” They came down when Jesus had just healed a demon-possessed man who could neither see nor speak. As a result of this multiple miracle, All the people were amazed and were saying, Surely this cannot be the Son of David? 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24-40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” ). Mark, paralleling ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24-40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:24 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.15-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.15-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:15 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , continues the story from here on. In its main points the account is the same in all the Synoptics.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34” 128) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The scribes are not going to allow the people to remain thoroughly amazed, even to the point of entertaining messianic notions with respect to Jesus. For his demon expulsions and other miracles they offer an entirely different, in fact a sharply conflicting, explanation: Jesus, being possessed by Beelzebul, is casting out demons by strength derived from that prince or ruler of the demons! ) When these men mentioned Beelzebul, of whom were they thinking? Opinions differ. In the Old Testament we read about Baal-zebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 = Beelzebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But whatever may have caused the name Beelzebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to be changed to Beelzebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 l) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35” 129) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.34|AUTODETECT|” �� one fact is clear, Beelzebul is definitely the prince of the demons. Beelzebul is Satan. A comparison of verse 22a with 22b and with 23; of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with 12:24; and 12:26 with 12:27 proves this. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” The charge leveled against Jesus by scribes and Pharisees was wicked. It was the result of envy. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” . They felt that they were beginning to lose their following, and this they were unable to endure. How completely different had been the attitude of John the Baptist 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” John 3:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The thoroughly shameful character of the charge becomes apparent also from the fact that it regards Beelzebul not as an evil spirit exerting his sinister influence upon Jesus from the outside; no, Beelzebul is regarded as being inside the soul of Jesus. The latter is said to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” that is, to be possessed by this unclean spirit 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.48|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.8.48|AUTODETECT|” John 8:48) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The charge, then, amounts to this, that Jesus, indwelt by and in league with Satan, is by the power derived from that evil spirit driving out demons. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Christ s reply follows in verses 23 30, which may be divided as follows: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 refutation of the charge (verses 23 26); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 explanation of Christ s demon expulsions and other miracles (verse 27); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 exhortation (verses 28 30). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Refutation,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 verses ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 23 26. So he called them to himself and spoke to them in parables: How can Satan east out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand he is finished.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In all three accounts the charge of the antagonists is given in the third person. What is in their minds is being expressed behind Christ s back. So now Jesus summons these slanderers into his presence. He gives them an opportunity to make their charge before the very face of the One whom they deride, and to answer his refutation if they care to do so. Understandably they do not avail themselves of this opportunity: they cannot answer his refutation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus points out that the charge is ridiculous. If it were true, Satan would be casting out Satan. How can that be? Have the scribes pictured Satan as a prince or ruler of a domain? In their own terms, and making use of parables here meaning brief illustrative comparisons , Jesus answers them. If their charge were true, the ruler would be destroying his own realm; the prince, his own princedom.

First, he would be sending out his envoys, the demons, to work havoc in the hearts and lives of men, destroying them body and soul, often little by little. Afterward, as it were in base ingratitude and suicidal folly, he would be supplying the very power needed for the shameful defeat and expulsion of his own obedient servants. No kingdom, thus divided against itself, can maintain itself. Under similar conditions any household, too, would go down to rain. If this is actually what Beelzebul is doing, He cannot stand, but has an end, says Jesus literally. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Explanation.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Having refuted the Pharisees contention, Jesus now presents the true explanation of his victories over the demons and their lord: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 27. On the contrary, no one can enter the strong man s house and carry off his goods unless he first binds the strong man. It is only then that he will ransack his house.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.29|AUTODETECT|” The rhetorical question of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.15|AUTODETECT|” becomes a positive statement here. The idea conveyed is the same in both cases. In ordinary life the burglar does not receive willing help from the home owner. Instead, in order to get what he wants the intruder first ties up the owner. Then he burglarizes. Jesus by word and deed is depriving Satan of those values which the evil one regards as his own and over which he has been exercising his sinister control 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ). The Lord is casting out Beelzebul s servants, the demons, and is restoring that which through their agency Satan has been doing to men s souls and bodies. Jesus is doing all this because by means of his incarnation, his victory over the devil in the desert of temptation, his words of authority addressed to the demons, his entire activity, he has begun to bind Beelzebul, a process of binding or curtailment of power that was going to be further strengthened by means of his victory over Satan on the cross 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ) and in the resurrection, ascension, and coronation 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.9-66.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.9-66.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 9 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” ). He has done, is doing, and will do this through the power not of Beelzebul himself surely but of the Holy Spirit (see verses 28, 29). Yes, the devil is being, and is progressively going to be, deprived of his goods, his furniture, that is, of the souls and bodies of men, and this not only through healings and demon expulsions but also through a mighty missionary program, reaching first the Jews but later on also the nations in general 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ). Is not this the key to the understanding of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36” 130) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|” �� Note how also in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the fall of Satan as lightning from heaven is recorded in connection with the return and report of the seventy missionaries. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is clear, then, that Christ s miracles, far from being proof of Beelzebul s dominion, as if the evil one were the Great Enabler, are instead a prophecy of his certain doom. Already his realm is being broken down, and a glorious kingdom, which had existed for ages, is now arising in a marvelously new form. And Beelzebul, active and mighty though he be, can do nothing to prevent it, for he is bound. His power is being very seriously curtailed through the coming and work of Christ. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Exhortation.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 28 30. I solemnly declare to you: all things will be forgiven to the sons of men, all their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never receive forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke s parallel section (11:14 23) does not contain this earnest warning; but see ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.31|AUTODETECT|” . The parallel in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is very similar.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37” 131) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With a deeply earnest Amen I say to you Jesus introduces this exhortation. As to this Amen, which in Mark s Gospel occurs here for the first time, in Hebrew it refers, in general, to ideas of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faithfulness) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15|AUTODETECT|” . It occurs in statements which affirm or confirm a solemn truth. In the Old Testament the single Amen is found in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 27:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.16-5.27.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.16-5.27.26|AUTODETECT|” 16 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.1.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.1.36|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 1:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.16.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.16.36|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 16:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 5:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.106.48|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.106.48|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 106:48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.28.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.28.6|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 28:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.5.22|AUTODETECT|” . The double Amen is found in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Num. 5:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.8.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 8:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.41.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.41.13|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 41:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.19|AUTODETECT|” 72:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and 89:52. In the New Testament the word Amen, is an adverbial accusative, combines the ideas of truthfulness and solemnity. The rendering verily = in very truth of the A.V. is certainly not bad, but today is considered somewhat archaic. Whether truly -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38” N.A.S.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) conveys that same fulness of meaning or whether, through association with such phrases as yours truly, it has lost some of the strength or solemnity usually associated with verily, is a matter with respect to which opinions differ. In every case let the reader examine this for himself with the use of a Concordance in which this word occurs in the New Testament it introduces a statement which not only expresses a truth or fact as, for example, 2�2=4 would be a fact but an ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 important,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 solemn) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 fact, one that in many cases is at variance with popular opinion or expectation or at least causes some surprise. It is for that reason that I have adopted the rendering I solemnly declare. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39” 132) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.31|AUTODETECT|” The words that follow the solemn introduction state that all things, meaning all sins, and specifically in the present connection all blasphemies, will be forgiven to the children of men. The reference is, of course, to all sins of which men sincerely repent. That applies also to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.15|AUTODETECT|” . To be sure, in none of these passages is the condition of repentance mentioned. That it was, however, implied is clear from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.17|AUTODETECT|” 2:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” 12:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.3|AUTODETECT|” 13:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.7|AUTODETECT|” 15:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.34|AUTODETECT|” 17:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 28:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” James 5:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This rule holds also with respect to that very heinous sin, namely, blasphemy. In this connection we must be careful, however, to bear in mind that Scripture at times uses this word in a broader sense than we do. Among us blasphemy may be defined as defiant irreverence. In this connection we think, for example, of such crimes as cursing God or the king who reigns by the grace of God, of willful degradation of things considered holy, pulling them down to the realm of the secular, or of claiming for the secular or purely human the honor that belongs to God alone. In Greek, however, a more general sense was also ascribed to the word blasphemy, namely, the use of insolent language directed against either God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or man,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.31|AUTODETECT|” defamation, railing, reviling 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.31|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Accordingly, when Jesus assures us that all things will be forgiven to the sons of men, all their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter he is using the term blasphemy in the most general sense. However, when he makes an exception but whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never receive forgiveness he is referring to a sin which even in our English language would be considered blasphemy. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” John 10:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 16:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.3|AUTODETECT|” 17:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.71|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, even for all but one kind of defiant irreverence there is forgiveness. If this were not true how could Peter s sin have been forgiven 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.71|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:71) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and how could he have been reinstated 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” John 21:15 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” )? How could Saul (=Paul) of Tarsus have been pardoned 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:12 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? On the other hand, for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit there is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 never) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 forgiveness. Such a person is guilty of an everlasting sin ; that is, never will his sin be blotted out. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.13|AUTODETECT|” The question remains, How is it to be understood that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unpardonable? As to other sins, no matter how grievous or gruesome, there is pardon for them. There is forgiveness for David s sin of adultery, dishonesty, and murder 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.13|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” ; Ps. 51: cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.0|AUTODETECT|” ); for the many sins of the woman of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.13|AUTODETECT|” ; for the prodigal son s riotous living 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.21-42.15.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.21-42.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 21 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74|AUTODETECT|” ); for Simon Peter s triple denial accompanied by profanity 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:74) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” 75) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.15-43.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.15-43.18.18|AUTODETECT|” John 18:15 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.25-43.18.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.25-43.18.27|AUTODETECT|” 25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” 21:15 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ); and for Paul s pre-conversion merciless persecution of Christians 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9-44.26.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9-44.26.11|AUTODETECT|” 26:9 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But for the man who speaks against the Holy Spirit there is no pardon. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” Why not? Here, as always when the text itself is not immediately clear, the context must be our guide. From it we learn that the scribes are crediting Satan with that which the Holy Spirit, through Christ, was achieving. Moreover, they are doing this willfully, deliberately. In spite of all the evidences to the contrary they still affirm that Jesus is expelling demons by the power of Beelzebul. Not only this, but they are making progress in sin, as a comparison between 2:7; 3:6; and 3:22 clearly shows.

Now to be forgiven implies that the sinner be truly penitent. Among the scribes here indicated such genuine sorrow for sin was totally lacking. For penitence they substituted hardening, for confession plotting. Thus, by means of their own criminal and completely inexcusable callousness, they were dooming themselves. Their sin is unpardonable because they were unwilling to tread the path that leads to pardon. For a thief, an adulterer, and a murderer there is hope.

The message of the gospel may cause him to cry out, O God be merciful to me, the sinner. But when a man has become hardened, so that he has made up his mind not to pay any attention to the promptings of the Spirit, not even to listen to his pleading and warning voice, he has placed himself on the road that leads to perdition. He has sinned the sin unto death 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” I John 5:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:4 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” For anyone who is truly penitent, no matter how shameful his transgressions may have been, there is no reason to despair 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 103:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” 44:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” 55:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 7:18 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” ). On the other hand, there is no excuse for being indifferent, as if the subject of the unpardonable sin is of no concern to the average church member. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the result of gradual progress in sin. Grieving the Spirit 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.51|AUTODETECT|” ), if unrepented of, leads to resisting the Spirit 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.51|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ), which, if persisted in, develops into quenching the Spirit 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The true solution is found in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 95:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.8|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Today) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.7|AUTODETECT|” O that you would listen to his voice. Harden not your hearts! Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Mark adds: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 (He said this) because they were saying, He has an unclean spirit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.24|AUTODETECT|” This is one of these explanatory statements found frequently in Mark s Gospel. Cf. 4:33, 34; 7:3, 4; 7:19b; 15:16. The word they refers to the scribes, calling attention to what these men were saying, as recorded in verse 22. The idea that the words of blasphemy, He has an unclean spirit would imply that these enemies of Jesus did not regard Beelzebul to be Satan but rather some other evil spirit is unacceptable. It no more means this than ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.24|AUTODETECT|” John 4:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 would mean that God is merely one among many spirits, as if they and he were on the same level. The identification Beelzebul=Satan has already been established. And, of course, he too is an unclean spirit, the worst of them all. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 3:31 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Mother and the Brothers of Jesus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.46-40.12.50|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.46-40.12.50|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:46 50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19-42.8.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19-42.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:19 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 31 Then his mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent (someone) to him to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting about him, and they were saying to him, Behold, your mother and your brothers outside are looking for you. 33 He answered and said to them, Who is my mother and (who are) my brothers? 34 And looking around at those who were sitting in a circle about him he said, Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 31. Then his mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent (someone) to him to call him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Just why the mother and the brothers of Jesus had arrived at the scene and were trying to contact him has not been revealed. It is probable, however, that verses 21, 22 shed some light on this. If so, then the most charitable and probably also the most natural explanation would be that disturbing remarks about Jesus for example, that his opponents regarded him as being demon-possessed and that even his friends thought that he was out of his mind had induced Jesus mother and his brothers, out of natural affection, to try to remove him from the public eye and to provide for him a haven of rest and refreshment. As has been pointed out, this interpretation does not warrant anyone to say, as some commentators do, that Mary and her other children shared the view of the friends (verse 21), and were actually of the opinion that the one dear to them was, or was becoming, mentally unbalanced. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to the identity of these brothers of Jesus, the evidence favors the position that Jesus and these men had issued from the same womb, Mary s. Arguments in favor of this position: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.46|AUTODETECT|” a. Elsewhere, too, we are definitely told that Jesus had brothers and sisters, evidently together with him members of one family 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.47|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.47|AUTODETECT|” 47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.12|AUTODETECT|” John 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.3|AUTODETECT|” 7:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.7|AUTODETECT|” b. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 informs us that Jesus was Mary s firstborn. Though in and by itself this second argument may not be sufficient to prove that Jesus had uterine brothers, in connection with argument a. the evidence becomes rather conclusive. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.25|AUTODETECT|” c. Also in view of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the burden of proof rests entirely on those who ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 deny) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that after Christ s birth Joseph and Mary entered into all the relationships commonly associated with marriage, and had children who therefore were Jesus brothers and sisters.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40” 133) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” �� The names of the brothers are given in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.55|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.55|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:55) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Since because of the crowd 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) it was impossible for the new arrivals to get through to Jesus the house was that full , someone is sent to call him. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 32. A crowd was sitting about him, and they were saying to him, Behold, your mother and your brothers outside are looking for you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The picture is very vivid. One can almost see and hear how the message is being passed from Jesus mother and brothers to the special messenger, from him to the people sitting closest to the Master, and from them to Jesus himself. In a very natural, thoroughly human way Jesus has now received the information that his mother and brothers are looking for him and wish him to come out to them. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Jesus uses the interruption to good advantage. He always did exactly that with interruptions. Interrupted while he was praying (1:35), addressing a crowd (2:1 ff.), sleeping in a boat (4:37 ff.), conversing with his disciples (8:31 ff.), or traveling (10:46 ff.), he always knew how to turn an interruption into a springboard for the utterance of a great saying or for the performance of a marvelous deed. ) So also here, as is shown in verses ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 33 35. He answered and said to them, Who is my mother and (who are) my brothers? And looking around at those who were sitting in a circle about him he said, Here are my mother and my brothers.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Although the relation between Jesus and his mother was one of tender concern, as has been shown in connection with verse 21, he never permitted her to divert him from doing what he knew that his heavenly Father wanted him to do, as has also been indicated. See above, on verse 21, under ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 As to d.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Neither did he permit his brothers to sidetrack him. See ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.2|AUTODETECT|” John 7:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.37|AUTODETECT|” ff. By saying, Who is my mother and (who are) my brothers? he teaches that what holds for himself holds for all: all must strive to do the will of God. Cf. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In this connection physical ties are not nearly as important as are spiritual. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Mark relates that when Jesus answered his own question he was looking around at those who were ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sitting) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 all were probably in a house in a circle about him. Matthew adds that he was stretching out his hand toward and over his disciples. It was with this meaningful look and gesture that the Master remarked, Here are my mother and my brothers. This brothers must not be interpreted as if Jesus recognized only males as members of his spiritual family. He probably said, my mother and my brothers to correspond with your mother and your brothers are looking for you. That people are not excluded from Christ s family because of sex is clear from the words that immediately follow, namely, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.27-40.19.29|AUTODETECT|” In all probability the words and the gesture of gracious inclusion were directed first of all to The Twelve (though in a favorable sense they could hardly have applied to Judas Iscariot). In all likelihood they were sitting closest to Jesus. Having immediately responded to Christ s call, regardless of the sacrifice this implied 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.27-40.19.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:27 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.58|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.58|AUTODETECT|” 9:58) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.26|AUTODETECT|” 14:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), they had shown that it was indeed their basic intention to carry out the will of God for their lives. It is not surprising, therefore, that Jesus points to them and publicly acknowledges that they are included in his spiritual family. And, since the word whoever is very broad, disciples other than The Twelve were certainly also included. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.3|AUTODETECT|” As to Mary, though her affectionate solicitude should be recognized, it must also be admitted that she erred. She was in a sense repeating that sinful interference manifested also on an earlier occasion 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.3|AUTODETECT|” John 2:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” ). If, therefore, in connection with ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:31 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.5|AUTODETECT|” we are justified in speaking about an atmosphere of tension, it was this effort of sinful interference not Mary s and Jesus brothers alleged opinion that Jesus was out of his mind that brought about this tension. But just as on that earlier occasion Mary quickly saw her mistake and was strengthened in her faith 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.5|AUTODETECT|” John 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ) by the very word of tender and earnest reproof which Jesus addressed to her 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” John 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.33-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” ), may we not believe that also in the present instance the Savior s word 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.33-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:33 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.38|AUTODETECT|” ) had the same wholesome effect on her? There is no reason to believe that Mary s faith, which comes to beautiful expression in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.38|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.46-42.1.55|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.46-42.1.55|AUTODETECT|” 1:46 55) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.19|AUTODETECT|” 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; and 2:51, did not, by God s grace, triumph over all temporary set-backs. That it was victorious is clear from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Jesus brothers shared in this victory (same passage). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.33-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” The generous nature of Christ s declaration 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.33-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:33 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ) is evident from the fact that those whom he thus honored had by no means reached the pinnacle of spiritual perfection. For example, The Twelve were, and remained for a long time, men of little faith. See above, on verses 16 19. Yet he was not ashamed to acknowledge them as his brothers 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Note the inclusiveness of this whoever (does the will of God). It means black and white, red, brown, and yellow; male and female; old and young; rich and poor; bond and free; educated and unlettered; Jew and Gentile. But note also the exclusiveness: those and those alone who do God s will are included. The substance of what God requires is readily learned by examining the following passages of Mark s Gospel: 4:9, 20, 21, 24; 5:19, 34; 6:31, 37; 8:34 38; 9:23, 35 37, 41; 10:9, 14, 29 31, 42 45; 11:22 26; 12:17, 29 31, 41 44; 13:5, 10, 11, 13, 23, 28, 29, 37; 14:6 9, 22 26, 38; 16:6, 7, 15. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” It must be emphasized, however, that no one is able to do the will of God except by the power and sovereign grace of God. This is not only Pauline doctrine 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is also definitely the teaching of Christ. According to that teaching, as reported by Mark, God one can also say Jesus Christ is the great Enabler (1:17). It is the power of God (10:27) and the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ (10:45; 14:24) that saves. In the final analysis man is helpless in himself. He is completely dependent upon the mercy and compassion of the Lord (5:19; 6:34; 8:2). Is it not this fact that accounts for the emphasis, in the teaching of Christ as reflected by Mark, on the necessity of genuine faith and persevering prayer (1:35; 5:36; 9:23, 29; 11:22 24)? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The chapter contains five sections that may be summarized as follows: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” a. Sabbath controversies continued (verses 1 6). In this section the Son of man continues to assert his authority as Lord of the sabbath. From the grainfield the attention shifts to the synagogue. Jesus is taking a leading part in the sabbath service 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Among the worshipers are some Pharisees, unfriendly to Jesus. Present also is a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees hope that Jesus will try to heal this man, their purpose being that they may be able to press charges against and destroy the Healer for unnecessarily practicing medicinal therapy on a day when, according to the rules of the rabbis, this was not permitted. To restore the hand was exactly what Jesus was going to do. The actual situation, then, was this: the Pharisees were trying ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to do harm, to destroy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Jesus was planning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to do good, to restore) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . So, having requested the man to stand at a place where all could see him, Jesus, who had read his opponents thoughts even before they expressed them, asked them, On the sabbath what is permitted? To do good or to do harm, to save or to kill? Continued sullen silence was their answer. In holy indignation Jesus looked at each of them in turn, until he had rounded the circle. He then ordered the man to stretch out his hand. He did not touch the man s hand, neither did he say, Hand, be restored to health, or anything of the kind. Nevertheless, the hand was immediately and fully restored. So furious were the Pharisees that, having left the synagogue, they at once went into consultation with the Herodians, with a view to destroying Jesus. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 b. Motley crowds at the shore (verses 7 12). On a former occasion, after the healing of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the paralyzed man,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus had retired to the shore of the Sea of Galilee (2:1 13). So he does now also, after the restoration of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the paralyzed hand) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The more he healed, the more the crowds increased. From all parts of Palestine, and even from the outside, people came streaming toward him, in many cases in order to be healed or to be delivered of the demons that were in control over them. So closely do the people press in upon Jesus that he tells his disciples that a little boat should be kept in readiness for him constantly, so that whenever needed it might be available & a lesson for all time. As to the demons, for reasons of his own Jesus forbids them to reveal his identity as the Son of God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 c. The Twelve chosen (3:13 19). However, Jesus considered the crowds to be a blessing rather than merely a burden. Had he not come into the world to seek and to save the lost? He therefore now appoints The Twelve in order that, beginning even now but especially after his departure from the earth, these men might proclaim his message and perform his gracious deeds. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22|AUTODETECT|” d. Jesus versus Beelzebul (3:20 30). Not only his enemies (verses 1 6, 22) but even his well-meaning friends, that is, some of those who in one way or another were associated with him, begin to make matters difficult for him. When they notice that even while at home he, on account of the assembled crowd, did not permit himself or his disciples the opportunity to eat, they declare, He has taken leave of his senses, probably meaning, He is being consumed by religious frenzy. Though these well-meaning friends certainly erred, the judgment of the sworn enemies, the scribes, was far more wicked and cruel. They had taken note of the many healings and demon expulsions, notably also of the one reported in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and had come down from Jerusalem, saying, He is possessed by Beelzebul, and It is by the prince of the demons that he is casting out the demons. They were filled with bitterness when they heard about the enthusiasm of the people, who were beginning to wonder whether Jesus might perhaps be the Messiah. He refutes their arguments , supplies the true explanation of his miracles (he has bound the strong man Satan=Beelzebul, and is therefore able to deprive him of his goods: the souls and bodies of men), and earnestly warns them that for those who persevere to the end in their impenitence and hardened hearts there is no pardon. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 e. The mother and the brothers of Jesus (3:31 35). It may have been disturbing remarks about Jesus that his opponents regarded him to be demon-possessed, and that even some of his friends thought he was out of his mind that caused his mother Mary and his brothers to make an attempt to contact him, with the intention, probably, to take him along with them, removing him from the public eye and providing for him a haven of rest and refreshment. But however well-intentioned this attempt, it amounted to sinful interference with Christ s own pre-designed program of activities. Mary and Jesus brothers must be made to understand that his comings and goings cannot be determined by physical ties but only by the will of God. Hence, beautifully the chapter ends as follows, And looking around at those who were sitting in a circle about him [The Twelve and perhaps some other followers], he said, Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 100 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This affirmative answer to his own question was, of course, already implied in the question. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 101 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See S.BK., Vol. I, pp. 622 629. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 102 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Thus, for example, Swete, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 50; Robertson, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Word Pictures) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Vol. I, p. 275. But see Vincent Taylor, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.10|AUTODETECT|” p. 221. The word ��, perf. pass. participle of ��. ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 use the adjective ��. But so does Mark in 3:3. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 103 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.24|AUTODETECT|” At a later date, at Damascus, the Jews were going to watch the gates of the city day and night, again with sinister purpose 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), namely, to prevent Paul from escaping. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 104 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note imperfect tense ��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 105 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” The expression used by Mark, ��v �� P��, literally and having looked around on them, is similar to that found in 3:34 and 10:23, in both instances referring to the manner in which Jesus looked at his disciples. In 5:32 the reference is to his looking around at the crowd in order to see who had touched him; and in 11:11 Jesus is described as having looked around at everything in the temple. On the Mount of Transfiguration the disciples having looked around, saw no one with them but Jesus only (9:8). With the exception of 5:32 (the imperfect) Mark everywhere uses the aorist participle. Outside of Mark s Gospel this word, hence also this vivid reference to Christ s look, is found only in ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a, where Luke parallels (probably borrows from) Mark. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 106 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As to the theory endorsed by several commentators, namely, that the phrase in anger was omitted by Matthew and Luke because they were unwilling to ascribe this emotion to Jesus, would not a more reasonable explanation for the difference between Matthew and Luke s account, on the one hand, and Mark s, on the other, be this, that the latter report, being the precipitate of the preaching of lively, dramatic Simon Peter, would naturally in many instances be the most detailed and animated? ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 107 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Some, however, say five, for they would include 2:18 22. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 108 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As compared with Greek 7 1 -1 9 0 0 modern) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek), German, Dutch, French, Spanish, etc., the English language is rather poor in single word diminutives. Boatlet would sound queer. Contrast the Greek (both Koine and modern) ��; the French ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 nacelle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; German ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Schifflein) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; South African ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 schuitjie) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; Frisian ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 skipke) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and the Dutch ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 scheepje) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 bootje) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 schuitje) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Though such diminutives do at times indicate physical smallness, in other contexts the emphasis is rather on familiarity, attachment, endearment. Compare English Sonny, at times used in addressing a six-footer! So also Girlie often indicates intimacy or affection, rather than size. Cf. Spanish mamacita, abuelita, etc. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 109 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” �� = third per. sing. pres. subjunctive of ��. In the present context the meaning should be kept in readiness or should constantly wait on is clear enough. Considerable difference of opinion prevails in connection with the meaning of the same verb in other New Testament passages 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.42|AUTODETECT|” 2:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.46|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.46|AUTODETECT|” 46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.4|AUTODETECT|” 6:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 8:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.7|AUTODETECT|” 10:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” 13:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.4.2|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), as will become evident when one consults lexicons and commentaries. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 110 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The description is very graphic. Note E�� followed by the imperfect �� in the subordinate clause, here indicating repetition. The verbs in the main clause are also in the imperfect tense: they were [or: kept] falling down and were [or: kept] screaming. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 111 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note �� from ��. Here ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to warn;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with ��: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to warn not to;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 hence, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to forbid) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Frequently this verb has the meaning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to rebuke) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (1:25; 4:39; 8:32; etc.) Basically the meaning is: to award a �� (penalty) �� (upon). The word �� is here used as an adverb. See also on 9:26. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 112 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Thus also Lenski ; and this or a very similar rendering in N.A.S.; L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 586; Beck, Phillips, Williams, Dutch (Nieuwe Vertaling), etc. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 113 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Even though we may not agree with those commentators who assign an intensive or emphatic meaning to �P�� he himself , it remains true that not the disciples took the initiative but Jesus did. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 114 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The infinitive �� instead of 5�� in the two preceding clauses makes no essential difference. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 115 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The puzzle with respect to the vowels in Boa has not as yet been solved. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 116 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or: those associated with him. See comments. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 117 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally, He has Beelzebul. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 118 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally, bus has an end. Meaning: he is doomed; his days are numbered. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 119) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It contains scattered phrases found also in the Sermon on the Mount: ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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But eating bread had developed into the more general meaning: eating, eating a meal. See LXX on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.25|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 37:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.2|AUTODETECT|” ; II Sam. (= II Kingd.) 12:20; and for the New Testament ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 121 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The aorist �� may be regarded as timeless. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 122) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 ��, aor. infin. of ��. This verb is used also in connection with Herod s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 arrest) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.3|AUTODETECT|” of John the Baptist 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); the attempt of the religious authorities to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 lay hold on) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.4|AUTODETECT|” 26:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.1|AUTODETECT|” 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 actual arrest) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.48|AUTODETECT|” of Jesus 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.48|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.50|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.50|AUTODETECT|” 50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” 55) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.57|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.57|AUTODETECT|” 57) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.44|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.46|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.46|AUTODETECT|” 46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.51|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.51|AUTODETECT|” 51) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seizure) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.6|AUTODETECT|” of Paul 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.2|AUTODETECT|” ) and of the dragon 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In a somewhat more general sense it can mean to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 grasp) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 grab hold of) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; a debtor, with evil intent, 18:28; the feet of Jesus, 28:9). At times it means to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 take by the hand) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.25|AUTODETECT|” 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.27|AUTODETECT|” 9:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.41|AUTODETECT|” ; or restoring to life, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.41|AUTODETECT|” Mark 5:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Still more general uses are: to attain, hold fast, support, bear in mind, restrain, retain. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With such a wide variety of meanings the importance of the individual context becomes clear. In the present case the meaning is probably: by means of forceful persuasion to take Jesus into protective custody. It must be borne in mind that those who desired to do this were friends, not enemies. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 123 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �1 �� P��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 124 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See Vincent Taylor, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 235 237; C. R. Erdman, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 65; H. B. Swete, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 63; M. H. Bolkestein, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Het Evangelie naar Marcus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Nijkerk, 1966, pp. 88, 89; and many others. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” N.E.B. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 New English Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” A.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Authorized Version (King James) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” A.R.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 American Standard Revised Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” R.S.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 125 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Gospel according to St. Mark (The Interpreter s Bible)) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 New York and Nashville, 1951, Vol. VII, p. 689. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 126 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 E. P. Groenewald, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 79, though believing that Jesus brothers were among those that regarded him to be mentally unbalanced, stops short of ascribing this same sentiment to Mary! ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 127 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See A. B. Bruce, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 360. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 128 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark, however, adds a few touches not found or not found in that exact form in the other two: that the investigators were scribes (Matthew: Pharisees); that Jesus summoned them and spoke to them in parables; that he asked them, How can Satan cast out Satan? ; and told them that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is guilty of an everlasting sin. Also, the explanatory note at the close of Mark s account (verse 30) is found only in that Gospel. On the other hand, Matthew and Luke add details not found in Mark. Both show that Jesus had read the thoughts of his critics; that he asked them, By whom do your sons cast out demons? (followed by a therefore clause); and told them, He who is not with me is against me & and But if it is by the Spirit Luke: by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. In fact, throughout the story there are minor differences see especially ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , so that it is very clear that each Gospel writer has his own style. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 129 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It was as Baal-zebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.2|AUTODETECT|” 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 1:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; LXX IV Kingd. 1:2, 3, 6 �� ), that is, lord of the carrion-fly, and thus also protector against this nuisance, that Baal was worshiped at Ekron. King Ahazia, who sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub whether he would recover from the results of his fall, was told that because of this disloyalty to Jehovah he would die. The New Testament passages substitute Beel[=Baal] zebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 l) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 for -zebu) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Beelzebul means lord of the dwelling. The reason for the change in spelling is not clear. It may have amounted to no more than an accident of popular pronunciation. Another explanation is that there is here a play on words, for -) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 zebul) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 resembles ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 zebel:) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 dung. Thus, those who despised the Baal of Ekron were able, by means of a slight change in pronunciation, to heap scorn upon him by conveying the thought that he was nothing but a lord of dung. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 130 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See my ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors, An Interpretation of the book of Revelation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Grand Rapids, 1970, p. 223 229. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” 131 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.20|AUTODETECT|” There are a few variations that do not touch the essence. Thus Mark has the sons of men, where Matthew has men, but son of man can have the meaning man. See N.T.C. on ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Mark has all their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter, where Matthew has every sin and blasphemy. Matthew spells out what is implied in Mark, namely, that among the sins that are forgiven are those committed against the Son of man. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” N.A.S. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible (New Testament) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” 132 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. Williams: I solemnly say. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” 133 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It is clear, therefore, that the doctrine of Mary s perpetual virginity has no warrant in the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.44.2|AUTODETECT|” Testament. As to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.44.2|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 44:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.4.12|AUTODETECT|” , This gate shall remain shut, and Song of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Sol. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , A garden locked is my sister, my bride, how such ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Old) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Testament passages can be used to support this doctrine is hard to understand!)

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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