Worthy.Bible » STRONG » Mark » Chapter 3 » Verse 24

Mark 3:24 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

24 And G2532 if G1437 a kingdom G932 be divided G3307 against G1909 itself, G1438 that G1565 kingdom G932 cannot G3756 G1410 stand. G2476

Cross Reference

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 STRONG

Now G1161 I beseech G3870 you, G5209 brethren, G80 by G1223 the name G3686 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 that G2443 ye G3004 all G3956 speak G3004 the same thing, G846 and G2532 that there be G5600 no G3361 divisions G4978 among G1722 you; G5213 but G1161 that ye be G5600 perfectly joined together G2675 in G1722 the same G846 mind G3563 and G2532 in G1722 the same G846 judgment. G1106 For G1063 it hath been declared G1213 unto me G3427 of G4012 you, G5216 my G3450 brethren, G80 by G5259 them which are of the house G3588 of Chloe, G5514 that G3754 there are G1526 contentions G2054 among G1722 you. G5213 Now G1161 this G5124 I say, G3004 that G3754 every one G1538 of you G5216 saith, G3004 I G1473 G3303 am G1510 of Paul; G3972 and G1161 I G1473 of Apollos; G625 and G1161 I G1473 of Cephas; G2786 and G1161 I G1473 of Christ. G5547 Is G3307 Christ G5547 divided? G3307 G3361 was G4717 Paul G3972 crucified G4717 for G5228 you? G5216 or G2228 were ye baptized G907 in G1519 the name G3686 of Paul? G3972

Judges 9:23-57 STRONG

Then God H430 sent H7971 an evil H7451 spirit H7307 between Abimelech H40 and the men H1167 of Shechem; H7927 and the men H1167 of Shechem H7927 dealt treacherously H898 with Abimelech: H40 That the cruelty H2555 done to the threescore and ten H7657 sons H1121 of Jerubbaal H3378 might come, H935 and their blood H1818 be laid H7760 upon Abimelech H40 their brother, H251 which slew H2026 them; and upon the men H1167 of Shechem, H7927 which aided H2388 H3027 him in the killing H2026 of his brethren. H251 And the men H1167 of Shechem H7927 set H7760 liers in wait H693 for him in the top H7218 of the mountains, H2022 and they robbed H1497 all that came H5674 along that way H1870 by them: and it was told H5046 Abimelech. H40 And Gaal H1603 the son H1121 of Ebed H5651 came H935 with his brethren, H251 and went over H5674 to Shechem: H7927 and the men H1167 of Shechem H7927 put their confidence H982 in him. And they went out H3318 into the fields, H7704 and gathered H1219 their vineyards, H3754 and trode H1869 the grapes, and made H6213 merry, H1974 and went H935 into the house H1004 of their god, H430 and did eat H398 and drink, H8354 and cursed H7043 Abimelech. H40 And Gaal H1603 the son H1121 of Ebed H5651 said, H559 Who is Abimelech, H40 and who is Shechem, H7927 that we should serve H5647 him? is not he the son H1121 of Jerubbaal? H3378 and Zebul H2083 his officer? H6496 serve H5647 the men H582 of Hamor H2544 the father H1 of Shechem: H7927 for why should we serve H5647 him? And would to God this people H5971 were under H5414 my hand! H3027 then would I remove H5493 Abimelech. H40 And he said H559 to Abimelech, H40 Increase H7235 thine army, H6635 and come out. H3318 And when Zebul H2083 the ruler H8269 of the city H5892 heard H8085 the words H1697 of Gaal H1603 the son H1121 of Ebed, H5651 his anger H639 was kindled. H2734 And he sent H7971 messengers H4397 unto Abimelech H40 privily, H8649 saying, H559 Behold, Gaal H1603 the son H1121 of Ebed H5651 and his brethren H251 be come H935 to Shechem; H7927 and, behold, they fortify H6696 the city H5892 against thee. Now therefore up H6965 by night, H3915 thou and the people H5971 that is with thee, and lie in wait H693 in the field: H7704 And it shall be, that in the morning, H1242 as soon as the sun H8121 is up, H2224 thou shalt rise early, H7925 and set H6584 upon the city: H5892 and, behold, when he and the people H5971 that is with him come out H3318 against thee, then mayest thou do H6213 to them as thou H3027 shalt find occasion. H4672 And Abimelech H40 rose up, H6965 and all the people H5971 that were with him, by night, H3915 and they laid wait H693 against Shechem H7927 in four H702 companies. H7218 And Gaal H1603 the son H1121 of Ebed H5651 went out, H3318 and stood H5975 in the entering H6607 of the gate H8179 of the city: H5892 and Abimelech H40 rose up, H6965 and the people H5971 that were with him, from lying in wait. H3993 And when Gaal H1603 saw H7200 the people, H5971 he said H559 to Zebul, H2083 Behold, there come H3381 people H5971 down H3381 from the top H7218 of the mountains. H2022 And Zebul H2083 said H559 unto him, Thou seest H7200 the shadow H6738 of the mountains H2022 as if they were men. H582 And Gaal H1603 spake H1696 again H3254 and said, H559 See there come H3381 people H5971 down H3381 by the middle H2872 of the land, H776 and another H259 company H7218 come H935 along by the plain H436 of H1870 Meonenim. H6049 Then said H559 Zebul H2083 unto him, Where is now H645 thy mouth, H6310 wherewith thou saidst, H559 Who is Abimelech, H40 that we should serve H5647 him? is not this the people H5971 that thou hast despised? H3988 go out, H3318 I pray now, H4994 and fight H3898 with them. And Gaal H1603 went out H3318 before H6440 the men H1167 of Shechem, H7927 and fought H3898 with Abimelech. H40 And Abimelech H40 chased H7291 him, and he fled H5127 before H6440 him, and many H7227 were overthrown H5307 and wounded, H2491 even unto the entering H6607 of the gate. H8179 And Abimelech H40 dwelt H3427 at Arumah: H725 and Zebul H2083 thrust out H1644 Gaal H1603 and his brethren, H251 that they should not dwell H3427 in Shechem. H7927 And it came to pass on the morrow, H4283 that the people H5971 went out H3318 into the field; H7704 and they told H5046 Abimelech. H40 And he took H3947 the people, H5971 and divided H2673 them into three H7969 companies, H7218 and laid wait H693 in the field, H7704 and looked, H7200 and, behold, the people H5971 were come forth H3318 out of the city; H5892 and he rose up H6965 against them, and smote H5221 them. And Abimelech, H40 and the company H7218 that was with him, rushed forward, H6584 and stood H5975 in the entering H6607 of the gate H8179 of the city: H5892 and the two H8147 other companies H7218 ran upon H6584 all the people that were in the fields, H7704 and slew H5221 them. And Abimelech H40 fought H3898 against the city H5892 all that day; H3117 and he took H3920 the city, H5892 and slew H2026 the people H5971 that was therein, and beat down H5422 the city, H5892 and sowed H2232 it with salt. H4417 And when all the men H1167 of the tower H4026 of Shechem H7927 heard H8085 that, they entered H935 into an hold H6877 of the house H1004 of the god H410 Berith. H1286 And it was told H5046 Abimelech, H40 that all the men H1167 of the tower H4026 of Shechem H7927 were gathered together. H6908 And Abimelech H40 gat him up H5927 to mount H2022 Zalmon, H6756 he and all the people H5971 that were with him; and Abimelech H40 took H3947 an axe H7134 in his hand, H3027 and cut down H3772 a bough H7754 from the trees, H6086 and took H5375 it, and laid H7760 it on his shoulder, H7926 and said H559 unto the people H5971 that were with him, What ye have seen H7200 me do, H6213 make haste, H4116 and do H6213 as I H3644 have done. And all the people H5971 likewise cut down H3772 every man H376 his bough, H7754 and followed H3212 H310 Abimelech, H40 and put H7760 them to the hold, H6877 and set H3341 the hold H6877 on fire H784 upon them; so that all the men H582 of the tower H4026 of Shechem H7927 died H4191 also, about a thousand H505 men H376 and women. H802 Then went H3212 Abimelech H40 to Thebez, H8405 and encamped H2583 against Thebez, H8405 and took H3920 it. But there was a strong H5797 tower H4026 within H8432 the city, H5892 and thither fled H5127 all the men H582 and women, H802 and all they H1167 of the city, H5892 and shut H5462 it to them, and gat them up H5927 to the top H1406 of the tower. H4026 And Abimelech H40 came H935 unto the tower, H4026 and fought H3898 against it, and went hard H5066 unto the door H6607 of the tower H4026 to burn H8313 it with fire. H784 And a certain H259 woman H802 cast H7993 a piece H6400 of a millstone H7393 upon Abimelech's H40 head, H7218 and all to brake H7533 his skull. H1538 Then he called H7121 hastily H4120 unto the young man H5288 his armourbearer, H5375 H3627 and said H559 unto him, Draw H8025 thy sword, H2719 and slay H4191 me, that men say H559 not of me, A woman H802 slew H2026 him. And his young man H5288 thrust him through, H1856 and he died. H4191 And when the men H376 of Israel H3478 saw H7200 that Abimelech H40 was dead, H4191 they departed H3212 every man H376 unto his place. H4725 Thus God H430 rendered H7725 the wickedness H7451 of Abimelech, H40 which he did H6213 unto his father, H1 in slaying H2026 his seventy H7657 brethren: H251 And all the evil H7451 of the men H582 of Shechem H7927 did God H430 render H7725 upon their heads: H7218 and upon them came H935 the curse H7045 of Jotham H3147 the son H1121 of Jerubbaal. H3378

Judges 12:1-6 STRONG

And the men H376 of Ephraim H669 gathered themselves together, H6817 and went H5674 northward, H6828 and said H559 unto Jephthah, H3316 Wherefore passedst thou over H5674 to fight H3898 against the children H1121 of Ammon, H5983 and didst not call H7121 us to go H3212 with thee? we will burn H8313 thine house H1004 upon thee with fire. H784 And Jephthah H3316 said H559 unto them, I and my people H5971 were H1961 at great H3966 strife H376 H7379 with the children H1121 of Ammon; H5983 and when I called H2199 you, ye delivered H3467 me not out of their hands. H3027 And when I saw H7200 that ye delivered H3467 me not, I put H7760 my life H5315 in my hands, H3709 and passed over H5674 against the children H1121 of Ammon, H5983 and the LORD H3068 delivered H5414 them into my hand: H3027 wherefore then are ye come up H5927 unto me this day, H3117 to fight H3898 against me? Then Jephthah H3316 gathered together H6908 all the men H582 of Gilead, H1568 and fought H3898 with Ephraim: H669 and the men H582 of Gilead H1568 smote H5221 Ephraim, H669 because they said, H559 Ye Gileadites H1568 are fugitives H6412 of Ephraim H669 among H8432 the Ephraimites, H669 and among H8432 the Manassites. H4519 And the Gileadites H1568 took H3920 the passages H4569 of Jordan H3383 before the Ephraimites: H669 and it was so, that when those Ephraimites H669 which were escaped H6412 said, H559 Let me go over; H5674 that the men H582 of Gilead H1568 said H559 unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? H673 If he said, H559 Nay; Then said H559 they unto him, Say H559 now Shibboleth: H7641 and he said H559 Sibboleth: H5451 for he could not frame H3559 to pronounce H1696 it right. H3559 Then they took H270 him, and slew H7819 him at the passages H4569 of Jordan: H3383 and there fell H5307 at that time H6256 of the Ephraimites H669 forty H705 and two H8147 thousand. H505

1 Kings 12:16-20 STRONG

So H7725 when all Israel H3478 saw H7200 that the king H4428 hearkened H8085 not unto them, the people H5971 answered H1697 the king, H4428 saying, H559 What portion H2506 have we in David? H1732 neither have we inheritance H5159 in the son H1121 of Jesse: H3448 to your tents, H168 O Israel: H3478 now see H7200 to thine own house, H1004 David. H1732 So Israel H3478 departed H3212 unto their tents. H168 But as for the children H1121 of Israel H3478 which dwelt H3427 in the cities H5892 of Judah, H3063 Rehoboam H7346 reigned H4427 over them. Then king H4428 Rehoboam H7346 sent H7971 Adoram, H151 who was over the tribute; H4522 and all Israel H3478 stoned H7275 him with stones, H68 that he died. H4191 Therefore king H4428 Rehoboam H7346 made speed H553 to get him up H5927 to his chariot, H4818 to flee H5127 to Jerusalem. H3389 So Israel H3478 rebelled H6586 against the house H1004 of David H1732 unto this day. H3117 And it came to pass, when all Israel H3478 heard H8085 that Jeroboam H3379 was come again, H7725 that they sent H7971 and called H7121 him unto the congregation, H5712 and made him king H4427 over all Israel: H3478 there was none that followed H310 the house H1004 of David, H1732 but H2108 the tribe H7626 of Judah H3063 only.

Isaiah 9:20-21 STRONG

And he shall snatch H1504 on the right hand, H3225 and be hungry; H7457 and he shall eat H398 on the left hand, H8040 and they shall not be satisfied: H7646 they shall eat H398 every man H376 the flesh H1320 of his own arm: H2220 Manasseh, H4519 Ephraim; H669 and Ephraim, H669 Manasseh: H4519 and they together H3162 shall be against Judah. H3063 For all this his anger H639 is not turned away, H7725 but his hand H3027 is stretched out still. H5186

Isaiah 19:2-3 STRONG

And I will set H5526 the Egyptians H4714 against the Egyptians: H4714 and they shall fight H3898 every one H376 against his brother, H251 and every one H376 against his neighbour; H7453 city H5892 against city, H5892 and kingdom H4467 against kingdom. H4467 And the spirit H7307 of Egypt H4714 shall fail H1238 in the midst H7130 thereof; and I will destroy H1104 the counsel H6098 thereof: and they shall seek H1875 to the idols, H457 and to the charmers, H328 and to them that have familiar spirits, H178 and to the wizards. H3049

Ephesians 4:3-6 STRONG

Endeavouring G4704 to keep G5083 the unity G1775 of the Spirit G4151 in G1722 the bond G4886 of peace. G1515 There is one G1520 body, G4983 and G2532 one G1520 Spirit, G4151 even as G2531 G2532 ye are called G2564 in G1722 one G3391 hope G1680 of your G5216 calling; G2821 One G1520 Lord, G2962 one G1520 faith, G4102 one G3391 baptism, G908 One G1520 God G2316 and G2532 Father G3962 of all, G3956 who G3588 is above G1909 all, G3956 and G2532 through G1223 all, G3956 and G2532 in G1722 you G5213 all. G3956

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Mark 3

Commentary on Mark 3 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 3

In this chapter, we have,

  • I. Christ's healing a man that had a withered hand, on the sabbath day, and the combination of his enemies against him for it (v. 1-6).
  • II. The universal resort of people to him from all parts, to be healed, and the relief they all found with him (v. 7-12).
  • III. His ordaining his twelve apostles to be attendants on him, and the preachers of his gospel (v. 13-21).
  • IV. His answer to the blasphemous cavils of the scribes, who imputed his power to cast out devils to a confederacy with the prince of the devils (v. 22-30).
  • V. His owning his disciples for his nearest and dearest relations (v. 31-35).

Mar 3:1-12

Here, as before, we have our Lord Jesus busy at work in the synagogue first, and then by the sea side; to teach us that his presence should not be confined either to the one or to the other, but, wherever any are gathered together in his name, whether in the synagogue or any where else, there is he in the midst of them. In every place where he records his name, he will meet his people, and bless them; it is his will that men pray every where. Now here we have some account of what he did.

  • I. When he entered again into the synagogue, he improved the opportunity he had there, of doing good, and having, no doubt, preached a sermon there, he wrought a miracle for the confirmation of it, or at least for the confirmation of this truth-that it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day. We had the narrative, Mt. 12:9.
    • 1. The patient's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, by which he was disabled to work for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity; let those be helped that cannot help themselves.
    • 2. The spectators were very unkind, both to the patient and to the Physician; instead of interceding for a poor neighbour, they did what they could to hinder his cure: for they intimated that if Christ cured him now on the sabbath day, they would accuse him as a Sabbath breaker. It had been very unreasonable, if they should have opposed a physician or surgeon in helping any poor body in misery, by ordinary methods; but much more absurd was it to oppose him that cured without any labour, but by a word's speaking.
    • 3. Christ dealt very fairly with the spectators, and dealt with them first, if possible to prevent the offence.
      • (1.) He laboured to convince their judgment. He bade the man stand forth (v. 3), that by the sight of him they might be moved with compassion toward him, and might not, for shame, account his cure a crime. And then he appeals to their own consciences; though the thing speaks itself, yet he is pleased to speak it; "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, as I design to do, or to do evil, as you design to do? Whether is better, to save life or to kill?' What fairer question could be put? And yet, because they saw it would turn against them, they held their peace. Note, Those are obstinate indeed in their infidelity, who, when they can say nothing against a truth, will say nothing to it; and, when they cannot resist, yet will not yield.
      • (2.) When they rebelled against the light, he lamented their stubbornness (v. 5); He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts. The sin he had an eye to, was, the hardness of their hearts, their insensibleness of the evidence of his miracles, and their inflexible resolution to persist in unbelief. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that. Observe,
        • [1.] How he was provoked by the sin; he looked round upon them; for they were so many, and had so placed themselves, that they surrounded him: and he looked with anger; his anger, it is probable, appeared in his countenance; his anger was, like God's, without the least perturbation to himself, but not without great provocation from us. Note, The sin of sinners is very displeasing to Jesus Christ; and the way to be angry, and not to sin, is it be angry, as Christ was, at nothing but sin. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look round upon them shortly, when the great day of his wrath comes.
        • [2.] How he pitied the sinners; he was grieved for the hardness of their hearts; as God was grieved forty years for the hardness of the hearts of their fathers in the wilderness. Note, It is a great grief to our Lord Jesus, to see sinners bent upon their own ruin, and obstinately set against the methods of their conviction and recovery, for he would not that any should perish. This is a good reason why the hardness of our own hearts and of the hearts of others, should be a grief to us.
    • 4. Christ dealt very kindly with the patient; he bade him stretch forth his hand, and it was immediately restored. Now,
      • (1.) Christ has hereby taught us to go on with resolution in the way of our duty, how violent soever the opposition is, that we meet with in it. We must deny ourselves sometimes in our ease, pleasure, and convenience, rather than give offence even to those who causelessly take it; but we must not deny ourselves the satisfaction of serving God, and doing good, though offence may unjustly be taken at it. None could be more tender of giving offence than Christ; yet, rather than send this poor man away uncured, he would venture offending all the scribes and Pharisees that compassed him about.
      • (2.) He hath hereby given us a specimen of the cures wrought by his grace upon poor souls; our hands are spiritually withered, the powers of our souls weakened by sin, and disabled for that which is good. The great healing day is the sabbath, and the healing place the synagogue; the healing power is that of Christ. The gospel command is like this recorded here; and the command is rational and just; though our hands are withered, and we cannot of ourselves stretch them forth, we must attempt it, must, as well as we can, lift them up to God in prayer, lay hold on Christ and eternal life, and employ them in good works; and if we do our endeavour, power goes along with the word of Christ, he effects the cure. Though our hands be withered, yet, if we will not offer to stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed; but if we do, and are healed, Christ and his power and grace must have all the glory.
    • 5. The enemies of Christ dealt very barbarously with him. Such a work of mercy should have engaged their love to him, and such a work of wonder their faith in him. But, instead of that, the Pharisees, who pretended to be oracles in the church, and the Herodians, who pretended to be the supporters of the state, though of opposite interests one to another, took counsel together against him, how they might destroy him. Note, They that suffer for doing good, do but suffer as their Master did.
  • II. When he withdrew to the sea, he did good there. While his enemies sought to destroy him, he quitted the place; to teach us in troublous times to shift for our own safety; but see here,
    • 1. How he was followed into his retirement. When some had such an enmity to him, that they drove him out of their country, others had such a value for him, that they followed him wherever he went; and the enmity of their leaders to Christ did not cool their respect to him. Great multitudes followed him from all parts of the nation; as far north, as from Galilee; as far south, as from Judea and Jerusalem; nay, and from Idumea; as far east, as from beyond Jordan; and west, as from about Tyre and Sidon, v. 7, 8. Observe,
      • (1.) What induced them to follow him; it was the report they heard of the great things he did for all that applied themselves to him; some wished to see one that had done such great things, and others hoped he would do great things for them. Note, The consideration of the great things Christ has done, should engage us to come to him.
      • (2.) What they followed him for (v. 10); They pressed upon him, to touch him, as many as had plagues. Diseases are here called plagues, mastigas-corrections, chastisements; so they are designed to be, to make us smart for our sins, that thereby we may be made sorry for them, and may be warned not to return to them. Those that were under these scourgings came to Jesus; this is the errand on which sickness is sent, to quicken us to enquire after Christ, and apply ourselves to him as our Physician. They pressed upon him, each striving which should get nearest to him, and which should be first served. They fell down before him (so Dr. Hammond), as petitioners for his favour; they desired leave but to touch him, having faith to be healed, not only by his touching them, but by their touching him; which no doubt they had many instances of.
      • (3.) What provision he made to be ready to attend them (v. 9); He spoke to his disciples, who were fishermen, and had fisher-boats at command, that a small ship should constantly wait on him, to carry him from place to place on the same coast; that, when he had despatched the necessary business he had to do in one place, he might easily remove to another, where his presence was requisite, without pressing through the crowds of people that followed him for curiosity. Wise men, as much as they can, decline a crowd.
    • 2. What abundance of good he did in his retirement. He did not withdraw to be idle, nor did he send back those who rudely crowded after him when he withdrew, but took it kindly, and gave them what they came for; for he never said to any that sought him diligently, Seek ye me in vain.
      • (1.) Diseases were effectually cured; He healed many; divers sorts of patients, ill of divers sorts of diseases; though numerous, though various, he healed them.
      • (2.) Devils were effectually conquered; those whom unclean spirits had got possession of, when they saw him, trembled at his presence, and they also fell down before him, not to supplicate his favour, but to deprecate his wrath, and by their own terrors were compelled to own that he was the Son of God, v. 11. It is sad that this great truth should be denied by any of the children of men, who may have the benefit of it, when a confession of it has so often been extorted from devils, who are excluded from having benefit by it.
      • (3.) Christ sought not applause to himself in doing those great things, for he strictly charged those for whom he did them, that they should not make him known (v. 12); that they should not be industrious to spread the notice of his cures, as it were by advertisements in the newspapers, but let them leave his own works to praise him, and let the report of them diffuse itself, and make its own way. Let not those that are cured, be forward to divulge it, lest it should feed their pride who are so highly favoured; but let the standers-by carry away the intelligence of it. When we do that which is praiseworthy, and yet covet not to be praised of men for it, then the same mind is in us, which was in Christ Jesus.

Mar 3:13-21

In these verses, we have,

  • I. The choice Christ made of the twelve apostles to be his constant followers and attendants, and to be sent abroad as there was occasion, to preach the gospel. Observe,
    • 1. The introduction to this call or promotion of disciples; He goes up into a mountain, and his errand thither was to pray. Ministers must be set apart with solemn prayer for the pouring out of the Spirit upon them; though Christ had authority to confer the gifts of the Holy Ghost, yet, to set us an example, he prayed for them.
    • 2. The rule he went by in his choice, and that was his own good pleasure; He called unto him whom he would. Not such as we should have thought fittest to be called, looking upon the countenance, and the height of the stature; but such as he thought fit to call, and determined to make fit for the service to which he called them: even so, blessed Jesus, because it seemed good in thine eyes. Christ calls whom he will; for he is a free Agent, and his grace is his own.
    • 3. The efficacy of the call; He called them to separate themselves from the crowd, and stand by him, and they came unto him. Christ calls those who were given him (Jn. 17:6); and all that the Father gave him, shall come to him, Jn. 6:37. Those whom it was his will to call, he made willing to come; his people shall be willing in the day of his power. Perhaps they came to him readily enough, because they were in expectation of reigning with him in temporal pomp and power; but when afterward they were undeceived in that matter, yet they had such a prospect given them of better things, that they would not say they were deceived in their Master, nor repented their leaving all to be with him.
    • 4. The end and intention of this call; He ordained them (probably by the imposition of hands, which was a ceremony used among the Jews), that they should be with him constantly, to be witnesses of his doctrine, manner of life, and patience, that they might fully know it, and be able to give an account of it; and especially that they might attest the truth of his miracles; they must be with him to receive instructions from him, that they might be qualified to give instructions to others. It would require time to fit them for that which he designed them for; for they must be sent forth to preach; not to preach till they were sent, and not to be sent till by a long and intimate acquaintance with Christ they were fitted. Note, Christ's ministers must be much with him.
    • 5. The power he gave them to work miracles; and hereby he put a very great honour upon them, beyond that of the great men of the earth. He ordained them to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils. This showed that the power which Christ had to work these miracles was an original power; that he had it not as a Servant, but as a Son in his own house, in that he could confer it upon others, and invest them with it: they have a rule in the law, Deputatus non potest deputare-He that is only deputed himself, cannot depute another; but our Lord Jesus had life in himself, and the Spirit without measure; for he could give this power even to the weak and foolish things of the world.
    • 6. Their number and names; He ordained twelve, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are here named not just in the same order as they were in Matthew, nor by couples, as they were there; but as there, so here, Peter is put first and Judas last. Here Matthew is put before Thomas, probably being called in that order; but in that catalogue which Matthew himself drew up, he puts himself after Thomas; so far was he from insisting upon the precedency of his consecration. But that which Mark only takes notice of in this list of the apostles, is, that Christ called James and John Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder; perhaps they were remarkable for a loud commanding voice, they were thundering preachers; or, rather, it denotes the zeal and fervency of their spirits, which would make them active for God above their brethren. These two (saith Dr. Hammond) were to be special eminent ministers of the gospel, which is called a voice shaking the earth, Heb. 12:26. Yet John, one of those sons of thunder, was full of love and tenderness, as appears by his epistles, and was the beloved disciple.
    • 7. Their retirement with their Master, and close adherence to him; They went into a house. Now that this jury was impanelled, they stood together, to hearken to their evidence. They went together into the house, to settle the orders of their infant college; and now, it is likely, the bag was given to Judas, which pleased him, and made him easy.
  • II. The continual crowds that attended Christ's motions (v. 20); The multitude cometh together again, unsent for, and unseasonably pressing upon him, some with one errand and some with another; so that he and his disciples could not get time so much as to eat bread, much less for a set and full meal. Yet he did not shut his doors against the petitioners, but bade them welcome, and gave to each of them an answer of peace. Note, They whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with great inconveniences to themselves, in the prosecution of it, and will rather lose a meal's meat at any time than slip an opportunity of doing good. It is happy when zealous hearers and zealous preachers thus meet, and encourage one another. Now the kingdom of God was preached, and men pressed into it, Lu. 16:16. This was a gale of opportunity worth improving; and the disciples might well afford to adjourn their meals, to lay hold on it. It is good striking while the iron is hot.
  • III. The care of his relations concerning him (v. 21); When his friends in Capernaum heard how he was followed, and what pains he took, they went out, to lay hold on him, and fetch him home, for they said, He is beside himself.
    • 1. Some understand it of an absurd preposterous care, which had more in it of reproach to him than of respect; and so we must take it as we read it, He is beside himself; either they suspected it themselves, or it was suggested to them, and they gave credit to the suggestion, that he was gone distracted, and therefore his friends ought to bind him, and put him in a dark room, to bring him to his right mind again. His kindred, many of them, had mean thoughts of him (Jn. 7:5), and were willing to hearken to this ill construction which some put upon his great zeal, and to conclude him crazed in his intellects, and under that pretence to take him off from his work. The prophets were called mad fellows, 2 Ki. 9:11.
    • 2. Others understand it of a well-meaning care; and then they read exesteµ-"He fainteth, he has no time to eat bread, and therefore his strength will fail him; he will be stifled with the crowd of people, and will have his spirits quite exhausted with constant speaking, and the virtue that goes out of him in his miracles; and therefore let us use a friendly violence with him, and get him a little breathing-time.' In his preaching-work, as well as his suffering-work, he was attacked with, Master, spare thyself. Note, They who go on with vigour and zeal in the work of God, must expect to meet with hindrances, both from the groundless disaffection of their enemies, and the mistaken affections of their friends, and they have need to stand upon their guard against both.

Mar 3:22-30

  • I. Here is, The impudent impious brand which the scribes fastened upon Christ's casting out devils, that they might evade and invalidate the conviction of it, and have a poor excuse for not yielding to it. These scribes came down from Jerusalem, v. 22. It should seem they came this long journey on purpose to hinder the progress of the doctrine of Christ; such pains did they take to do mischief; and, coming from Jerusalem, where were the most polite and learned scribes, and where they had opportunity of consulting together against the Lord and his Anointed, they were in the greater capacity to do mischief; the reputation of scribes from Jerusalem would have an influence not only upon the country people, but upon the country scribes; they had never thought of this base suggestion concerning Christ's miracles till the scribes from Jerusalem put it into their heads. They could not deny but that he cast out devils, which plainly bespoke him sent of God; but they insinuated that he had Beelzebub on his side, was in league with him, and by the prince of the devils cast out devils. There is a trick in the case; Satan is not cast out, he only goes out by consent. There was nothing in the manner of Christ's casting out devils, that gave any cause to suspect this; he did it as one having authority; but so they will have it, who resolve not to believe him.
  • II. The rational answer which Christ gave to this objection, demonstrating the absurdity of it.
    • 1. Satan is so subtle, that he will never voluntarily quit his possession; If Satan cast out Satan, his kingdom is divided against itself, and it cannot stand, v. 23-26. He called them to him, as one desirous they should be convinced; he treated them with all the freedom, friendliness, and familiarity that could be; he vouchsafed to reason the case with them, that every mouth may be stopped. It was plain that the doctrine of Christ made war upon the devil's kingdom, and had a direct tendency to break his power, and crush his interest in the souls of men; and it was as plain that the casting of him out of the bodies of people confirmed that doctrine, and gave it the setting on; and therefore it cannot be imagined that he should come into such a design; every one knows that Satan is no fool, nor will act so directly against his own interest.
    • 2. Christ is so wise, that, being engaged in war with him, he will attack his forces wherever he meets them, whether in the bodies or souls of people, v. 27. It is plain, Christ's design is to enter into the strong man's house, to take possession of the interest he has in the world, and to spoil his goods, and convert them to his own service; and therefore it is natural to suppose that he will thus bind the strong man, will forbid him to speak when he would, and to stay where he would, and thus show that he has gained a victory over him.
  • III. The awful warning Christ gave them to take heed how they spoke such dangerous words as these; however they might make light of them, as only conjectures, and the language of free-thinking, if they persisted in it, it would be of fatal consequence to them; it would be found a sin against the last remedy, and consequently unpardonable; for what could be imagined possible to bring them to repentance for their sin in blaspheming Christ, who would set aside such a strong conviction with such a weak evasion? It is true, the gospel promiseth, because Christ hath purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners, v. 28. Many of those who reviled Christ on the cross (which was a blaspheming of the Son of man, aggravated to the highest degree), found mercy, and Christ himself prayed, Father, forgive them; but this was blaspheming the Holy Ghost, for it was by the Holy Spirit that he cast out devils, and they said, It was by the unclean spirit, v. 30. By this method they would outface the conviction of all the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension, and defeat them all, after which there remained no more proof, and therefore they should never have forgiveness, but were liable to eternal damnation. They were in imminent danger of that everlasting punishment, from which there was no redemption, and in which there was no intermission, no remission.

Mar 3:31-35

Here is,

  • 1. The disrespect which Christ's kindred, according to the flesh, showed to him, when he was preaching (and they knew very well that he was then in his element); they not only stood without, having no desire to come in, and hear him, but they sent in a message to call him out to them (v. 31, 32.) as if he must leave his work, to hearken to their impertinences; it is probable that they had no business with him, only sent for him on purpose to oblige him to break off, lest he should kill himself. He knew how far his strength would go, and preferred the salvation of souls before his own life, and soon after made it to appear with a witness; it was therefore an idle thing for them, under pretence of his sparing himself, to interrupt him; and it was worse, if really they had business with him, when they knew he preferred his business, as a Saviour, so much before any other business.
  • 2. The respect which Christ showed to his spiritual kindred upon this occasion. Now, as at other times, he put a comparative neglect upon his mother, which seemed purposely designed to obviate the prevent the extravagant respect which men in aftertimes would be apt to pay her. Our respect ought to be guided and governed by Christ's; now the virgin Mary, or Christ's mother, is not equalled with, but postponed to, ordinary believers, on whom Christ here puts a superlative honour. He looked upon those that at about him, and pronounced those of them that not only heard, but did, the will of God, to be to him as his brother, and sister, and mother; as much esteemed, loved, and cared for, as his nearest relations, v. 33-35. This is a good reason why we should honour those that fear the Lord, and choose them for our people; why we should be not hearers of the word only, but doers of the work, that we may share with the saints in this honour, Surely it is good to be akin to those who are thus nearly allied to Christ, and to have fellowship with those that have fellowship with Christ; and woe to those that hate and persecute Christ's kindred, that are his bone and his flesh, every one resembling the children of a king (see Jdg. 8:18, 19); for he will with jealously plead their cause, and avenge their blood.