Mark 5:37

37 And he allowed no one to follow him except ¹Peter and James and ²John the brother of James.

Mark 5:37 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 5:37

And he suffered no man to follow him
To the house of the ruler, but dismissed the multitude, being not desirous of the honour and applause of men: probably what he said to the ruler, was privately, and with a low voice, so that the multitude did not hear him; and understanding by the messengers that the child was dead, were the more easily prevailed upon to depart, since they might conclude there was nothing now to be done;

save Peter, and James, and John, the brother of James:
three favourite disciples, who were a sufficient number of witnesses; and who were taken alone along with Christ on some other occasions, as at his transfiguration, and when in the garden.

Mark 5:37 In-Context

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further? ”

36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe. ”

37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping. ”

Cross References

• 1. 5:37 ch. 9:2; 14:33
• 2. 5:37 ch. 3:17