Marcos 1

1 Juan el Bautista prepara el camino
Esta es la Buena Noticia acerca de Jesús el Mesías, el Hijo de Dios.
Comenzó

2 tal como el profeta Isaías había escrito:
«Mira, envío mi mensajero delante de ti,
y él preparará tu camino.

3 Es una voz que clama en el desierto:
“¡Preparen el camino para la venida del Señor
!
¡Ábranle camino!”»
.

4 Ese mensajero era Juan el Bautista. Estaba en el desierto y predicaba que la gente debía ser bautizada para demostrar que se había arrepentido de sus pecados y vuelto a Dios para ser perdonada.

5 Toda la gente de Judea, incluidos los habitantes de Jerusalén, salían para ver y oír a Juan; y cuando confesaban sus pecados, él los bautizaba en el río Jordán.

6 Juan usaba ropa tejida con pelo rústico de camello y llevaba puesto un cinturón de cuero alrededor de la cintura. Se alimentaba con langostas y miel silvestre.

7 Juan anunciaba: «Pronto viene alguien que es superior a mí, tan superior que ni siquiera soy digno de inclinarme como un esclavo y desatarle las correas de sus sandalias.

8 Yo los bautizo con
agua, ¡pero él los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo!».

9 Bautismo y tentación de Jesús
Cierto día, Jesús llegó de Nazaret de Galilea, y Juan lo bautizó en el río Jordán.

10 Cuando Jesús salió del agua, vio que el cielo se abría y el Espíritu Santo descendía sobre él
como una paloma.

11 Y una voz dijo desde el cielo: «Tú eres mi Hijo muy amado y me das gran gozo».

12 Luego el Espíritu lo impulsó a ir al desierto,

13 donde Jesús fue tentado por Satanás durante cuarenta días. Estaba a la intemperie entre los animales salvajes, y los ángeles lo cuidaban.

14 Más tarde, después del arresto de Juan, Jesús entró en Galilea, donde predicó la Buena Noticia de Dios.

15 —anunciaba—.

16 Primeros discípulos
Cierto día, mientras Jesús caminaba por la orilla del mar de Galilea, vio a Simón
y a su hermano Andrés que echaban la red al agua, porque vivían de la pesca.

17 Jesús los llamó:

18 Y enseguida dejaron las redes y lo siguieron.

19 Un poco más adelante por la orilla, Jesús vio a Santiago y a Juan, hijos de Zebedeo, en una barca, reparando las redes.

20 Los llamó de inmediato y ellos también lo siguieron, dejando a su padre Zebedeo en la barca con los hombres contratados.

21 Jesús expulsa a un espíritu maligno
Jesús y sus compañeros fueron al pueblo de Capernaúm. Cuando llegó el día de descanso, Jesús entró en la sinagoga y comenzó a enseñar.

22 La gente quedó asombrada de su enseñanza, porque lo hacía con verdadera autoridad, algo completamente diferente de lo que hacían los maestros de la ley religiosa.

23 De pronto, un hombre en la sinagoga, que estaba poseído por un espíritu maligno,
comenzó a gritar:

24 «¿Por qué te entrometes con nosotros, Jesús de Nazaret? ¿Has venido a destruirnos? ¡Yo sé quién eres: el Santo de Dios!».

25 —lo interrumpió Jesús y le ordenó—:

26 En ese mismo momento, el espíritu soltó un alarido, le causó convulsiones al hombre y luego salió de él.

27 El asombro se apoderó de la gente, y todos comenzaron a hablar de lo que había ocurrido. «¿Qué clase de enseñanza nueva es esta? —se preguntaban con emoción—. ¡Tiene tanta autoridad! ¡Hasta los espíritus malignos obedecen sus órdenes!».

28 Las noticias acerca de Jesús corrieron velozmente por toda la región de Galilea.

29 Jesús sana a mucha gente
Después Jesús salió de la sinagoga con Santiago y Juan, y fueron a la casa de Simón y Andrés.

30 Resulta que la suegra de Simón estaba enferma en cama con mucha fiebre. Se lo contaron a Jesús de inmediato.

31 Él se acercó a la cama, la tomó de la mano y la ayudó a sentarse. Entonces la fiebre se fue, y ella les preparó una comida.

32 Esa tarde, después de la puesta del sol, le llevaron a Jesús muchos enfermos y endemoniados.

33 El pueblo entero se juntó en la puerta para mirar.

34 Entonces Jesús sanó a mucha gente que padecía de diversas enfermedades y expulsó a muchos demonios, pero como los demonios sabían quién era él, no los dejó hablar.

35 Jesús predica en Galilea
A la mañana siguiente, antes del amanecer, Jesús se levantó y fue a un lugar aislado para orar.

36 Más tarde, Simón y los otros salieron a buscarlo.

37 Cuando lo encontraron, le dijeron:
—Todos te están buscando.

38 Jesús les respondió:

39 Así que recorrió toda la región de Galilea, predicando en las sinagogas y expulsando demonios.

40 Jesús sana a un leproso
Un hombre con lepra se acercó, se arrodilló ante Jesús y le suplicó que lo sanara.
—Si tú quieres, puedes sanarme y dejarme limpio —dijo.

41 Movido a compasión,
Jesús extendió la mano y lo tocó.
—dijo—.

42 Al instante, la lepra desapareció y el hombre quedó sano.

43 Entonces Jesús lo despidió con una firme advertencia:

44 —No se lo cuentes a nadie. En cambio, preséntate ante el sacerdote y deja que te examine. Lleva contigo la ofrenda que exige la ley de Moisés a los que son sanados de lepra.
Esto será un testimonio público de que has quedado limpio.

45 Pero el hombre hizo correr la voz proclamando a todos lo que había sucedido. Como resultado, grandes multitudes pronto rodearon a Jesús, de modo que ya no pudo entrar abiertamente en ninguna ciudad. Tenía que quedarse en lugares apartados, pero aun así gente de todas partes seguía acudiendo a él.

Marcos 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.

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.