1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
1 And G2532 he went out G1831 from thence, G1564 and G2532 came G2064 into G1519 his own G846 country; G3968 and G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 follow G190 him. G846
2 And G2532 when the sabbath day G4521 was come, G1096 he began G756 to teach G1321 in G1722 the synagogue: G4864 and G2532 many G4183 hearing G191 him were astonished, G1605 saying, G3004 From whence G4159 hath this G5129 man these things? G5023 and G2532 what G5101 wisdom G4678 is this which is given G1325 unto him, G846 that G3754 even G2532 such G5108 mighty works G1411 are wrought G1096 by G1223 his G846 hands? G5495
3 Is G2076 not G3756 this G3778 the carpenter, G5045 the son G5207 of Mary, G3137 G1161 the brother G80 of James, G2385 and G2532 Joses, G2500 and G2532 of Juda, G2455 and G2532 Simon? G4613 and G2532 are G1526 not G3756 his G846 sisters G79 here G5602 with G4314 us? G2248 And G2532 they were offended G4624 at G1722 him. G846
4 But G1161 Jesus G2424 said G3004 unto them, G846 G3754 A prophet G4396 is G2076 not G3756 without honour, G820 but G1508 in G1722 his own G846 country, G3968 and G2532 among G1722 his own kin, G4773 and G2532 in G1722 his own G846 house. G3614
5 And G2532 he could G3756 G1410 there G1563 do G4160 no G3762 mighty work, G1411 save G1508 that he laid G2007 his hands G5495 upon a few G3641 sick folk, G732 and healed G2323 them.
6 And G2532 he marvelled G2296 because G1223 of their G846 unbelief. G570 And G2532 he went G4013 round about G2945 the villages, G2968 teaching. G1321
7 And G2532 he called G4341 unto him the twelve, G1427 and G2532 began G756 to send G649 them G846 forth G649 by two G1417 and two; G1417 and G2532 gave G1325 them G846 power over G1849 unclean G169 spirits; G4151
8 And G2532 commanded G3853 them G846 that G2443 they should take G142 nothing G3367 for G1519 their journey, G3598 save G1508 a staff G4464 only; G3440 no G3361 scrip, G4082 no G3361 bread, G740 no G3361 money G5475 in G1519 their purse: G2223
9 But G235 be shod G5265 with sandals; G4547 and G2532 not G3361 put on G1746 G1746 two G1417 coats. G5509
10 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 In what place soever G3699 G1437 ye enter G1525 into G1519 an house, G3614 there G1563 abide G3306 till G2193 G302 ye depart G1831 from that place. G1564
11 And G2532 whosoever G3745 G302 shall G1209 not G3361 receive G1209 you, G5209 nor G3366 hear G191 you, G5216 when ye depart G1607 thence, G1564 shake off G1621 the dust G5522 under G5270 your G5216 feet G4228 for G1519 a testimony G3142 against them. G846 Verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 It shall be G2071 more tolerable G414 for Sodom G4670 and G2228 Gomorrha G1116 in G1722 the day G2250 of judgment, G2920 than G2228 for that G1565 city. G4172
12 And G2532 they went out, G1831 and preached G2784 that G2443 men should repent. G3340
13 And G2532 they cast out G1544 many G4183 devils, G1140 and G2532 anointed G218 with oil G1637 many G4183 that were sick, G732 and G2532 healed G2323 them.
14 And G2532 king G935 Herod G2264 heard G191 of him; (for G1063 his G846 name G3686 was G1096 spread abroad:) G5318 and G2532 he said, G3004 That G3754 John G2491 the Baptist G907 was risen G1453 from G1537 the dead, G3498 and G2532 therefore G1223 G5124 mighty works G1411 do shew forth themselves G1754 in G1722 him. G846
15 Others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 Elias. G2243 And G1161 others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 a prophet, G4396 or G2228 as G5613 one of G1520 the prophets. G4396
16 But G1161 when Herod G2264 heard G191 thereof, he said, G2036 It G3778 is G2076 John, G2491 whom G3754 G3739 I G1473 beheaded: G607 he G846 is risen G1453 from G1537 the dead. G3498
17 For G1063 Herod G2264 himself G846 had sent forth G649 and laid hold G2902 upon John, G2491 and G2532 bound G1210 him G846 in G1722 prison G5438 for G1223 Herodias' G2266 sake, G1223 his G846 brother G80 Philip's G5376 wife: G1135 for G3754 he had married G1060 her. G846
18 For G1063 John G2491 had said G3004 unto Herod, G2264 G3754 It is G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for thee G4671 to have G2192 thy G4675 brother's G80 wife. G1135
19 Therefore G1161 Herodias G2266 had a quarrel G1758 against him, G846 and G2532 would G2309 have killed G615 him; G846 but G2532 she could G1410 not: G3756
20 For G1063 Herod G2264 feared G5399 John, G2491 knowing G1492 that he G846 was a just G1342 man G435 and G2532 an holy, G40 and G2532 observed G4933 him; G846 and G2532 when he heard G191 him, G846 he did G4160 many things, G4183 and G2532 heard G191 him G846 gladly. G2234
21 And G2532 when a convenient G2121 day G2250 was come, G1096 that G3753 Herod G2264 on his G846 birthday G1077 made G4160 a supper G1173 to his G846 lords, G3175 G2532 high captains, G5506 and G2532 chief G4413 estates of Galilee; G1056
22 And G2532 when the daughter G2364 of the said G846 Herodias G2266 came in, G1525 and G2532 danced, G3738 and G2532 pleased G700 Herod G2264 and G2532 them that sat with him, G4873 the king G935 said G2036 unto the damsel, G2877 Ask G154 of me G3165 whatsoever G3739 G1437 thou wilt, G2309 and G2532 I will give G1325 it thee. G4671
23 And G2532 he sware G3660 unto her, G846 Whatsoever G3754 G3739 G1437 thou shalt ask G154 of me, G3165 I will give G1325 it thee, G4671 unto G2193 the half G2255 of my G3450 kingdom. G932
24 And G1161 she went forth, G1831 and said G2036 unto her G846 mother, G3384 What G5101 shall I ask? G154 And G1161 she said, G2036 The head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910
25 And G2532 she came in G1525 straightway G2112 with G3326 haste G4710 unto G4314 the king, G935 and asked, G154 saying, G3004 I will G2309 that G2443 thou give G1325 me G3427 by and by G1824 in G1909 a charger G4094 the head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910
26 And G2532 the king G935 was G1096 exceeding sorry; G4036 yet for G1223 his oath's sake, G3727 and G2532 for their sakes which G3588 sat with him, G4873 he would G2309 not G3756 reject G114 her. G846
27 And G2532 immediately G2112 the king G935 sent G649 an executioner, G4688 and commanded G2004 his G846 head G2776 to be brought: G5342 and G1161 he went G565 and beheaded G607 him G846 in G1722 the prison, G5438
28 And G2532 brought G5342 his G846 head G2776 in G1909 a charger, G4094 and G2532 gave G1325 it G846 to the damsel: G2877 and G2532 the damsel G2877 gave G1325 it G846 to her G846 mother. G3384
29 And G2532 when his G846 disciples G3101 heard G191 of it, they came G2064 and G2532 took up G142 his G846 corpse, G4430 and G2532 laid G5087 it G846 in G1722 a tomb. G3419
30 And G2532 the apostles G652 gathered themselves together G4863 unto G4314 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 told G518 him G846 all things, G3956 both G2532 what G3745 they had done, G4160 and G2532 what G3745 they had taught. G1321
31 And G2532 he said G2036 unto them, G846 Come G1205 ye G5210 yourselves G846 apart G2596 G2398 into G1519 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 rest G373 a while: G3641 for G1063 there were G2258 many G4183 coming G2064 and G2532 going, G5217 and G2532 they had no G3761 leisure G2119 so much as G3761 to eat. G5315
32 And G2532 they departed G565 into G1519 a desert G2048 place G5117 by ship G4143 privately. G2596 G2398
33 And G2532 the people G3793 saw G1492 them G846 departing, G5217 and G2532 many G4183 knew G1921 him, G846 and G2532 ran G4936 afoot G3979 thither G1563 out of G575 all G3956 cities, G4172 and G2532 outwent G4281 them, G846 and G2532 came together G4905 unto G4314 him. G846
34 And G2532 Jesus, G2424 when he came out, G1831 saw G1492 much G4183 people, G3793 and G2532 was moved with compassion G4697 toward G1909 them, G846 because G3754 they were G2258 as G5613 sheep G4263 not G3361 having G2192 a shepherd: G4166 and G2532 he began G756 to teach G1321 them G846 many things. G4183
35 And G2532 when the day G5610 was G1096 now G2235 far spent, G4183 his G846 disciples G3101 came G4334 unto him, G846 and said, G3004 G3754 This is G2076 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 now G2235 the time G5610 is far passed: G4183
36 Send G630 them G846 away, G630 that G2443 they may go G565 into G1519 the country G68 round about, G2945 and G2532 into the villages, G2968 and buy G59 themselves G1438 bread: G740 for G1063 they have G2192 nothing G5101 G3756 to eat. G5315
37 He answered G611 and G1161 said G2036 unto them, G846 Give G1325 ye G5210 them G846 to eat. G5315 And G2532 they say G3004 unto him, G846 Shall we go G565 and buy G59 two hundred G1250 pennyworth G1220 of bread, G740 and G2532 give G1325 them G846 to eat? G5315
38 G1161 He saith G3004 unto them, G846 How many G4214 loaves G740 have ye? G2192 go G5217 and G2532 see. G1492 And G2532 when they knew, G1097 they say, G3004 Five, G4002 and G2532 two G1417 fishes. G2486
39 And G2532 he commanded G2004 them G846 to make G347 all G3956 sit down G347 by companies G4849 G4849 upon G1909 the green G5515 grass. G5528
40 And G2532 they sat down G377 in ranks, G4237 G4237 by G303 hundreds, G1540 and G2532 by G303 fifties. G4004
41 And G2532 when he had taken G2983 the five G4002 loaves G740 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes, G2486 he looked up G308 to G1519 heaven, G3772 and blessed, G2127 and G2532 brake G2622 the loaves, G740 and G2532 gave G1325 them to his G846 disciples G3101 to G2443 set before G3908 them; G846 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes G2486 divided he G3307 among them all. G3956
42 And G2532 they did G5315 all G3956 eat, G5315 and G2532 were filled. G5526
43 And G2532 they took up G142 twelve G1427 baskets G2894 full G4134 of the fragments, G2801 and G2532 of G575 the fishes. G2486
44 And G2532 they that did eat G5315 of the loaves G740 were G2258 about G5616 five thousand G4000 men. G435
45 And G2532 straightway G2112 he constrained G315 his G846 disciples G3101 to get G1684 into G1519 the ship, G4143 and G2532 to go G4254 to G1519 the other side G4008 before G4254 unto G4314 Bethsaida, G966 while G2193 he G846 sent away G630 the people. G3793
46 And G2532 when he had sent G657 them G846 away, G657 he departed G565 into G1519 a mountain G3735 to pray. G4336
47 And G2532 when even G3798 was come, G1096 the ship G4143 was G2258 in G1722 the midst G3319 of the sea, G2281 and G2532 he G846 alone G3441 on G1909 the land. G1093
48 And G2532 he saw G1492 them G846 toiling G928 in G1722 rowing; G1643 for G1063 the wind G417 was G2258 contrary G1727 unto them: G846 and G2532 about G4012 the fourth G5067 watch G5438 of the night G3571 he cometh G2064 unto G4314 them, G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 and G2532 would G2309 have passed by G3928 them. G846
49 But G1161 when they saw G1492 him G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 they supposed G1380 it had been G1511 a spirit, G5326 and G2532 cried out: G349
50 For G1063 they all G3956 saw G1492 him, G846 and G2532 were troubled. G5015 And G2532 immediately G2112 he talked G2980 with G3326 them, G846 and G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Be of good cheer: G2293 it is G1510 I; G1473 be G5399 not G3361 afraid. G5399
51 And G2532 he went up G305 unto G4314 them G846 into G1519 the ship; G4143 and G2532 the wind G417 ceased: G2869 and G2532 they were sore G3029 amazed G1839 in G1722 themselves G1438 beyond G1537 measure, G4053 and G2532 wondered. G2296
52 For G1063 they considered G4920 not G3756 the miracle of G1909 the loaves: G740 for G1063 their G846 heart G2588 was G2258 hardened. G4456
53 And G2532 when they had passed over, G1276 they came G2064 into G1909 the land G1093 of Gennesaret, G1082 and G2532 drew to the shore. G4358
54 And G2532 when they G846 were come G1831 out of G1537 the ship, G4143 straightway G2112 they knew G1921 him, G846
55 And ran through G4063 that G1565 whole G3650 region round about, G4066 and began G756 to carry about G4064 in G1909 beds G2895 those that were G2192 sick, G2560 where G3699 they heard G191 he was. G3754 G1563 G2076
56 And G2532 whithersoever G3699 G302 he entered, G1531 into G1519 villages, G2968 or G2228 cities, G4172 or G2228 country, G68 they laid G5087 the sick G770 in G1722 the streets, G58 and G2532 besought G3870 him G846 that G2443 they might touch G680 if G2579 it were but G2579 the border G2899 of his G846 garment: G2440 and G2532 as many G3745 as G302 touched G680 him G846 were made whole. G4982
1 And he went out from thence; and he cometh into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
2 And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and `what mean' such mighty works wrought by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.
4 And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching.
7 And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;
8 and he charged them that they should take nothing for `their' journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, now money in their purse;
9 but `to go' shod with sandals: and, `said he', put not on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, Wheresoever ye enter into a house, there abide till ye depart thence.
11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.
12 And they went out, and preached that `men' should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
14 And king Herod heard `thereof'; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.
15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, `It is' a prophet, `even' as one of the prophets.
16 But Herod, when he heard `thereof', said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.
18 For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
19 And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.
27 And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.
29 And when his disciples heard `thereof', they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught.
31 And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart.
33 And `the people' saw them going, and many knew `them', and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them.
34 And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent;
36 send them away, that they may go into the country and villages round about, and buy themselves somewhat to eat.
37 But he answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred shillings' worth of bread, and give them to eat?
38 And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go `and' see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
39 And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.
40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
41 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves; and he gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
42 And they all ate, and were filled.
43 And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes.
44 And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men.
45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before `him' unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.
46 And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.
47 And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
48 And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:
49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;
50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51 And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;
52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.
53 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.
54 And when they were come out of the boat, straightway `the people' knew him,
55 and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
56 And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
1 And he went forth thence, and came to his own country, and his disciples do follow him,
2 and sabbath having come, he began in the synagogue to teach, and many hearing were astonished, saying, `Whence hath this one these things? and what the wisdom that was given to him, that also such mighty works through his hands are done?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?' -- and they were being stumbled at him.
4 And Jesus said to them -- `A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his kindred, and in his own house;'
5 and he was not able there any mighty work to do, except on a few infirm people having put hands he did heal `them';
6 and he wondered because of their unbelief. And he was going round the villages, in a circle, teaching,
7 and he doth call near the twelve, and he began to send them forth two by two, and he was giving them power over the unclean spirits,
8 and he commanded them that they may take nothing for the way, except a staff only -- no scrip, no bread, no brass in the girdle,
9 but having been shod with sandals, and ye may not put on two coats.
10 And he said to them, `Whenever ye may enter into a house, there remain till ye may depart thence,
11 and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.'
12 And having gone forth they were preaching that `men' might reform,
13 and many demons they were casting out, and they were anointing with oil many infirm, and they were healing `them'.
14 And the king Herod heard, (for his name became public,) and he said -- `John the Baptist out of the dead was raised, and because of this the mighty powers are working in him.'
15 Others said -- `It is Elijah,' and others said -- `It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.'
16 And Herod having heard, said -- `He whom I did behead -- John -- this is he; he was raised out of the dead.'
17 For Herod himself, having sent forth, did lay hold on John, and bound him in the prison, because of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he married her,
18 for John said to Herod -- `It is not lawful to thee to have the wife of thy brother;'
19 and Herodias was having a quarrel with him, and was willing to kill him, and was not able,
20 for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.
21 And a seasonable day having come, when Herod on his birthday was making a supper to his great men, and to the chiefs of thousands, and to the first men of Galilee,
22 and the daughter of that Herodias having come in, and having danced, and having pleased Herod and those reclining (at meat) with him, the king said to the damsel, `Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give to thee,'
23 and he sware to her -- `Whatever thou mayest ask me, I will give to thee -- unto the half of my kingdom.'
24 And she, having gone forth, said to her mother, `What shall I ask for myself?' and she said, `The head of John the Baptist;'
25 and having come in immediately with haste unto the king, she asked, saying, `I will that thou mayest give me presently, upon a plate, the head of John the Baptist.'
26 And the king -- made very sorrowful -- because of the oaths and of those reclining (at meat) with him, would not put her away,
27 and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought,
28 and he having gone, beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head upon a plate, and did give it to the damsel, and the damsel did give it to her mother;
29 and having heard, his disciples came and took up his corpse, and laid it in the tomb.
30 And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught,
31 and he said to them, `Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity,
32 and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves.
33 And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognised him, and by land from all the cities they ran thither, and went before them, and came together to him,
34 and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things.
35 And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say, -- `The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced,
36 let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.'
37 And he answering said to them, `Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, `Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?'
38 And he saith to them, `How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, `Five, and two fishes.'
39 And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass,
40 and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties.
41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all,
42 and they did all eat, and were filled,
43 and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes,
44 and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.
45 And immediately he constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before to the other side, unto Bethsaida, till he may let the multitude away,
46 and having taken leave of them, he went away to the mountain to pray.
47 And evening having come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land;
48 and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea, and wished to pass by them.
49 And they having seen him walking on the sea, thought `it' to be an apparition, and cried out,
50 for they all saw him, and were troubled, and immediately he spake with them, and saith to them, `Take courage, I am `he', be not afraid.'
51 And he went up unto them to the boat, and the wind lulled, and greatly out of measure were they amazed in themselves, and were wondering,
52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, for their heart hath been hard.
53 And having passed over, they came upon the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore,
54 and they having come forth out of the boat, immediately having recognised him,
55 having run about through all that region round about, they began upon the couches to carry about those ill, where they were hearing that he is,
56 and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.
1 And he went out thence and came to his own country, and his disciples follow him.
2 And when sabbath was come he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing were amazed, saying, Whence [has] this [man] these things? and what [is] the wisdom that is given to him, and such works of power are done by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.
4 But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not despised save in his own country, and among [his] kinsmen, and in his own house.
5 And he could not do any work of power there, save that laying his hands on a few infirm persons he healed [them].
6 And he wondered because of their unbelief. And he went round the villages in a circuit, teaching.
7 And he calls the twelve to [him]; and he began to send them out two [and] two, and gave to them power over the unclean spirits;
8 and he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their belt;
9 but be shod with sandals, and put not on two body-coats.
10 And he said to them, Wheresoever ye shall enter into a house, there remain till ye shall go thence.
11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you nor hear you, departing thence, shake off the dust which is under your feet for a testimony to them.
12 And they went forth and preached that they should repent;
13 and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many infirm, and healed them.
14 And Herod the king heard [of him] (for his name had become public), and said, John the baptist is risen from among [the] dead, and on this account works of power are wrought by him.
15 And others said, It is Elias; and others said, It is a prophet, as one of the prophets.
16 But Herod when he heard [it] said, John whom *I* beheaded, he it is; *he* is risen [from among the dead].
17 For the same Herod had sent and seized John, and had bound him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her.
18 For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have the wife of thy brother.
19 But Herodias kept it [in her mind] against him, and wished to kill him, and could not:
20 for Herod feared John knowing that he was a just and holy man, and kept him safe; and having heard him, did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief [men] of Galilee;
22 and the daughter of the same Herodias having come in, and danced, pleased Herod and those that were with [him] at table; and the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee.
23 And he swore to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask me I will give thee, to half of my kingdom.
24 And she went out, and said to her mother, What should I ask? And she said, The head of John the baptist.
25 And immediately going in with haste to the king, she asked saying, I desire that thou give me directly upon a dish the head of John the baptist.
26 And the king, [while] made very sorry, on account of the oaths and those lying at table with [him] would not break his word with her.
27 And immediately the king, having sent one of the guard, ordered his head to be brought. And he went out and beheaded him in the prison,
28 and brought his head upon a dish, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.
29 And his disciples having heard [it], came and took up his body, and laid it in a tomb.
30 And the apostles are gathered together to Jesus. And they related to him all things, [both] what they had done and what they had taught.
31 And he said to them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they had not leisure even to eat.
32 And they went away apart into a desert place by ship.
33 And many saw them going, and recognised them, and ran together there on foot, out of all the cities, and got [there] before them.
34 And on leaving [the ship] [Jesus] saw a great crowd, and he was moved with compassion for them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
35 And when it was already late in the day, his disciples coming to him say, The place is desert, and it is already late in the day;
36 send them away that they may go into the country and villages around, and buy themselves bread, for they have not anything they can eat.
37 And he answering said to them, Give *ye* them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them to eat?
38 And he says to them, How many loaves have ye? Go [and] see. And when they knew they say, Five, and two fishes.
39 And he ordered them to make them all sit down by companies on the green grass.
40 And they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties.
41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave [them] to his disciples that they might set [them] before them. And the two fishes he divided among all.
42 And they all ate and were satisfied.
43 And they took up of fragments the fillings of twelve hand-baskets, and of the fishes.
44 And those that ate of the loaves were five thousand men.
45 And immediately he compelled his disciples to go on board ship, and to go on before to the other side to Bethsaida, while *he* sends the crowd away.
46 And, having dismissed them, he departed into the mountain to pray.
47 And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and *he* alone upon the land.
48 And seeing them labouring in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.
49 But they, seeing him walking on the sea, thought that it was an apparition, and cried out.
50 For all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and says to them, Be of good courage: it is *I*; be not afraid.
51 And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind fell. And they were exceedingly beyond measure astonished in themselves and wondered;
52 for they understood not through the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
53 And having passed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and made the shore.
54 And on their coming out of the ship, immediately recognising him,
55 they ran through that whole country around, and began to carry about those that were ill on couches, where they heard that he was.
56 And wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the market-places, and besought him that they might touch if it were only the hem of his garment; and as many as touched him were healed.
1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him.
2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?
3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" They were offended at him.
4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house."
5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.
6 He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.
7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
8 He charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,
9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics.
10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.
11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
12 They went out and preached that people should repent.
13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.
14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."
15 But others said, "It is Elijah." Others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."
16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, "This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead."
17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.
18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
19 Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn't,
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.
21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.
22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."
23 He swore to her, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."
24 She went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" She said, "The head of John the Baptizer."
25 She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter."
26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn't wish to refuse her.
27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.
29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.
31 He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 They went away in the boat to a desert place by themselves.
33 They{TR reads "The multitudes" instead of "They"} saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him.
34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
35 When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, "This place is deserted, and it is late in the day.
36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."
37 But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." They asked him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii{200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer.} worth of bread, and give them something to eat?"
38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go see." When they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."
39 He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.
40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.
41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.
42 They all ate, and were filled.
43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.
44 Those who ate the loaves were{TR adds "about"} five thousand men.
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away.
46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.
47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land.
48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them,
49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;
50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I!{Literally, "I AM!"} Don't be afraid."
51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.
54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him,
55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was.
56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.
1 And he went away from there, and came into his country; and his disciples went with him.
2 And when the Sabbath day had come, he was teaching in the Synagogue; and a number of people hearing him were surprised, saying, From where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom given to this man, and what are these works of power done by his hands?
3 Is not this the woodworker, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were bitter against him.
4 And Jesus said to them, A prophet is nowhere without honour, but in his country, and among his relations, and in his family.
5 And he was unable to do any work of power there, but only to put his hands on one or two persons who were ill, and make them well.
6 And he was greatly surprised because they had no faith. And he went about the country places teaching.
7 And he gave orders to the twelve, and sent them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;
8 And he said that they were to take nothing for their journey, but a stick only; no bread, no bag, no money in their pockets;
9 They were to go with common shoes on their feet, and not to take two coats.
10 And he said to them, Wherever you go into a house, make that your resting-place till you go away.
11 And whatever place will not take you in and will not give ear to you, when you go away, put off the dust from your feet as a witness against them.
12 And they went out, preaching the need for a change of heart in men.
13 And they sent out a number of evil spirits, and put oil on a great number who were ill, and made them well.
14 And king Herod had news of him, because his name was on the lips of all; and he said, John the Baptist has come back from the dead, and for this reason these powers are working in him.
15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even like one of the prophets.
16 But Herod, when he had news of it, said, John, whom I put to death, has come back from the dead.
17 For Herod himself had sent men out to take John and put him in prison, because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had taken for himself.
18 For John said to Herod, It is wrong for you to have your brother's wife.
19 And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;
20 For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.
21 And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
22 And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and did a dance, Herod and those who were at table with him were pleased with her; and the king said to the girl, Make a request for anything and I will give it you.
23 And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.
24 And she went out and said to her mother, What is my request to be? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25 And she came in quickly to the king, and said, My desire is that you give me straight away on a plate the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say 'No' to her.
27 And straight away the king sent out one of his armed men, and gave him an order to come back with the head: and he went and took off John's head in prison,
28 And came back with the head on a plate, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.
29 And when his disciples had news of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in its last resting-place.
30 And the twelve came together to Jesus; and they gave him an account of all the things they had done, and all they had been teaching.
31 And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.
32 And they went away in the boat to a waste place by themselves.
33 And the people saw them going, and a number of them, having knowledge who they were, went running there together on foot from all the towns, and got there before them.
34 And he got out, and saw a great mass of people, and he had pity on them, because they were like sheep without a keeper: and he gave them teaching about a number of things.
35 And at the end of the day, his disciples came to him and said, This place is waste land, and it is late:
36 Send them away, so that they may go into the country and small towns round about, and get some food for themselves.
37 But he said to them in answer, Give them food yourselves. And they said to him, Are we to go and get bread for two hundred pence, and give it to them?
38 And he said to them, How much bread have you? go and see. And when they had seen, they said, Five cakes of bread and two fishes.
39 And he made them all be seated in groups on the green grass.
40 And they were placed in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.
41 And he took the five cakes of bread and the two fishes and, looking up to heaven, he said words of blessing over them; and when the cakes were broken, he gave them to the disciples to put before the people; and he made division of the two fishes among them all.
42 And they all took of the food and had enough.
43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken bits and of the fishes.
44 And those who took of the bread were five thousand men.
45 And straight away he made his disciples get into the boat, and go before him to the other side to Beth-saida, while he himself sent the people away.
46 And after he had sent them away, he went up into a mountain for prayer.
47 And by evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he by himself on the land.
48 And seeing that they had trouble in getting their boat through the water, because the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea; and he would have gone past them;
49 But they, when they saw him walking on the sea, took him for a spirit, and gave a loud cry:
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. But straight away he said to them, Take heart, it is I, have no fear.
51 And he went to them into the boat, and the wind went down, and they were full of wonder in themselves;
52 For it was not clear to them about the bread; but their hearts were hard.
53 And when they had gone across, they came to Gennesaret, and got their boat to land.
54 And when they had got out of the boat, the people quickly had news of him,
55 And went running through all the country round about, and took on their beds those who were ill, to where it was said that he was.
56 And wherever he went, into small towns, or great towns, or into the country, they took those who were ill into the market-places, requesting him that they might put their hands even on the edge of his robe: and all those who did so were made well.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » John Gill's Exposition of the Bible » Commentary on Mark 6
Commentary on Mark 6 John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
And he went out from thence,.... From Capernaum;
and came into his own country; or "city", as the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, the city of Nazareth; so called because it was the place where Christ was conceived, and where he was educated; for which he had a regard, and was willing it should partake of the benefit of his doctrine and miracles:
and his disciples follow him; as they did wherever he went; and which is a true characteristic of a disciple of Jesus.
And when the sabbath day was come,.... For it seems that it was on a weekday, or on one of the common days of the week, that he entered into the city, where he remained without making himself known, till the sabbath day came: and then
he began to teach in the synagogue; that is, at Nazareth; where he expounded the law and the prophets, and preached the Gospel:
and many hearing him were astonished. The Vulgate Latin adds, "at his doctrine"; and so it is read in Beza's most ancient copy:
saying, from whence hath this man these things? This skill of explaining Scripture, this doctrine which he teaches, and these miracles he is said to work? This question they the rather put, because they had known him from the beginning: he had lived long among them, and they knew he had not learnt of men, and therefore wondered how he came by such things as these:
and what wisdom is this which is given to him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? which were but the other day employed in servile work, and mechanical operations.
Is not this the carpenter?.... Some copies read, "the carpenter's son", as in Matthew 13:55 and so the Arabic and Ethiopic versions; but all the ancient copies, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Persic versions, read "the carpenter": such may Christ be reasonably thought to be, since his father was; and which business he might follow, partly through the meanness and poverty of his parents; and partly that he might set an example of industry and diligence; and chiefly to bear that part of the first Adam's curse, which was to eat his bread with the sweat of his brow: nor ought this to have been objected to him by the Jews, with whom it was usual for their greatest doctors and Rabbins to be of some trade or secular employment; so R. Jochanan was a shoemakerF26Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 11. T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 104. 2. Cetubot, fol. 34. 1. & 58. 2. Bava Kama, fol. 71. 1. R. Isaac was a blacksmithF1T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 24. 1. Sanhedrin, fol. 96. 1. Bava Bathra, fol. 170. 1. , R. Juda was a tailorF2T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 164. 2. , Abba Saul and R. Jochanan, were undertakers for funeralsF3T. Bab. Nidda, fol. 24. 2. ; R. Simeon was a seller of cottonF4T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 28. 2. Megilla, fol. 17. 1. & 18. 2. , R. Nehemiah was a ditcherF5Caphtor, fol. 75. 2. , R. Jose bar Chelphetha was a skinnerF6Ganz Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 30. 1. ; and others of them were of other trades, and some exceeding mean: the famous R. Hillell was a hewer of wood, and Carna, a judge in Israel, was a drawer of waterF7Maimon. in Pirke Abot, c. 4. sect. 5. ; and so Maimonides says,
"the great wise men of Israel were some of them hewers of wood and drawers of waterF8Ib. Hilch. Talmud Tora, c. 1. sect. 9. .'
They say,
"a man is obliged to learn his son an honest and easy tradeF9Misn. Kiddush. c. 4. sect. 14. T. Bab. Kiddush. fol. 82. 1. & Beracot, fol. 63. 1. :'
there are some businesses they except againstF11T. Kiddush. ib. , but this of a carpenter is not one; yea, they say,
"if a man does not teach his son a trade, it is all one as if he taught him thieveryF12Ib. fol. 30. 2. .'
Nor did they think it at all inconsistent with learning; for they have a sayingF13Pirke Abot, c. 2. sect. 9. , that
"beautiful is the learning of the law, along with a trade.'
The Jews ought not to have flouted Christ with this trade of a carpenter, since, according to them, it was necessary that a carpenter, in some cases, should be a regular priest; as in repairing of the temple, especially the holy of holies. So says MaimonidesF14In Misn. Middot, c. 4. sect. 5. ;
"there was a trap door, or an open place in the floor of the chamber, open to the holy of holies, that workmen might enter thereby into the holy of holies, when there was a necessity of repairing any thing; and since we make mention of workmen, it may be observed here, when there is need of building in the midst of the temple, great care should be taken, שיהיה האומן כהן כשר, "that the workman, or carpenter, be a right priest".'
Yea, they expressly say, that the Messiah is one of the four carpenters in Zechariah 1:20. "And the Lord showed me four carpenters"; they askF15T. Bab. Succa. ,
""who are the four carpenters?" Says R. Chana bar Bizna, says R. Simeon the saint, Messiah the son of David, Messiah the son of Joseph, and Elijah, and a priest of righteousness.'
This is with some variation elsewhere expressed thusF16Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 11. 4. ,
""and the Lord showed me four carpenters"; and these are they, Elijah, and the king Messiah, and Melchizedek and the anointed for war.'
And one of their commentatorsF17R. David Kimchi in Zech. i. 20. on the same text says,
"our Rabbins of blessed memory, explain this verse of the days of the Messiah;'
and then cites the above passage out of the Talmud; and anotherF18R. Sol. Jarchi in ib. refers unto it; See Gill on Matthew 13:55. The inhabitants of Nazareth go on, in order to reproach Jesus, calling him
the son of Mary; a poor woman of their town, and perhaps now a widow, since no mention is made of Joseph:
the brother of James and Joses, and of Juda and Simon? who were all of them the sons of Alphaeus or Cleophas, who was himself brother, or his wife sister, to Joseph or Mary; so that Christ was the near kinsman of these his sons: and it was usual with the Jews to call such an one a brother, and even indeed a more distant relation. The Vulgate Latin, and Ethiopic versions, instead of Joses, read Joseph:
and are not sisters here with us? And they were offended at him: either at the manner he came by his wisdom, with which he delivered such doctrine he did; and by his power, through which he wrought his mighty works, or miracles; they suspecting he came by them in an unlawful way, through familiarity with the devil, which they sometimes charged him with having: or at the meanness of his trade and employment; they could by no means think of him as the Messiah, who made so contemptible a figure, and was brought up in such a low way of life; and the rather, since one of their kings in common, was not be a mechanic, or at least of any mean occupation: of their canons runs thusF19Maimon. Hilch. Melachim, c. 1, sect. 6. ;
"they do not appoint to be a king, or an high priest, one that has been a butcher, or a barber, or a bath keeper, or a tanner; not because they were unfit, but because their business was mean, and the people would always despise them.'
Other trades are elsewhereF20T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 82. 1. mentioned, from among whom a king, or an high priest, were never taken; as founders, combers, borers of handmills, druggists, weavers, notaries, fullers, a letter of blood, or a surgeon, &c. particularly such as related to women's business. Now, as it was not usual to choose any one to be a king that wrought at a trade, they could not bear that the king Messiah should be of one; and because Jesus was, they were offended at him, and rejected him as the Messiah. Or they were offended at the meanness of his extraction and descent, his father, and mother, and brethren, and sisters, being all persons in low circumstances of life; whereas they expected the Messiah would be born and brought up as a temporal prince, in great grandeur and splendour; See Gill on Matthew 13:55, Matthew 13:56, Matthew 13:57.
But Jesus said unto them,.... The following proverb;
a prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house; the same as in Matthew 13:57; See Gill on Matthew 13:57. Only the phrase, "among his own kin", is here added: very probably some of those that made these reflections, were some distant relations of Joseph, or Mary; for as Jesus was now in his own country and city, and in his own native place, so among his kindred and relations; who envied his gifts and attainments, and objected to him his rise from that branch of their family, which was the most mean and abject.
And he could there do no mighty work,.... Or miracle; not that Christ had no power in himself to work miracles, though their unbelief and contempt of him were very great; but it was not fit and proper that he should do any there, since such were their prejudices against him: it is an usual way of speaking with the Hebrews, when either it is not "fit" and proper that a thing should be done, or they "will" not do it, to say it cannot be done; see Genesis 19:22; and even it is said of God himself, "So that the Lord could no longer bear, because of your evil doings", Jeremiah 44:22. Not but that he could if he would, but he would not; nor was it fit and proper that he should; the same is the sense here: besides, in Matthew 13:58 it is said, "he did not many mighty works there"; and so the Arabic version here, "and he did not many mighty works there"; he did not think it proper to do any of any great consequence, nor did he. Wherefore the JewF21MS. Lusit. N. 83. apud Kidder, Demonstr. of the Messiah, par. 2. p. 59. has no reason to object this to the divinity of Christ, as if there was a want of power in him. Christ is omnipotent, and he has given proof of his almighty power, by the miracles which he has wrought; and though he wrought no mighty work "there", yet he wrought many elsewhere, which sufficiently attest the truth of his proper deity: the emphasis lies upon the word there; though he did not work any considerable miracle in that place, he did in others; which shows, that it was not a defect of power in him, that was the reason of it, but something else; and Matthew gives the reason of it, and says, it was "because of their unbelief": not that their unbelief was an over match for his power; he could have removed that, if he had thought fit, but he did not do it; he, who is the author and finisher of faith, could have took away their unbelief, as the man that brought his dumb child to Christ, concluded he could; and therefore said to him, "Lord, help my unbelief", Mark 9:24. Christ sometimes required of the persons he was about to heal, faith in him, that he could heal them; and so did his apostles, Matthew 9:28. Not that faith contributed any thing to the cure, but it was the way and means in which Christ was pleased to communicate his healing virtue: besides, when persons applied to him for healing, and expressed their faith in him, it gave him an opportunity of working a miracle for that purpose; but now these people did not so much as ask such a favour of him, and so gave him no occasion of doing any mighty work; for which reason it may be said, he could not, no opportunity offering: and moreover, seeing they disbelieved him, and rejected him as the Messiah, they were unworthy of having any wrought among them; and it was but just and right, to do none: nay, it was rather an instance of kindness not to do any among them; since had he, and they had remained impenitent and unbelieving, as he knew they would, these would have been aggravations of their condemnation.
Save that he laid his hands upon a sick folk, and healed them. There were some few sick people that had faith in him, and came to him, beseeching him to heal them; and accordingly he did lay his hands on them, and cured them, which was a way he sometimes used: and these cures he wrought, to show his power, what he could do, and what benefits they might have enjoyed by him, and to leave them inexcusable.
And he marvelled because of their unbelief,.... Which was the reason, as Matthew says, Matthew 13:58, why he did not many mighty works there, because they continued their prejudices against him, and their unbelief in him, notwithstanding what he did do, which was matter of admiration to him; wherefore he took his leave of them, as an ungrateful and unworthy people; and it is never after observed, that he returned there any more. It was a surprise to Christ, as man, that his country men should not believe in him, but reject him as the Messiah, on account of the above things: since they knew his parentage and education, and mean employ among them, even almost to that time; and yet such were his ministry and miracles, and such were his wisdom and power he was possessed of, that they could not account for; they might at least have concluded, seeing it was clear to them he had not them from men, that he had a mission and commission from God, and was qualified by him for such service and work; though they might have carried their reasonings further, and it was marvellous they should not, and have believed him to be more than a man, to have been a divine person, and the true Messiah; the proofs of Christ's deity and Messiahship are so plain and incontestable, that it is amazing that there should be any, who have read them or heard of them, that should be deists, or continue unbelievers. Such unbelief must be owing to a wretched stupidity, and judicial blindness of mind.
And he went round about the villages teaching: he took a circuit throughout all the little towns and villages round about Nazareth, instructing the ignorant country people, in the things concerning the kingdom of God.
And he called unto him the twelve,.... "His twelve disciples", as some copies read; whom he had before called by his grace, and had appointed and ordained them his apostles, but had not yet publicly sent forth; in order to which, he now called them to him, and gave them their commission, qualifications, and instructions:
and began to send them forth by two and two: he first sent forth one couple, and then another; the reason of his sending them by pairs, was partly for the sake of company, and that they might be useful and assisting to one another; and partly to show their agreement in doctrine; and that they might be proper and sufficient witnesses of it, whereby it might be established; and the rather, being thus sent by pairs into different parts, their message would be the sooner dispatched, than if they had all went together:
and gave them power over unclean spirits; that is, to cast them out; as it is expressed in Mat_. 10:1; see Gill on Matthew 10:1; and which is here added in the Syriac and Persic versions. Many things are omitted by this evangelist, which are mentioned by Matthew: he does not give us the names of the twelve apostles; the reason of that indeed may be, because they are related by him in Mark 3:16, and he did not choose to repeat them here: nor does he take any notice of the places where the apostles were to go, and where not; nor of the persons to whom, or not; as not into the way of the Gentiles, nor into any of the cities of the Samaritans, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: nor does he say any thing of the subject matter of their ministry or what they had in charge to publish; as that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, or the Gospel dispensation: nor does he observe the several things they were to do in confirmation of their doctrine and mission; as healing the sick, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, and casting out devils: he only relates the directions given them with respect to their journey, in the following verses; the reason of all which seems to be, because he refers not to the same time as Matthew does, to their appointment and ordination; but to the time they were sent out, and proceeded on their journey.
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey,.... To accommodate them in it, except those things after directed to:
save a staff only; a single one, for staves in the plural number are forbidden; see Gill on Matthew 10:10;
no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. Travellers used to put their bread, or any other sort of food into their scrips, and their money in their girdles; but the disciples were not allowed to carry either, because provision was to be made for them wherever they came at free cost, it being what their labour was worthy of; See Gill on Matthew 10:9, Matthew 10:10.
But be shod with sandals,.... Which were different from shoes, and more fit to travel with, and therefore allowed when shoes were forbidden; See Gill on Matthew 10:10, though some think there was no difference between shoes and sandals, and that Christ, in Matthew 10:10, does not forbid the taking of shoes, but two pair of shoes; as not two coats, nor two staves, but one of a sort only. And
not put on two coats; that is, at a time; an inner and an outward one, or one at one time, and another at another: they were forbid change of raiment; the reasons for it See Gill on Matthew 10:10. From all which it appears, that as a minister of the Gospel ought not to be a worldly minded man, that minds earth and earthly things, and seeks to amass wealth and riches to himself, and preaches for filthy lucre's sake; nor to be a sensual and voluptuous man, serving his own belly, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, feeding himself, and not the flock; so neither should he be filled with worldly cares, overwhelmed in worldly business, and entangled with the affairs of this life: he ought to have his mind free from all solicitude and anxious concern, about a subsistence for himself and his, that so he may with greater and more close application attend to his ministry, to preparations for it, and the performance of it; and give up himself entirely to the word and prayer, and not have his mind distracted with other things: upon which account it is highly necessary, that the people to whom he ministers should take care, that a sufficient provision be made for him; that he may live without any anxious care and thought about such things, and his mind be more intent about the work he is called unto: and which is what our Lord chiefly designs by all this, who has ordained that they that preach the Gospel, should be comfortably provided for, and live of it; and which, as it makes for the peace of their minds that minister, it issues in the advantage of those who are ministered to.
And he said unto them,.... He continued giving orders and directions to them, saying,
in what place soever you enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place: that is, in whatsoever city or town they should come to, the first house they went into, they should continue in, during their stay in that city or town, and not shift from house to house; See Gill on Matthew 10:11.
And, whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you,.... Who would neither take them into their houses, nor hear what they had to say to them:
when ye depart thence; from the house or the city, or town, in which it is,
shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them; that they had been with them, and attempted to preach the Gospel to them, but they despised and rejected it; wherefore they departed from them as an unworthy people, against whom the dust of their feet would rise as a testimony, in the day of judgment; See Gill on Matthew 10:14.
Verily, I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. This clause is omitted in some copies, and so it is in the Vulgate Latin version, and may perhaps be transcribed from Mat_. 10:15; see Gill on Matthew 10:15; though it is in most copies, and is read in the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions. It is certain that there will be a day of judgment; it is fixed, God has appointed it, though it is not known by men or angels: this will be universal; all must appear in it before God, the judge of all, Jews and Gentiles; such who have lived in the earlier ages of time, as well as those that will live nearer that day; such who have only had the dim light of nature to guide them, and also who have been favoured with the Gospel revelation: the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha, though they have had the judgments of God upon them in this world, they will not escape the righteous judgment of God hereafter; things are not over with them, there is still a reckoning to be made, an account to pass with them; their full punishment is not yet executed, even though they have been suffering the vengeance of eternal fire; their bodies must be raised, and they must receive for the things which they have done in them, and which they have so dreadfully and unnaturally abused; and yet, as vile sinners as they have been, and as sore a punishment as they are worthy of, their punishment will be milder and more tolerable, than that of the inhabitants of such places, where the Gospel has been preached, and they have despised and rejected it. May the inhabitants of our land, especially of some parts of it, as of London, and others, consider this!
And they went out,.... From that part of the country where they then were, some one way, and some another, two by two, with these instructions, and according to these directions; in order to preach the word, and work miracles, in the several parts where they were sent:
and preached that men should repent; both of the evil practices which they were guilty of, and of the bad principles they had imbibed, and change both their sentiments and their conduct: this, they exhorted them to, as John the Baptist, and Christ, had done before, who set out in their ministry the same way; and these, as they did also, preached the Gospel, and the things appertaining to the kingdom of God, and Gospel dispensation, and called upon men to believe them. For faith and repentance went together in Christ's ministry, Mark 1:15, and so they did in the ministry of John, the Baptist, Acts 19:4, and in the ministry of the apostles, Acts 20:21. When they preached that men should repent, it does not from hence follow, that they have a power to repent of themselves: for such is the condition of men by nature, that they neither see their need of repentance, and their hearts are so hard and obdurate, that they cannot work themselves up to it, or work it in them, and exercise it; this requires the powerful and efficacious grace of God to produce it, and it is a gift of his grace; and if he gives the means, and not the grace of repentance itself, it will never appear: but the apostles preaching that men should repent, shows that they were in such a state as to need it; and how necessary it was for them to have it, seeing without it they must all perish: and such a ministration is proper, to awaken the minds of men to a sense of the need of it, and to direct them to Christ the Saviour, who is exalted to give it, as well as the remission of sins.
And they cast out many devils,.... Which they had power given them to do; and this they did, in confirmation of their mission and doctrine, and for the benefit of miserable creatures, who were possessed by them; and to show their power over the devils, and as a prelude of what they were to be the instruments of, in casting Satan out of the souls of men, both Jews and Gentiles; and especially, in the ejection of him out of the Gentile world:
and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. This they were doubtless directed to by Christ, as an outward sign of healing; but not as a medicine; otherwise there would have been no miracle in the cure: though it is certain, the Jews used anointing with oil medicinally in many cases, as the means of healing; but they did not always succeed, as the apostles did: on the day of atonementF23T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 77. 2. Maimon. Hikh. Shebitat Ashur, c. 3. sect. 9. ,
"it was not lawful to "anoint" part of the body, as the whole body; but if a man was sick, or had ulcers on his head, he might anoint according to his usual way, and no notice was taken of it.'
AgainF24T. Hieros. Maaser Sheni, fol. 53. 2. ,
"a man may not anoint with wine, or vinegar, but he may anoint with oil: he that has a pain in his head, or has ulcers upon him, סך שמן, "he may anoint with oil", but he may not anoint with wine and vinegar: wine of the second tithe, which they mix, is forbidden to anoint with; oil of the second tithe, which they mix, is lawful to anoint with.'
And it is elsewhere saidF25Ib. Betacot, fol. 3. 1. & Sabbat, fol. 14. 3. , that
"R. Meir allowed of the mixing of oil and wine, לסוך לחולה, "to anoint the sick" on a sabbath; but when he was sick, and we sought to do so to him, he would not suffer us.'
But that oil was used by the apostles as a medicine for the healing of diseases, cannot well be thought; since oil, though it may be useful in some cases, it is not an universal medicine, which is proper to all; nor were the apostles instructed by Christ in the art of physic, but were possessed by him with extraordinary gifts, to cure the disorders of the body, for the confirmation of the Gospel, which they preached; and it is easy to observe, that healing the sick by anointing with oil, is joined with the extraordinary power of casting out devils; and it was the same power by which they performed the one, as the other; see Luke 9:1. Hence it appears, that this passage gives no countenance to the use of such a practice in our days; since these were apostles only, who used it, who were extraordinary persons, and whose office in the church was an extraordinary one, and is now ceased; and healing in this way, was by an extraordinary power bestowed upon them, which has ceased; and therefore the rite, or ceremony of anointing with oil, for such a purpose, should be of course discontinued; however, it cannot be supported by this instance, whatever countenance it may seem to have from James 5:14, for it must be owned, there is some difference in the passages: the persons that anointed here were apostles, there the elders of the church; the persons anointed there, were good people, the members of the church, but here any sort of persons, and chiefly, if not altogether unbelievers; the healing of them is ascribed to the prayer of faith in James, but here to the extraordinary power of the apostles, by anointing with oil; though it may be, the healing was equally miraculous in the one, as the other: but be this as it will, nothing can be concluded from hence, in favour of the sacrament of extreme unction, used by the Papists; who administer that to persons, just at the point of death, and that for the remission of their sins, and the saving of their souls; whereas oil was used by the apostles to sick persons, and for the recovery of their bodily health. But since these were extraordinary cures which they performed this way, why did they make use of oil at all, seeing the virtue of healing did not come from that, and they could as well have healed sicknesses without it, as with it? To which it may be replied, that they did not always make use of it; sometimes only words were expressed, sometimes only hands were laid on the sick, and sometimes the sick persons were healed by handkerchiefs and aprons taken from them; which show, that the "healing" virtue was not in the means, nor was it tied to any: moreover, this was only used as an outward sign of healing, and might have some spiritual significancy in it; it might show, that they were sent forth by Christ the anointed one, who is anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows; it might be symbolical of the grace of the Spirit, which is often compared to oil, which they themselves were possessed of in a large measure, and which is communicated through the ministration of the Gospel; and it might be significative of the Gospel itself, which brings light and joy, health and comfort along with it, to the souls of men, which they were the happy messengers of.
And king Herod heard of him,.... "Of Jesus", as the Syriac version supplies it; or "the miracles of Jesus", as the Persic version. This Herod here called a king, as he might be by his courtiers, and the common people, is the same with the Tetrarch in Matthew 14:1, for he was only Tetrarch of Galilee. This was Herod Antipater, the son of Herod the Great; the fame of Jesus reached his ears, he being governor of those parts, which were mostly visited by Christ:
for his name was spread abroad; by means of his ministry and miracles, and through those of his disciples, whom he had sent two by two into all parts of the country:
and he said that John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him; for Herod had some time before put John to death; and hearing of these wonderful things that were done by Christ, his conscience smote him for the murder of John; and such a thought struck into his mind, that he was risen from the dead, and did these miracles: and the more he thought of it, the more strongly he was persuaded of it; and told it to his courtiers with a great deal of assurance, that it was certainly he; See Gill on Matthew 14:2.
Others said that it is Elias,.... This was the opinion, either of many of the Jews, who expected that Elias the Tishbite would come in person, before the coming of the Messiah; and thought by the appearance and wonderful works of Jesus, that he was now come: or of Herod's courtiers, who said this to divert him from his notion of John the Baptist, which they might perceive was very distressing to him; though the former seems rather to be the sense:
others said, that it is a prophet: or "the prophet", that was to come, whom Moses had spoken of, and the Jews expected; this was the opinion of others of them: or
as one of the prophets. The word η, "or", is left out in some copies; and so it is in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; and then the sense is, this new prophet lately raised up, is as one of the old prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others; or one of them had risen up.
But when Herod heard thereof,.... Either of Christ, or rather of the different opinions about him,
he said, it is John, whom I have beheaded: the thought stuck close to him, and continued with him; he could not get rid of it, nor persuade himself to the contrary; nor could any of his servants get him off of it, but he affirmed it with the greatest assurance imaginable. These different sentiments of the people concerning Jesus, greatly perplexed the mind of Herod, as appears from Luke 9:7, for it was first given out by others, and not by Herod, that John the Baptist was
risen from the dead; which he hearing of, gave him great uneasiness: he thoroughly considered the matter; he called to mind how he had used him, imprisoned him, and put him to death. At first he could not receive it, that since he was beheaded by him, he should be restored to life; but hearing of the miracles that were done by him, his conscience accused him, his fancy worked, and at length he firmly believed it, that he must be risen: and this sentiment, which he himself gave into at last, distressed him above all the rest, because of his concern in his death, fearing he was come to life to take vengeance on him: it might not sit very easy upon his mind, to bear that Elias had appeared the forerunner of the Messiah, the king of the Jews; who himself might be quickly expected, and who, he might fear, would seize upon, and take away that part of the kingdom which he was possessed of: and even to be told, that one of the prophets was risen from the dead, might be shocking to him; imagining that something of considerable moment was to be done, some revolution to be made; that the people would be stirred up by him, to attempt a change of government: but the first of these made the greatest impression on him, and what he could not get off, but fully gave into, as a thing unquestionable. He owns he beheaded John; he was conscious to himself of the sin, and confesses it; he does not lay it to the charge of Herodias and her daughter, though they requested it; the guilt of it lay upon his conscience, and he dreaded this appearance of John, as he fancied. And if he was a Sadducee before, as he has been thought to be, he now changed his mind, and believed a resurrection from the dead. So men may be convinced of sin, and entertain other and better notions of religion, and yet not be converted persons.
For Herod himself had sent forth,.... Some of his guard, a detachment of soldiers,
and laid hold upon John; who seized upon him, and took him up:
and bound him in prison; in the castle of Machaerus:
for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her; whilst his brother was living, and who had had children by her; See Gill on Matthew 14:3.
For John had said unto Herod,.... He had been personally with him, and had plainly and freely told him of his sin, and faithfully reproved him for it; alleging what he had done was contrary to the law of God:
it is not lawful, for thee to have thy brother's wife: See Gill on Matthew 14:4.
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him,.... Was angry with him, conceived wrath, and laid up hatred against him, and was an adversary to him; which is the sense of the Oriental versions. She bore him an inward grudge, and lay in wait to take the first opportunity of dispatching him:
and would have killed him, but she could not; being hindered by Herod, who as yet would not suffer it; partly through fear of the people, and partly through the respect he had for John.
For Herod feared John,.... Had him in great respect; he had a great veneration for him; which was the reason that Herodias could not as yet accomplish her design against him, and vent her rage upon him. Though some understand this not of his reverence, but of his dread of him: he knew as follows, that he was a man exemplary for justice and holiness, which gained him great esteem among the people; wherefore, though Herod, as well as Herodias, could very willingly have put him to death, yet, as Matthew says, "he feared the multitude", Matthew 14:5, who, in general, had an high opinion of John as a prophet, and a holy good man: he feared therefore to take away his life, lest they should rise and rebel against him; nor would he suffer Herodias to do it, for the same reason.
Knowing that he was a just man, and an holy; by what he had heard of him, by his own conversation with him, and the observation he had made upon his tenets and conduct. He was a "just", or "righteous" man, in a civil, legal, and evangelical sense: he did that which was just, between man and man; he did to others, as he would be done by himself; he was outwardly righteous before men, he lived soberly and righteously; nor was he chargeable with any notorious breach of the law; his conversation was strictly moral: and he was just or righteous before God, through the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; in whom he believed, and to whom he looked as the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world: but it was in the former sense, that he was known by Herod to be a just man; who only could pass such a judgment upon him, by his outward conduct and manner of life: and so as he had true principles of internal holiness wrought in him by the Spirit of God, with which he was filled from his mother's womb; he was externally holy in his walk and conversation, which was visible to others, and was taken notice of by this wicked prince: the former of these characters may regard his justice, uprightness, and integrity among men; the latter, his piety and devotion unto God: and the whole agrees with the account the Jewish historianF26Joseph. Antiqu. l. 18. c. 7. gives of him, that he was
"an excellent good man, who stirred up the Jews to the study of virtue, and especially piety and justice.'
These were epithets, which used to be given to men, famous for religion and piety; so we read of Simeon, צדיק, "the just"F1Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 9. , and of R. Simeon, חסידא, "the Holy One"F2T. Bab. Succah, fol. 52. 2. :
and observed him: or "kept him" in custody, in prison, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic render it; and did not put him to death, but preserved him from the designs of Herodias against him. Or he observed and took notice of what he had heard him say in his ministry; he laid it up, and kept it in his mind, and memory; the remembrance of which kept him in awe, and he durst not, and could not for the present, give heed to the solicitations of Herodias, or suffer her to take away his life: and he also observed his exemplary life and conversation, which was so just and upright, that his conscience would not admit him to give him up to her will and pleasure.
And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly: when he heard John explain the law and the prophets, open the writings of the Old Testament, preach the doctrine of repentance towards God, and faith in the Messiah to come; set forth the evil, danger, and punishment of sin, and exhorted to a holy life and conversation; taught the doctrine of baptism for the remission of sin by Christ, and spoke of the glories and happiness of a future state, and of the nature of the Gospel dispensation, just now ushering in; Herod, like one of the stony ground hearers, received the word with joy, was pleased with it, and in some things outwardly reformed: but the word did not take root in his heart, and therefore what external effects it produced, came to nothing; nor was he able to withstand the lusts and corruptions of his heart. The sense seems to be, that while he was hearing John, his natural affections were moved, and he had a kind of pleasure in the things he delivered; just as the Jews for a season rejoiced in his light, John 5:35, his natural conscience dictating to him, that the things which were spoken, were right, and just, and good; and they were delivered in such a solemn and striking manner, as commanded attention and awe; and were things of such a nature and importance, that from a principle of self-love, he could not but wish himself an interest in: and so far they had such an influence upon him, as to engage him to do many things in an external way, which had the appearance of good, at least of moral good: so that it is manifest from hence, that persons may have a natural affection for the ministry of the word, and seem delighted with it for a while; yea, may do a great many good actions, which seem to be such; and yet the word come in word only, and not in power: there may be all this, and yet true grace may not be wrought, and the word not be the engrafted word, which is able to save. In one of Beza's copies, and so in one of Stephens's, and in the Coptic version, instead of "he did many things", it is read, "he hesitated much": he was perplexed and distressed, he did not know what to do with himself; his conscience was uneasy, some things were pleasing to him, and others greatly afflicted him; his mind was distracted, he could not tell what to think, say, or do: however, it had such an effect upon him, that he had some respect for John; a veneration of him; at least, some fear and dread of him, which kept him from taking away his life, or suffering any others to do it.
And when a convenient day was come,.... For Herodias; who had long sought and watched for an opportunity of avenging herself on John, and such a time Herod's birthday proved; though some think, that this phrase is the same with יום טוב, "a good day"; often used by the Jews for a festival, any one of their feast days; there is a tract in their Misna which bears this name; and that such a day was this. But not one of the festivals of the Jews was this, as either their passover, or pentecost, or feast of tabernacles, which Herod had no regard to; but his own birthday, which he kept as a festival, in eating, and drinking, and dancing; and so was a very opportune and seasonable time for Herodias to take the advantage of Herod when in a good humour, amidst his company, and in his cups, to solicit that, which she had often done without success: and so it was now,
that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee: this birthday, was either the day of his natural, or civil birth; the day when he was born into the world, or of his accession to the throne; See Gill on Matthew 14:6, when he made a grand entertainment in the evening for his nobles, and the officers of the army, the captains of thousands, and the principal men, those of the first rank and quality in Galilee, of which he was Tetrarch.
And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in,.... To the hall, where Herod and his guests were, after supper was over; or rather, whilst at it: she is called the daughter of Herodias, and not of Herod; she having had her not by him, but by his brother Philip: her name is thought to be Salome; See Gill on Matthew 14:6,
and danced and pleased Herod, and them that were with him; at supper, his lords, captains, and principal men in his dominions; See Gill on Matthew 14:6.
The king said unto the damsel, ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee; which shows how exceedingly pleased he was; and the more, in that she gave such general pleasure to his whole company.
And he sware unto her,.... He added an oath to what he had before said, the more to confirm it, and to encourage her in her request, and which he repeated in stronger language:
whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom; See Gill on Matthew 14:7.
And she went forth and said unto her mother,.... The king having made such a promise to her, and annexed his oath to it, she thought proper before she asked any thing of him, to withdraw from the hall and company, and consider with herself, and consult with her mother, who was not at the entertainment; it being not usual in those eastern countries, for women to sit at table, at any grand festival: to whom she reported the offer the king had made, and desired she would be pleased to direct her, what request to make saying,
what shall I ask? To which her mother made answer, without taking any further time to think of it, being prepared for it, and determined in her mind, whenever she had an opportunity of asking a favour of the king, what it should be:
and she said, the head of John the Baptist. So sweet is revenge, that to have her will on that great and good man, was more to her, than to have half the king's dominions.
And she came in straightway with haste unto the, king,.... Having had her mother's advice, and being hastened by her, she immediately returned to the hall, where the king and his guests were, with much Concern, eagerness, and diligence:
and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger, the head of John the Baptist: her petition proceeding upon a promise with an oath, is presented by way of demand; insisting upon it, that in a very little time, "this hour", as the Syriac version renders it, within an hour's time, or less; and "here", as Matthew has it, Matthew 14:8, in that very place, and whilst the company was there; that orders should be given to cut off the head of John the Baptist, and that that should be brought, in a large dish, unto her; and this was what she had to ask, and insisted upon the immediate and punctual performance of it; See Gill on Matthew 14:8.
And the king was exceeding sorry,.... See Gill on Matthew 14:9.
yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him; as Matthew adds, "at meat", Matthew 14:9; for it seems as if supper was not over, when all this was transacting.
He would not reject her; deny her her request, or send her away without granting it which could not be without grieving her, and treating her with contempt, and defrauding her of the promise; all which ideas are expressed by some versions.
And immediately the king sent an executioner,.... See Gill on Matthew 14:10.
and commanded his head to be brought; ordered him to cut off his head in prison, and bring it away forthwith in a charger to him:
and he went and beheaded him in the prison; according to his orders.
And brought his head in a charger,.... In a large dish, to Herod, who
gave it to the damsel; the daughter of Herodias, as she had requested:
and the damsel gave it to her mother; who had instigated her to it; See Gill on Matthew 14:11.
And when his disciples heard of it,.... That is, when the disciples of John heard of this barbarous execution of their master,
they came; to the prison in the castle of Machaerus,
and took up his corpse; the trunk of his body; for his head was carried away, to glut the revenge of Herodias;
and laid it in a tomb; See Gill on Matthew 14:12.
And the apostles gathered themselves together,.... The twelve apostles of Christ, whom he had sent out, two by two, into different parts, having gone through them, and finished the embassy, they were sent about, met together in one place, and came in a body together,
unto Jesus; their Lord and master, who had sent them, and to whom they were accountable, as all the ministers of the Gospel are:
and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught; they gave him an exact and full account of what miracles were wrought by them, what diseases they had cured, and what a number of devils they had cast out; and also what doctrines they had preached, and what success in all they had had: so every Gospel minister must give an account of his ministrations to Christ.
And he said unto them,.... After he had heard their account, was satisfied with it, and approved of what they had said and done:
come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: where they might be free from noise and hurry, and take some rest and refreshment, after their wearisome journey, hard labours, and great fatigue in preaching and working miracles; which shows the great compassion, tenderness, and care of Christ, for his disciples:
for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat; the people were continually going to and fro; as soon as one company was gone, who came with their sick and diseased to be healed, or upon one account or another, another came: so that there was no opportunity of private meditation and prayer, nor of spiritual converse together: nor even so much as to eat a meal's meat for the refreshment of nature.
And they departed into a desert place,.... Which belonged to the city of Bethsaida, Luke 9:10,
by ship, privately; over some part of the sea of Tiberias, this place lying on a more remote side of it.
And the people saw them departing,.... The multitude that came to and fro, saw Christ and his disciples taking ship, and launching off; for though they were as private as could be, and intended to have gone in a very private manner, yet the people observed them:
and many knew him: Jesus; some copies read, "them"; and so do the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; they knew both Christ and his disciples, though they were in the ship, and at some distance:
and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and out went them, and came together unto him; they went on foot, as they might from Capernaum, Nazareth, and the parts adjacent, over the bridge at Chammath of Gadara, to this place, that belonged to Bethsaida; whither they perceived they steered, and made such haste, that they got thither before them; and the people that flocked from several cities met together, and came to Jesus, to hear his doctrine, and see his miracles,
And Jesus, when he came out,.... Of the ship, and was got ashore,
saw much people; who came partly from the places where he came from, and partly from the cities and towns adjacent:
and was moved with compassion towards them; See Gill on Matthew 14:14, the reason follows,
because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd. Christ observed, that they were hungering and thirsting after the word of righteousness, and had no faithful, spiritual pastors to feed them with knowledge and understanding; for the Scribes and Pharisees were blind guides, and shepherds that could not understand; so that the people were ready to perish for lack of knowledge, not having any spiritual comfort and refreshment under their ministry: hence they followed Christ, wherever he went, with great zeal and fervency, earnestly desiring the bread of life: this moved his compassion, so that though his view in coming to this place was retirement, and that his disciples might have some rest and refreshment, and might solace themselves in private conversation with him, and each other; yet postponing private advantage to public good, instead of reproving them for giving him this fresh trouble, kindly and tenderly received them:
and he began to teach them many things; relating to the kingdom of God, the Gospel dispensation, the doctrines and ordinances of it; things relating to their spiritual and eternal welfare, the comfort, and salvation of their immortal souls: and he dwelt long upon these subjects, because he found they were very ignorant, and needed instruction, and were very desirous of it; as well as healed all such of bodily diseases that stood in need thereof; of which Matthew only takes notice, Matthew 14:14; as Mark only of doctrine; but Luke mentions both doctrine and miracles of healing, Luke 9:11.
And when the day was now far spent,.... Or "much time was gone", in teaching the people, and healing the sick:
his disciples came unto him; nearer to him, as he was preaching, or healing the sick;
and said, this is a desert place, and now the time is far passed; See Gill on Matthew 14:15.
Send them away,.... Leave off preaching, dismiss the assembly; see Matthew 14:15;
that they may go into the country round about; or "into the fields"; that is, to the odd houses; which were here and there in the fields; See Gill on Mark 5:14;
and into the villages; the little country towns that were near at hand:
and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat; they brought no provisions with them, and there were none to be had in that desert place; and it was high time they had some refreshment; for the usual time of dining was past, the first evening was come, the day was on the decline, and was far spent.
He answered and said unto them, give ye them to eat,.... This he said to try their faith, and make way for the following miracle:
and they say unto him, shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? This might be just the sum of money they now had in the bag, as Grotius, and others conjecture; and the sense be, shall we lay out the two hundred pence, which is all we have in hand, to buy bread for this multitude? is it proper we should? is it thy will that so it should be? and if we should do so, as Philip suggests, John 6:7, it would not be enough to give every one a little: wherefore they say this, as amazed that he should propose such a thing unto them: or the reason of mentioning such a sum, as Dr. Lightfoot observes, might be, because that this was a noted and celebrated sum among the Jews, and frequently mentioned by them. A virgin's dowry, upon marriage, was "two hundred pence"F3Misn. Cetubot, c. 1. sect. 2. & 4. 7. & 5. 1. ; and so was a widow's; and one that was divorcedF4Ib. c. 2. sect. 1. & 11. 4. , if she insisted on it, and could make good her claim: this was the fine of an adult man, that lay with one under age; and of a male under age, that lay with a female adultF5Ib. c. 1. sect. 3. ; and of one man that gave another a slap of the faceF6Misn. Bava Kama, c. 6. sect. 8. . This sum answered to six pounds and five shillings of our money.
And he saith unto them, how many loaves have ye?.... This he said, not as ignorant, but as willing to try their faith yet more, and that the after miracle might be more manifest and illustrious:
go and see; meaning, either that they should examine their own store, if they had any; or rather go and see what was to be had upon the spot, among the company, for money;
and when they knew, they say five loaves and two fishes: when they had made inquiry what provisions there were, and the most that could be got at any rate, they tell him, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, particularly, that there was a boy among the multitude that had five barley loaves, and two small fishes; and, at the same time, suggests, that they were nothing for so great a company.
And he commanded them to make all sit down,.... Christ ordered his disciples, without any more ado, to cause the whole multitude, men, women, and children, to sit, or lie down, as they used to do at table when about to take a meal: and as they had no table before them, nor beds, or couches to sit, or lie down upon, he directed them to place them
by companies upon the green grass; that there might be some order among them, as at a meal; and that their number might be the more easily known; and that all of them might more plainly see the miracle that was to be wrought: and the provision be more orderly distributed to them.
And they sat down in ranks,.... Or "beds": in such form as little beds are placed in a garden, or as rows of vines in a vineyard, in which form the scholars of the wise men sat in their schools: it is saidF7T. Hieros. Beraeot, fol. 7. 4. Vid. Gloss. in T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 42. 2. ,
"R. Eliezer ben Azariah expounded before the wise men in the vineyard (i.e. the university) of Jabneh: though was there a vineyard there? but these are the disciples of the wise men, who are made, or placed, שורות שורות, "rows, rows", or "in ranks", as a vineyard.'
By hundreds, and by fifties; that is, an hundred in "each" bed, or row, and fifty in "each" bed, or row, as the word ανα, signifies: each distinct bed, or row, had either a hundred, or fifty in it.
And when he had taken the five loaves and two fishes,.... Out of the hands of those that brought them into his own:
he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves: See Gill on Matthew 14:19,
and gave them to his disciples to set before them; the multitude, in order to eat of them:
and the two fishes divided he among them all; that every one might have a part. The Syriac and Persic versions read, they divided; that is, the apostles.
And they did all eat, and were filled. See Gill on Matthew 14:20.
And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments,.... Of the broken pieces of bread, after all had eaten, and were satisfied:
and of the fishes; what remained of them:, for though there was but one loaf for a thousand persons and more, and two small fishes to be divided among five thousand and more: yet, through the wonderful power of Christ increasing both, as they were distributing and eating, there was enough of both for them all, and such a quantity of each left as filled twelve baskets.
And they that did eat of the loaves,.... And also of the fishes; for they all ate of both;
were about five thousand men; the word ωσει, "about", is omitted in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Persic and Ethiopic versions, reading five thousand men certain. The Evangelist Matthew adds, "beside children and women", Matthew 14:21.
And straightway he constrained his disciples,.... The reasons of this is See Gill on Matthew 14:22,
to get into the ship; in which they came to this place, and which was waiting for them:
and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida; or rather "to go to the other side over against Bethsaida"; for they were now in a desert belonging to that city, wherefore they were ordered to go, and did go to the other side of the sea of Tiberias, or Galilee, even to Capernaum, as appears from John 6:17;
while he sent away the people; See Gill on Matthew 14:22.
And when he had sent them away,.... Either his disciples, or rather the multitude:
he departed into a mountain to pray: after his disciples were gone, and he had dismissed the people, he went from the desert where he had been, up into a mountain; being a retired place, to spend some time in private prayer to God; See Gill on Matthew 14:23.
And when even was come,.... The second evening, and it was properly night:
the ship was in the midst of the sea; of Galilee, about twenty five or thirty furlongs from the shore; see John 6:19;
and he alone on the land; upon the mountain. This is observed, partly to show what distress the disciples were in, in the midst of the sea, having a hard gale of wind, and their master not with them; and partly to show that there was no way, humanly speaking, of Christ's getting to the ship, in order to go over; and is an illustration of the following miracle, of walking so many furlongs, as he must, upon the water, in a stormy, blustering night, to get to it.
And he saw them toiling in rowing,.... He saw them either with his bodily eyes from the mountain on which he was; or he perceived in his Spirit, he knew, by virtue of his omniscience as God, what distress his disciples were in; being tossed about with the waves of the sea, and were labouring with all their might and main against the wind: and were vexed and tortured, as the word signifies; they were in the utmost pain and uneasiness of mind, as well as fatigue of body, assisting the men in rowing; for the ship they were in was no other than a vessel managed by oars; and hard work it was to keep it from being overset:
for the wind was contrary unto them; it blew from the other side they were making to, full in their face, hard against them; so that it was with great toil and difficulty, that they got any thing forward:
and about the fourth watch of the night; or three o'clock in the morning: so that it is very likely, that as the evening when they took to the vessel was sun setting, or about six o'clock, they had been nine hours at sea, and had got but twenty five or thirty furlongs from shore; See Gill on Matthew 14:25;
he cometh unto them walking upon the sea: being in this distress, Christ came down from the mountain to the sea side; and then, by his divine power, as the mighty God, that treadeth on the waves of the sea, he walked upon the surface of the waters of it; "as on dry land", as the Persic version adds:
and would have passed by them; that is, he made as though he would; see Luke 24:28. By the course he steered, by the swiftness of his motion, and his seeming negligence of them, it looked as though he intended to have gone by them, and said nothing to them, though this was far from his real design.
But when they saw him walking on the sea,.... See Gill on Matthew 14:26;
they supposed it had been a spirit; a phantom, a spectre, an apparition, a nocturnal demon:
and cried out; as men affrighted at the sight, and fearing they should be hurt by it, or that it portended some evil to them; See Gill on Matthew 14:26.
For they all saw him, and were troubled,.... Had it been only seen by one, it might have been thought a fancy, and the effect of mere imagination; but as every one saw it, it was out of all doubt that so it was, and which gave them the greater concern:
and immediately he talked with them; as soon as they saw him, "that very moment", as the Syriac renders it; that so by hearing his voice their fears might be allayed:
and saith unto them, be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid; See Gill on Matthew 14:27.
And he went up unto them in the ship,.... That is, after Peter had desired he might be bid to come to him upon the water, and having got leave, made an essay; but the wind being boisterous, and beginning to sink, he cried out for help; when Christ stretched out his hand, and saved him; and then he, together with Peter, went up into the ship to the rest of the disciples, as is related by Matthew, Matthew 14:28, though omitted by this evangelist:
and the wind ceased; from blowing; it was laid at once, as soon as ever Christ entered the ship:
and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. The Ethiopic version adds, "at him"; they were astonished, when they found it was Christ, and not a spirit; and they were more amazed at his walking upon the sea; and they marvelled still more abundantly, when they observed that the wind ceased upon his coming into the ship; their amazement was beyond expression, and therefore many words are made use of to signify it by.
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves,.... Which they had seen but the day before; they did not attend to it, nor learn from it, as they might, the wonderful glory of Christ, and the greatness of his power; which was as much an act of omnipotence, as either his walking upon the water, or causing the wind to cease, or more so.
For their heart was hardened; or "blinded"; not by sin, or against Christ, much less in a judicial way: but there was a great deal of dulness and stupidity, and want of attention in them. The glory of Christ, which he manifested, and showed forth in his miracles, was not so clearly and fully discerned, attended to, and acknowledged by them, at it might reasonably be thought it would; for notwithstanding these miracles, which they daily saw, they stood in need of divine illuminations, that the darkness of their minds being removed, they might behold the glory of Christ, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father.
And when they had passed over,.... The lake of Gennesaret, or sea of "Galilee",
they came into the land of Gennesaret; See Gill on Matthew 14:34; to Capernaum, as appears from John 6:17 for Capernaum was in the land of Gennesaret; to which agrees what Josephus says, that the land of Gennesaret was watered with a very excellent spring, which the inhabitants of that place called CapernaumF8De Bello Jud. l. 3. c. 35. :
and drew to the shore: this is omitted in the Syriac and Persic versions: and the Arabic reads, "and they cast anchors".
And when they were come out of the ship,.... Christ and his disciples, and were ashore,
straightway they knew him; that is, the men of that place, as in Mat_. 14:35; see Gill on Matthew 14:35; and so the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions read here, "the inhabitants of that country", the country of Gennesaret; they knew him, having seen and heard him before.
And ran through that whole region round about,.... That is, the inhabitants of that part of the country where Christ landed, ran many of them themselves, and others sent messengers into all parts of it, on every side:
and began to carry about in beds those that were sick; or lame, or so disordered that they could not walk, or bear any other way of being carried: these they brought to him,
where they heard he was: in whatsoever part of the country they could learn he was in; for he went about from place to place doing good.
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country,.... Whether in smaller towns, or larger cities, or the fields, where were houses, here and there one:
they laid the sick in the streets; or "markets", in any public places:
and besought him that they but might touch the border of his garment; if they might not be admitted to touch his person, or he did not choose to lay his hands on them:
and as many as touched him; or "it", the border of his garment, as they desired:
were made whole; of whatsoever sickness, or disease, they were afflicted with; See Gill on Matthew 14:36.