Mark 4

1-20 (Parable of THE SOWER). See notes on Matt. xiii. 3-23.

11 them that are without. In later phraseology, all non-Christians (1 Cor. v. 12). Here it means all who were outside the circle of the disciples. “It is doubtless a hint of the germ of the opposition between the old and the new communities” (Lange).

13. And He said unto them, etc. This question of our Lord is peculiar to Mark. Its ground is, that the parable of the Sower is the simple type of all the rest. Read “all the parables,” with R.V.

15 immediately. Peculiar to Mark.

21 a candle. Rather, “the lamp,” and “to be set on the lampstand” (R.V.). This simile of the lamp, which is used in Matt. v. 15, Luke xi. 33, in other connexions, teaches the disciples that our Lord’s object in now giving to them the explanation of this parable was, that He might qualify them for being the public instructors of the world; for, what He was now teaching them in secret, was in proper time and manner to go widely abroad (21, 22). Therefore they are to attend earnestly to His teaching (23); for, according to the measure of attention that they pay, and the obedience which they render, will be their spiritual growth (24, 25).

24 with what measure ye mete, etc. What is elsewhere applied to persons (Matt. vii. 2; Luke vi. 38) is here applied to “the word.” As you treat it, so will it operate towards you. If you believe it, it brings you salvation; if you reject it, it condemns you: see 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16.

25. For he that hath, etc. See note on Matt. xiii. 12.

26-29. THE SEED SPRINGING SECRETLY. Our Lord adds this parable (peculiar to Mark) to fortify His disciples against impatience. As the husbandman labours, in certain assurance that, by the hidden processes of life, God will in due time cause the seed to germinate and ripen, “he knoweth not how”; so do you industriously preach the word of God, calmly expecting that in due time He will give an abundant harvest.

30-32. THE MUSTARD SEED. See notes on Matt. xiii. 31, 32.

33 as they were able to hear it. Gradually enlarging His communications, as they were prepared to understand more; comp. John xvi. 12. The apostles afterwards acted on the same principles as their Lord; adapting their instructions to the ignorant, so as to lead them onwards: see 1 Cor. iii. 1, etc.; Heb. v. 11-14. The reference (peculiar to Mark) to the private exposition to the disciples is no doubt one of Peter’s reminiscences.

35-41. See notes on Matt. viii. 24-27.

37 was now full. Rather, “was now filling” (R.V.).

38 a pillow. Rather, “the cushion” (R.V.). The bold question, “Carest Thou not that we perish?” is peculiar to this Gospel. Such an appeal was characteristic of Peter.

40. And He said unto them. In Matthew, the reproof is placed before the stilling of the storm; but Mark, with whom Luke agrees, is evidently exact.