Mark 1

Listen to Mark 1

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 1the Son of God.[a]
2 2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,[b]3"Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,
3 4the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 5'Prepare[c] the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
4 6John appeared, baptizing in 7the wilderness and proclaiming 8a baptism of 9repentance 10for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, 11confessing their sins.
6 Now John was 12clothed with camel's hair and 13wore a leather belt around his waist and ate 14locusts and 15wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, 16"After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 17I have baptized you with water, but 18he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The Baptism of Jesus

9 19In those days Jesus 20came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he 21saw 22the heavens being torn open 23and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And 24a voice came from heaven, 25"You are my beloved Son;[d] with you I am well pleased."

The Temptation of Jesus

12 26The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
13 27And he was in the wilderness forty days, being 28tempted by 29Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and 30the angels were ministering to him.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

14 31Now after John was arrested, Jesus 32came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,
15 and saying, 33"The time is fulfilled, and 34the kingdom of God is at hand; 35repent and believe in the gospel."

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

16 36Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become 37fishers of men."
18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.
20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit

21 38And they went into Capernaum, and immediately 39on the Sabbath 40he entered the synagogue and was teaching.
22 And 41they were astonished at his teaching, 42for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
24 43"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? 44I know who you are--45the Holy One of God."
25 But Jesus 46rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"
26 And the unclean spirit, 47convulsing him and 48crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 And they were all 49amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? 50A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."
28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many

29 51And immediately he[e]52left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 Now 53Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.
31 And he came and 54took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or 55oppressed by demons.
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
34 56And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And 57he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

35 58And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and 59there he prayed.
36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him,
37 and they found him and said to him, 60"Everyone is looking for you."
38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for 61that is why I came out."
39 62And 63he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

40 64And a leper[f] came to him, imploring him, and 65kneeling said to him, 66"If you will, you can make me clean."
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, "I will; be clean."
42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
43 And 67Jesus[g] sternly charged him and sent him away at once,
44 and said to him, 68"See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, 69show yourself to the priest and 70offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, 71for a proof to them."
45 72But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter 73a town, but was out in 74desolate places, and 75people were coming to him from every quarter.

Images for Mark 1

Mark 1 Commentary

Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross References 75

  • 1. See Matthew 14:33
  • 2. For ver. 2-8, see Matthew 3:1-11; Luke 3:2-16
  • 3. Matthew 11:10; Luke 1:17, 76; Luke 7:27; Cited from Malachi 3:1
  • 4. John 1:23; Cited from Isaiah 40:3
  • 5. Luke 1:76
  • 6. John 1:6, 7
  • 7. Joshua 15:61; [Judges 1:16]
  • 8. Acts 2:38
  • 9. ver. 15
  • 10. Matthew 26:28; [Luke 1:77]
  • 11. Acts 19:18
  • 12. [2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4; Hebrews 11:37]
  • 13. [2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4; Hebrews 11:37]
  • 14. Leviticus 11:22
  • 15. 1 Samuel 14:26
  • 16. John 1:15, 27; John 3:30, 31; Acts 13:25
  • 17. John 1:26; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16
  • 18. See John 1:33
  • 19. For ver. 9-11, see Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21, 22; [John 1:32-34]
  • 20. Matthew 2:23
  • 21. Acts 7:56
  • 22. Isaiah 64:1
  • 23. John 1:32, 33; [Luke 4:18, 21; Acts 10:38]
  • 24. John 12:28
  • 25. [Mark 9:7; Psalms 2:7; Isaiah 42:1; Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:9]
  • 26. See Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13
  • 27. [See ver. 12 above]
  • 28. [Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15]
  • 29. See 1 Chronicles 21:1
  • 30. Matthew 26:53; Luke 22:43
  • 31. Matthew 4:12; Matthew 14:3; Luke 3:20; [John 3:24]
  • 32. Matthew 4:17, 23
  • 33. Daniel 9:25; Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10; [Luke 21:8; John 7:8]
  • 34. See Matthew 3:2
  • 35. Acts 19:4; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 6:1
  • 36. For ver. 16-20, see Matthew 4:18-22; [Luke 5:2-11; John 1:40-42]
  • 37. Matthew 13:47
  • 38. Matthew 4:13; For ver. 21-28, see Luke 4:31-37
  • 39. See Mark 6:2
  • 40. ver. 39; See Matthew 4:23
  • 41. See Matthew 7:28, 29
  • 42. See Matthew 7:28, 29
  • 43. See Matthew 8:29
  • 44. [ver. 34; Acts 19:15; James 2:19]
  • 45. John 6:69; Acts 3:14; Revelation 3:7; [Luke 1:35; Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 2:20]
  • 46. See Matthew 12:16
  • 47. Mark 9:26
  • 48. Mark 5:7; Acts 8:7
  • 49. [Matthew 8:27]
  • 50. Acts 17:19
  • 51. For ver. 29-34, see Matthew 8:14-16; Luke 4:38-41
  • 52. ver. 21, 23
  • 53. 1 Corinthians 9:5
  • 54. Mark 9:27; Acts 3:7; Acts 9:41
  • 55. See Matthew 4:24
  • 56. See Matthew 4:23
  • 57. Mark 3:11, 12; [Acts 16:17, 18]
  • 58. For ver. 35-38, see Luke 4:42, 43
  • 59. Luke 5:16; See Matthew 14:23
  • 60. [John 12:19]
  • 61. Isaiah 61:1
  • 62. [Luke 4:44]
  • 63. ver. 21
  • 64. For ver. 40-44, see Matthew 8:2-4; Luke 5:12-14
  • 65. Mark 10:17; Matthew 17:14; Matthew 27:29
  • 66. [Mark 9:22, 23; Matthew 9:28]
  • 67. Matthew 9:30
  • 68. ver. 34; Mark 5:43; Mark 7:36; Mark 8:26; Matthew 9:30; Matthew 17:9; See Matthew 12:16
  • 69. Luke 17:14
  • 70. Leviticus 14:2-32
  • 71. Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; James 5:3
  • 72. Mark 7:36; Matthew 9:31; [Luke 5:15, 16]
  • 73. 2 Corinthians 11:26
  • 74. 2 Corinthians 11:26
  • 75. Mark 2:2, 13; Mark 3:7; [John 6:2]

Footnotes 7

  • [a]. Some manuscripts omit the Son of God
  • [b]. Some manuscripts in the prophets
  • [c]. Or crying: Prepare in the wilderness
  • [d]. Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved
  • [e]. Some manuscripts they
  • [f]. Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
  • [g]. Greek he; also verse 45

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO MARK

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

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

Mark 1 Commentaries

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.