What’s All the Fuss?

There’s a strange phenomenon popping up around the country. Scientists are stepping out of their laboratories and speaking to the media about something that has them quite concerned. It’s not the threat of a new flu pandemic; it’s not the threat of nuclear weapons proliferation, or even the possible threat of global warming. It’s something called Intelligent Design.

In this article we will explore what has so many people upset about Intelligent Design. To do that we will need to establish just what ID is and what the major complaints are about evolution that may be answered by a theory like ID. We will take a closer look at some of the most common examples of ID from astronomy and biology. Then we will take a closer look at the cultural confusion and reaction to this rather simple hypothesis.

So what are scientists and journalists saying? A Baltimore Sun reporter put it this way: “In the border war between science and faith, the doctrine of ‘intelligent design’ is a sly subterfuge—a marzipan confection of an idea presented in the shape of something more substantial.”¹

In other words, Intelligent Design is little more than a sugar cookie promising more than it can deliver.

A science journal editorial said this: “The attack on Darwinism by supporters of Intelligent Design is a straightforward attack on science itself. Intelligent Design is not science because it proposes a supernatural designer as explanation for evolutionary change.”²

Uh-oh! Science and the supernatural indeed rarely go well together, at least over the last 150 years. But is that what ID actually says? We’ll explore that a little later but for now let’s find out what’s really at stake in this debate over evolution and Intelligent Design.

One college textbook said this: “Evolution is a scientific fact. That is, the descent of all species, with modification, from common ancestors is a hypothesis that in the last 150 years or so has been supported by so much evidence, and has so successfully resisted all challenges, that it has become a fact.”³

Let’s look at a few reasons why some scientists are skeptical of the confidence shown by so many other scientists about Darwinian evolution.⁴

Is There Scientific Proof for Evolution?

Evolution is always portrayed as a slow gradual process. Organisms are portrayed as so well adapted to their environment that they could only afford to change very slowly. But one of the most dramatic events in earth history is something called the Cambrian explosion. The Cambrian is a period of earth history that many earth scientists and paleontologists estimate to have begun over 540 million years ago.⁵

Instead of slow steady evolutionary change, we see a sudden burst of change. The subtitle to a Time magazine article put it this way: “New discoveries show that life as we know it began in an amazing biological frenzy that changed the planet almost overnight.”⁶

For most of the previous 3 billion years of earth history only single-celled organisms were found. “For billions of years, simple creatures like plankton, bacteria and algae ruled the earth. Then, suddenly, life got very complicated.”⁷

So the appearance of most of the major categories of animals happened in a very short period of time, some say less than five million years, when it should have taken tens and maybe even hundreds of millions of years. One geologist who helped pinpoint the very short time frame of the Cambrian explosion expressed this challenge: “We now know how fast fast is. And what I like to ask my biologist friends is, how fast can evolution get before they start feeling uncomfortable?”⁸

The evolutionary process that biologists study in nature today is far slower than what is found in the Cambrian explosion. This is evidence that doesn’t fit the theory. Yet the Cambrian explosion is left out of most textbooks.

Another problem for evolution is its dependence on mutations to bring about major changes in organisms. But for all our studies of mutations we haven’t seen much change. The late French evolutionist, Pierre Paul Grasse, said, “What is the use of their unceasing mutations? . . . a swing to the right, a swing to the left, but no final evolutionary effect.”⁹

Mutations only produce alternate forms of what already exists. New functions don’t suddenly arise by mutations.

Evidence for Intelligent Design, Part One

Intelligent Design is an intellectual movement that challenges Darwinism and its dependence on random/chaotic processes coupled with selection. If people are not alerted to the fact that Darwinism is less than sufficient, then other theories are wasting their time. They will never get a fair hearing.

Intelligent Design is also a scientific research program that investigates the effects of intelligent causes, which are effects of high specificity coupled with extremely small probabilities.

Now that was a mouthful. What do I mean by high specificity coupled with small probability? Think of the lottery. Someone always wins the lottery despite the long odds. So improbable things do indeed happen.

But let’s make this specific. Let’s say your sister wins the lottery. Now that is someone you specifically know; but again someone always wins the lottery so the fact that it’s your sister doesn’t warrant any special attention.

Now let’s make things a bit less probable and much more specific. Let’s say your sister wins the lottery not once but three weeks in a row. Now what are you thinking? Like most people you’re thinking something is not right. The same person doesn’t win the lottery three weeks in a row.

You suspect cheating. You suspect Intelligent Design. Someone with a clever mind is somehow manipulating the lottery.

In astronomy, it has been assumed for several decades that our earth is not likely to be very special. As huge as the universe is, with billions of galaxies, each with billions of stars, surely there are thousands if not millions of planets like ours that are suitable for life.

But lately, more and more planetary astronomers, astrophysicists, cosmologists, and philosophers are realizing that earth is actually quite unique. The recipe for earth is more than just a planet plus mild temperatures plus water.

Our earth is 93,000,000 miles from the sun. Five percent closer and we would be a hothouse like Venus with no chance for life. If we were twenty percent farther away, we would be a frozen wasteland like Mars. We’re just right. Liquid water is necessary for life and our earth has an abundance all year long.

Evidence for Intelligent Design, Part Two

It’s really quite amazing to realize that biologists universally recognize the design of living things. Oxford biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins said on page one of his book The Blind Watchmaker: “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.”¹⁰

Now notice he said, “give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” Living things certainly look designed, but according to Dawkins, it’s an illusion. He spends the rest of his book trying to show how mutation and natural selection, the “blind watchmaker,” has created this illusion.

But he does admit things look designed. Well, if it looks designed, maybe it is.

Michael Behe introduced the concept of irreducible complexity in his book Darwin’s Black Box. Something is irreducibly complex if it is composed of two or more necessary parts. Remove one part and function is not just impaired but destroyed. His well-known example is a mousetrap.

A mousetrap is composed of five integral parts: the platform to which everything is attached, the hammer which does the dirty work, the spring which provides the force, the holding bar to keep the hammer in tension, and finally the catch to keep the holding bar in tenuous position. Remove any one of these parts and the mousetrap is not just less efficient; it ceases to function at all. All five parts are necessary. You can’t build a mousetrap by natural selection by adding one piece at a time because it has no function to select until all five parts are together.

Behe showed that the cell, Darwin’s “Black Box,” is filled with irreducibly complex molecular machines that could not be built by natural selection. In Darwin’s time, scientists could only see the cell under very low power microscopes that told little about what was going on inside. It was a black box. Over the last fifty to sixty years, the cell has been revealing its secrets. We have discovered a maze of complexity and information.

If it looks designed, maybe it is!

ID, Science, Education, and Creation

The legitimacy of Intelligent Design as science was at the heart of a recent federal court case, pitting a group of parents and students against the school board from Dover, Pennsylvania. The Dover School Board adopted a policy that mandated a statement be read before all biology classes, indicating that evolution was a theory that needed critical evaluation and that intelligent design was a rival theory that students could seek information about from the library.

Judge Jones not only struck down the policy as unconstitutional, he went further to declare that ID is not science and was motivated purely by religion since it was just a repackaged creationism. His written opinion was scathing. This of course delighted proponents of evolution and many have declared that ID now is dead.

Judge Jones claimed that ID simply is not science and is religiously motivated; therefore it should not even be mentioned in a high school science classroom.

The first question that should occur to you is, Why does a federal judge with no training in science use his courtroom as a means of determining what is and is not science? This problem has been referred to as the demarcation problem. How do we demarcate science from non-science? People putting down ID often refer to it as “pseudo-science” or simply “unscientific.” But philosopher of science Larry Laudan writes, “If we would stand up and be counted on the side of reason, we ought to drop terms like ‘pseudo-science’ and ‘unscientific’ from our vocabulary; they are just hollow phrases which do only emotive work for us.”¹¹

Judge Jones claims that ID has been refuted by mainstream scientists. He cites the work of Kenneth Miller in particular. This is rather strange indeed. For ID to be refuted means that it has been tested by science and found wanting. If it is testable scientifically to the degree that it can be refuted, then it is science after all. This logical contradiction does not seem to occur to Judge Jones.

ID uses empirical data to demonstrate the plausibility of a design inference. It’s as scientific as Darwinism.

Notes

1. Baltimore Sun, August 13, 2006.
2. Cell, January 13, 2006.
3. Douglas Futuyma, Evolution (Sinauer Assoc., Sunderland, Mass., 2005), xv.
4. To learn more about Intelligent Design and Evolution visit our website, probe.org, or call us at 1-800-899-PROB, for information about our new DVD based small group curriculum, "Redeeming Darwin: The Intelligent Design Controversy." Once again we have teamed up with EvanTell to produce a small group curriculum designed to inform the church about Intelligent Design and how to use a conversation about this controversial topic to share the gospel.
5. Meyer, Stephen C., Marcus Ross, Paul Nelson and Paul Chien, 2003, The Cambrian explosion: Biology's Big Bang in Darwinism, Design, and Public Education, John Angus Campbell and Stephen C. Meyer, eds., East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Press, pp. 323-402.
6. Time, December 4, 1995 (cover).
7. Ibid., 67.
8. Samuel Bowring, Time, 1995, 70.
9. Pierre-Paul Grassé quoted in The Natural Limits to Biological Change, Lane P. Lester and Raymond G. Bohlin, Richardson, Texas: Probe Books 1984., p. 88.
10. Dawkins, Richard, The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe without Design, Nerw York, New York: Norton, 1986.
11. Larry Laudan, (1983) "The demise of the demarcation problem," in Michael Ruse (ed.) But Is It Science?, Amherst, Prometheus, 337-350.

© 2007 Probe Ministries

The original version of this article is found at www.probe.org/redeeming-darwin-the-intelligent-design-controversy/. Articles and answers on lots of topics at Probe.org.

HIS FAMILY

A. Peter's family lived in Galilee of the Gentiles in the city of Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (or the Sea of Tiberias cf. John 1:44), but apparently moved to Capernaum at some point (cf. Mark 1:21,29).

 

B. Peter's father's name was Jonah (cf. Matt. 16:17) or John (cf. John 1:42; 21:15-17).

 

C. His given name was Simon (cf. Mark 1:16,29,30,36), which was common in Palestine of the first century. It was the Jewish form of Symeon (cf. Acts 15:14; 2 Pet. 1:1), which was the name of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel (cf. Gen. 29:33; Exod. 1:1).

Jesus renamed him Peter (Petros, which means "rock," meant to describe his eventual strength and stability) in Matt. 16:18; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; and John 1:42. The Aramaic form is Cephas (cf. John 1:42; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5; Gal. 1:18; 2:9,11,14). Often in the NT these two names are given together (cf. Matt. 16:16; Luke 5:8; John 1:40; 6:8,68; 13:6,9,24,36; 18:10,15,25; 20:2,6; 21:2-3,7,11,15).

D. Peter's brother's name was Andrew (cf. Mark 1:16). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (cf. John 1:35,40) and later a believer and follower of Jesus (cf. John 1:36-37). He brought Simon to Jesus (cf. John 1:41). Several months later Jesus confronted them by the Sea of Galilee and called them to be His official full-time disciples (cf. Matt. 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18; and Luke 5:1-11).

 

E. He was married (cf. Mark 1:30; 1 Cor. 9:5), but there is no mention of children.

 

HIS OCCUPATION

A. Peter's family owned several fishing boats and even hired servants.

 

B. Peter's family may have been partners with James, John, and their father, Zebedee (cf. Luke 5:10).

 

C. Peter briefly returned to fishing after Jesus' death (cf. John 21).

 

HIS PERSONALITY

A. Peter's strengths

1. He was a dedicated follower, but quite impulsive (cf. Mark 9:5; John 13:4-11).

2. He attempted acts of faith, but often failed (e.g. walking on water, cf. Matt. 14:28-31).

3. He was brave and willing to die (cf. Matt. 26:51-52; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10-11).

4. After His resurrection, Jesus addressed him personally as the discredited leader of the Twelve in John 21 and provided an opportunity for repentance and restoration to leadership.

 

B. Peter's weaknesses

1. He had initial tendencies toward Jewish legalism

a. eating with Gentiles (Gal. 2:11-21)

b. food laws (Acts 10:9-16)

2. He, like all the Apostles, did not fully understand Jesus' radical new teachings and their implications

a. Mark 9:5-6

b. John 13:6-11; 18:10-11

3. He was personally and severely chastised by Jesus (Mark 8:33; Matt. 16:23)

4. He was found sleeping instead of praying in Jesus' great hour of need in Gethsemane (Mark. 14:32-42; Matt. 26:36-46; Luke 22:40-60)

5. He repeatedly denied knowing Jesus (Mark 14:66-72; Matt. 26:69-75; Luke 22:56-62; John 18:16-18,25-27)

 

HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE APOSTOLIC GROUP

A. There are four lists of the Apostles (cf. Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13). Peter is always listed first. The Twelve were divided into three groups of four. I believe this allowed them to rotate home to check on their families.

 

B. Peter often serves as the spokesman for the Apostolic group (cf. Matt. 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21). These passages have also been used to assert Peter's authority within the group (cf. Matt. 16:18). However, within this very context he is chided by Jesus as a tool of Satan (cf. Matt. 16:23; Mark 8:33).

 

Also, when the disciples are arguing over who is greatest, Peter is not assumed to take that position (cf. Matt. 20:20-28, especially v. 24; Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45).

C. Peter was not the leader of the Jerusalem church. This fell to James, Jesus' half-brother (cf. Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19; 2:9,12).

 

HIS MINISTRY AFTER JESUS' RESURRECTION

A. Peter's leadership role is clearly seen in the early chapters of Acts

1. He led in the election of Judas' replacement (cf. Acts 1:15-26).

2. He preached the first sermon on Pentecost (cf. Acts 2).

3. He healed a lame man and preached the second recorded sermon (cf. Acts 3:1-10; 3:11-26).

4. He spoke boldly to the Sanhedrin in Acts 4.

5. He presided over the church discipline of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.

6. He spoke at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:7-11.

7. Several other events and miracles are attributed to him in Acts.

 

B. Peter, however, did not always embody the gospel's implications

1. He retained an OT mind-set (cf. Gal. 2:11-14).

2. He had to have a special revelation to include Cornelius (cf. Acts 10) and other Gentiles.

 

THE SILENT YEARS

A. There is little or no information about Peter after the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15

1. Galatians 1:18

2. Galatians 2:7-21

3. 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5

 

B. Early church tradition

1. Peter's being martyred in Rome is mentioned in Clement of Rome's letter to the church at Corinth in a.d. 95.

2. Tertullian (a.d. 150-222) also notes Peter's martyrdom in Rome under Nero (a.d. 54-68).

3. Clement of Alexandria (a.d. 200) says Peter was killed in Rome.

4. Origen (a.d. 252) says Peter was martyred by crucifixion, head down, in Rome.

 

Copyright © 2013 Bible Lessons International

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4	NKJV	NRSV	TEV	NJB
The Preaching of John the Baptist	John the Baptist Prepares the Way	Activity of John the Baptist	The Preaching of John the Baptist	The Proclamation of John the Baptist
1:1-8	1:1-8	1:1-8	1:1-3	1:1-8
			1:4-5
			1:6-8
The Baptism of Jesus	John Baptizes Jesus	Jesus' Baptism	The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus	Jesus Is Baptized
1:9-11	1:9-11	1:9-11	1:9-11	1:9-11
The Temptation of Jesus	Satan Tempts Jesus	Jesus' Temptation		Testing in the Desert
1:12-13	1:12-13	1:12-13	1:12-13	1:12-13
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry	Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry	Beginning of Jesus' Activity in Galilee	Jesus Calls Four Fishermen	Jesus Begins to Proclaim the Message
1:14-15	1:14-15	1:14-15	1:14-15	1:14-15
The Calling of Four Fishermen	Four Fishermen Called as Disciples			The First Four Disciples Are Called
1:16-20	1:16-20	1:16-20	1:16-18	1:16-18
			1:19-20	1:19-20
The Man With An Unclean Spirit	Jesus Cast Out An Unclean Spirit		A Man with An Evil Spirit	Jesus Teaches in Capernaum and Cures A Demonic
1:21-28	1:21-28	1:21-28	1:21-22	1:21-22
			1:23-24	1:23-28
			1:25
			1:26-27
			1:28
The Healing of Many People	Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed		Jesus Heals Many People	Cure of Simon's Mother-in-Law
1:29-34	1:29-31	1:29-31	1:29-31	1:29-31
	Many Healed After Sabbath Sunset			A Number of Cures
	1:32-34	1:32-34	1:32-34	1:32-34
A Preaching Tour	Preaching in Galilee		Jesus Preaches in Galilee	Jesus Quietly Leaves Capernaum and Travels Through Galilee
1:35-39	1:35-39	1:35-39	1:35-37	1:35-39
			1:38
			1:39
The Cleansing of a Leper	Jesus Cleanses a Leper		Jesus Heals a Man	Cure of a Man Suffering From a Virulent Skin Disease
1:40-45	1:40-45	1:40-45	1:40	1:40-45
			1:41-44
			1:45

* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.
  In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
  Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: Brief Definitions of Greek Grammatical Structure,  Textual Criticism, and Glossary.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "A Guide to Good Bible Reading")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

 

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:1
 ¹The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

1:1 "The beginning" Does this introductory phrase refer to

1. the very beginning as in Gen. 1:1 and John 1:1

2. the beginning of Jesus' incarnation as in 1 John 1:1

3. the beginning of Jesus' public ministry (i.e., Peter's personal experiences)

The first paragraph specifically refers to OT prophecy about the Messiah from Isaiah. The gospel story begins in the prophetic tradition of Israel. The quote in Mark 1:2 and 3 is a combination of Mal. 3:1 and Isa. 40:3.

SPECIAL TOPIC: ARCHĒ

▣ "of the gospel" With Mark probably being the first written Gospel, this is the first use of the term euangelion (cf. Mark 1:14,15; 8:35; 10:29; 13:10; 14:9) by a Gospel writer (Paul's use in Gal. 2:2 and 1 Thess. 2:9 would be chronologically earlier). It is literally "the good news" or "the good message." This obviously reflects Isa. 61:1 and possibly 40:9 and 52:7. The Jerome Biblical Commentary says "Mark's use of the word 'gospel' is akin to that in Paul where it can mean either the act of proclaiming or the content of what is proclaimed" (p. 24).

▣ "of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" Its grammatical form can be understood as (1) the message given by Jesus or (2) the message about Jesus. Number 2 is probably the intended meaning. However, the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, published by IVP, says "The genitive ('of') is probably both subjective and objective: Jesus proclaims the gospel and it proclaims his story" (p. 285).

Verse 1 is not a complete sentence. It is possibly the title of the book. The ancient Greek uncial Manuscripts א, A, B, D, L, and W add the phrase "Son of God" which is followed by the NKJV and the NRSV, TEV, and NIV, while it is missing in (1) א*; (2) the Palestinian Syriac; (3) one Coptic manuscript; (4) the Georgian Version; as well as from the (5) Armenian translation and (6) a quote of this text from Origen's commentary on John. The UBS⁴ gives the inclusion a "C" rating (difficult to decide). See Special Topic on "Son of God" at Mark 3:11.

It is difficult for modern Christians who love and trust the Bible to deal rationally with these Greek manuscript variants, but as difficult as it is for our assumptions about inspiration and preservation of God's self-revelation, they are a reality. This addition even looks purposeful, not accidental. Early orthodox scribes were conscious of the early heretical views about Jesus, such as adoptionism, which asserted that Jesus became the Son of God. These early scribes often modified the Greek texts they copied to make them more theologically orthodox (cf. 1 John 5:7-8). For more reading on this troubling purposeful alteration of Greek manuscripts by orthodox scribes see Bart D. Ehrmans' The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture. He specifically discusses Mark 1:1 on pp. 72-75.

▣ "of Jesus" Usually in first century Judaism the father named the child. In this case the heavenly Father, through an angel, named the child. Jewish names often carried symbolic meaning; this one was no exception. Jesus is a combination of two Hebrew nouns: (1) YHWH and (2) salvation. The significance is captured in Matt. 1:21. Jesus is the Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. He proved to be the new Moses, the new Joshua, and the new High Priest.

▣ "Christ" This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew term "Messiah," which means "an anointed one." In the OT God's anointing of leaders (i.e., prophets, priests, and kings) symbolized His calling and equipping for an assigned task.

The term "Messiah" is not used often in the OT (cf. Dan. 9:25,26 for the eschatological king), but the concept surely is. It is parallel to Matt. 1:1, "son of David," which refers to a royal descendant of Israel's ideal king "David." God promised David in 2 Samuel 7 that one of his descendants would always reign in Israel. This promise seemed shattered by the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and deportation of its inhabitants (i.e., 586 b.c.). However, the prophets began to see a future Davidic seed (i.e., Isaiah, Micah, Malachi). Jesus is the promised "son of David," "son of man" (cf. Dan. 7:13), and "son of God" (used five times in Mark).

It is striking that the only time in the entire Gospel that the designation "Jesus Christ" is used is in the opening verse (only twice in Matt. and John and not at all in Luke). Normally, Mark uses "Jesus." This usage fits the theological emphasis of Mark on the humanity of Jesus, while His deity is veiled (i.e., Messianic secret) until the completion of His Messianic mission (i.e., Suffering Servant). It is not until the book of Acts that "Jesus Christ" becomes a recurrent title.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:2-8
 ²As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way; ³The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.'" ⁴John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. ⁶John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. ⁷And he was preaching, and saying,"After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. ⁸I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

1:2 "As it is written" The word "written" is perfect tense, which was a Jewish idiom used to denote God's eternal revelation (i.e., Scripture).

▣ "in Isaiah the prophet" This quote is a combination of Mal. 3:1 and Isa. 40:3. It is not from the Hebrew Masoretic Text or the Greek Septuagint of Isa. 40:3. Because of this some scribes changed the text to "written in the prophets" (i.e., in the Prophets section of the OT canon). The singular is found in the Greek uncial manuscripts א, B, L and D, but the plural is in MSS A, and W.

Isaiah 40-66 has two major eschatological emphases: (1) the Suffering Servant (i.e., especially Isa. 52:13-53:12) and (2) the new age of the Spirit (especially Isaiah 56-66). In the following brief opening of Mark there are several possible allusions to Isaiah.

▣ "'send My messenger ahead of You'" The term "messenger" can refer to an angel (cf. Exod. 23:20a, which would be another allusion to the Exodus), but here it refers to a "messenger" (cf. Mal. 3:1). This may be a word play on the term gospel (i.e., good message). This is one of the few OT quotes in Mark which was written primarily to Romans. It refers to the ministry of John the Baptist (cf. Mark 1:4). It shows that the OT prophetic tradition is being fulfilled (this is also reflected in Jesus' healings and exorcisms, which are also Messianic prophecies in Isaiah). The ministry of John the Baptist is mentioned in all four Gospels.

1:3 "'The voice of one crying in the wilderness'" This is a quote of Isa. 40:3 from an unknown source. The term "wilderness" means uninhabited pasture land rather than dry, windswept, sandy desert.

▣ "'Make ready the way of the Lord'" This is an aorist active imperative, which denotes urgency. In the MT, Lord (i.e., adon) is read, but YHWH (Lord) is in the Hebrew text. The phrase originally referred to physical preparation for a royal visit (cf. Isa. 57:14; 62:10). It came to refer metaphorically to the ministry of John the Baptist spiritually preparing the way for Jesus the Messiah who is also called "Lord" (i.e., kurios).

▣ "'Make His paths straight'" The MT and LXX have "make straight the paths of our God." Mark (or Peter) modified the text (or quotes an unknown textual form) to make it specifically relate to Jesus, not YHWH.

1:4 "John the Baptist" Why did John baptize with water?

1. OT precedent to signify the inauguration of the "new covenant" (cf. Exod. 19:10,14; Isa. 1:16; Jer. 31:34; Ezek. 36:25)

2. a cleansing act from ceremonial defilement (cf. Leviticus 15).

3. a prophetic eschatological metaphor of life-giving water from God (e.g., Isa. 12:2-3; Jer. 2:13; 17:13; Ezek. 47:1; Zech. 13:1; 14:8; Rev. 22:1)

4. imitation of proselyte baptism as the initiation rite to become part of the people of God

5. a rabbinic way of preparing all pilgrims to approach YHWH in His temple (possibly by immersion, cf. Miqvaot tractate in Mishnah). This ritual bath is still practiced by Muslims before entering a mosque.

 

▣ "appeared" This may be Mark's way of alluding to the prophecy of the surprising appearance of Elijah before "the sudden appearance" of Messiah (cf. Mal. 3:1).

▣ "preaching" This is the term "heralding" (kērussō), which means "to proclaim widely or publicly a message" (cf. Mark 1:4,7,14,38,39,45). Mark does not use the verb form of gospel (euaggelizō).

John came preaching a baptism for repentance (se Special Topic following). This same message was continued by Jesus, but with the added emphasis of "faith" (see Special Topic at Mark 1:15). The twin covenant needs of repentance and faith shown by baptism becomes the items of the Apostolic sermons in Acts (i.e., the kerygma)

1. Peter

a. first sermon of the church (Acts 2:37-39)

(1) repent

(2) be baptized

b. second sermon of the church (Acts 3:16,19)

(1) faith

(2) repent

2. Philip (Acts 8:12)

a. believe

b. be baptized

3. Paul

a. Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31,33)

(1) believe

(2) be baptized

b. goodbye to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:21)

(1) repentance toward God

(2) faith in Christ

c. testimony before Agrippa (Acts 26:18)

(1) turn from darkness (Satan), i.e., repent

(2) to the light (God)

For me the requirements of the New Covenant are

1. repent

2. believe

3. obey

4. persevere

The goal of the New Covenant is Christlikeness now so that others will see the change and be attracted to faith in Christ!

▣ "baptism of repentance" The baptism is not the mechanism of forgiveness, but the occasion of the believers' public profession of faith. This is not a sacramental act, but a new attitude toward sin and a new relationship with God. It is an outward sign of an inner change.

SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

▣ "for the forgiveness of sins" The term "forgiveness" literally means "put away." This is one of several biblical terms for forgiveness. It has metaphorical connections to the OT Day of Atonement (cf. Lev. 16) where one of the two special goats is driven away from the camp of Israel, symbolically bearing the sin away (cf. Lev. 16:21-22; Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet. 2:24).

The phrase "of sins" is an objective genitive.

1:5 "all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem" This is an oriental overstatement (i.e., hyperbole), but it shows the tremendous impact of John's preaching. He was the first prophetic voice since Malachi some 400 years earlier. This is imperfect tense which means that people were continually coming because they recognized John as a prophet.

▣ "being baptized" This is also imperfect tense which speaks of continuous action in past time. Many Jews were sensing a new day of God's activity and were preparing for it.

▣ "confessing their sins" This is a present middle participle, which literally means "to say the same." This was their public profession of their need for spiritual forgiveness.

There is the implication that if these Jews repented and changed their lifestyles, YHWH would fully forgive their sins (cf. Mark 1:4; Matt. 3:6; Luke 3:3). This is surely the OT pattern. It involved full forgiveness through repentance, faith, lifestyle change, and now baptism as an outward symbol! This OT pattern is modified by Jesus' Messianic ministry. The same items are still valid, but now personal faith in Jesus as the Christ is the central issue (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:16,19; 20:21). The four Gospels form a transitional period. Mark 1:14-15 is in the John the Baptist period, but it theologically foreshadows the finished gospel message (i.e., repent, believe, and live a new life). The main issue is who Jesus is! He is YHWH's representative, revealer, and agent of redemption and judgment. This is the reason for the Messianic Secret in Mark. Jesus is fully God from the very beginning (i.e., virgin conception), but this was not fully revealed until after His resurrection and ascension.

SPECIAL TOPIC: CONFESSION

1:6 "John was clothed with camel's hair" This was his normal everyday clothing (i.e., perfect middle participle). This was not the skin of a camel, but cloth woven from its hair (cf. 2 Kgs. 1:8; Matt. 3:4). He was a man of the desert and a prophet (cf. Zech. 13:4). John dressed like Elijah, who Mal. 3:1 and 4:5 said would be the forerunner of the Messiah.

▣ "locusts and wild honey" This was typical food of desert people. Locusts were levitically clean and acceptable food (cf. Lev. 11:22). He ate what was naturally available.

1:7 This verse and Mark 1:8 show the preparatory theme of John's message. He recognized his role and place in relation to God's Coming One (cf. John 3:30). He felt himself to be a servant, a slave (i.e., only slaves took off another's shoes). John's self-depreciation is recorded in all four Gospels (cf. Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16; and John 1:27; also in Paul's preaching in Acts 13:25). This was probably included by the Gospel writers because a heretical following later developed around John the Baptist (cf. Acts 18:24-19:7).

1:8 "I baptized you with water" Remember, John's baptism was preparatory. This does not refer to Christian baptism. John was the last OT prophet (cf. Luke 16:16), a transition preacher, not the first gospel preacher (cf. Luke 16:16; Acts 19:17). He, like the quotes from Isaiah, links the old covenant and the new covenant.

▣ "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" This is in contrast to John's baptism. The Messiah will inaugurate the new age of the Spirit. His baptism will be with (or "in" or "by") the Spirit. There has been much discussion among denominations as to what event in the Christian experience this refers. Some take it to refer to an empowering experience after salvation, a kind of second blessing. Personally I think it refers to becoming a Christian (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13). I do not deny later fillings and equippings, but I believe there is only one initial spiritual baptism into Christ in which believers identify with Jesus' death and resurrection (cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12). This initiating work of the Spirit is delineated in John 16:8-11. In my understanding the works of the Holy Spirit are:

1. convicting of sin

2. revealing the truth about Christ

3. leading to acceptance of the gospel

4. baptizing into Christ

5. convicting the believer of continuing sin

6. forming Christlikeness in the believer

 

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:9-11
 ⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; ¹¹and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

1:9 "Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee" Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, lived a few years in Egypt, and then settled in Nazareth, the hometown of Joseph and Mary, which was a small, new settlement of Judeans in the north. Jesus' early ministry was in this northern area around the Sea of Galilee, which fulfills the prophecy of Isa. 9:1.

▣ "Jesus. . .was baptized" The Gospels differ in their early chronologies of Jesus' ministries in Galilee and Judea. It seems that there was an early Judean ministry and a later one, but all four Gospels' chronologies must be harmonized in order to see this early Judean visit (i.e., John 2:13-4:3).

Why Jesus was baptized has always been a concern for believers because John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. Jesus did not need forgiveness for He was sinless (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

The theories have been:

1. it was an example for believers to follow

2. it was His identification with believers' need

3. it was His ordination and equipping for ministry

4. it was a symbol of His redemptive task

5. it was His approval of the ministry and message of John the Baptist

6. it was a prophetic foreshadowing of His death, burial, and resurrection (cf. Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12).

Whatever the reason, this was a defining moment in Jesus' life. Although it does not imply that Jesus became the Messiah at this point, which is the early heresy of adoptionism (cf. The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture by Bart D. Ehrman, pp. 47-118), it held great significance for Him.

1:10

NASB, NKJV"immediately"
NRSV"just as"
TEV"as soon as"
NJB"at once"

This is a very common term in Mark. It characterizes his Gospel. Here euthus is translated "immediately" or "straightway" (cf. Mark 1:10,12,18,20,21,20,28,42; 2:2,8,12; 3:6; 4:5,15,16,17,29; 5:5,29,42; 6:25,27,45, 50,54; 7:35; 8:10; 9:15,20,24; 10:52; 11:3; 14:43,45; 15:1).

This is the term that gives the Gospel of Mark its fast-paced, action-oriented feel, which would have appealed to Romans. This word group is used about 47 times in Mark (cf. A Translator's Handbook on the Gospel of Mark by Robert Bratcher and Eugene Nida, p. 29).

▣ "coming up out of the water" This may be an allusion to Isa. 63:11, where it originally would have referred to the Red Sea (i.e., a new exodus in Jesus, who would soon be tempted for forty days as Israel was for forty years). This verse cannot be used as a proof-text for immersion. In context it may imply coming out of the river, not coming from under the water.

▣ "He saw" This may imply that only Jesus saw and heard this Messianic affirmation. If so, this would fit into the recurrent theme of Mark's Messianic Secret. However, the other Gospels also record this event in a similar way (cf. Matt. 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22).

▣ "heavens opening" This may be an allusion to Isa. 64:1. This term means to rip open, which would have been a metaphor for tearing open the canopy above the earth (cf. Gen. 1:6).

▣ "the Spirit like a dove" The origin of this metaphor may be

1. the Spirit brooding over the water in Gen. 1:2

2. the birds Noah sent out of the Ark in Gen. 8:6-12

3. the rabbis' use of it as a symbol of the nation of Israel (cf. Ps. 68:13; 74:19)

4. a symbol of gentleness and peace (cf. Matt. 10:16)

One reason I personally am so committed to the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation, which focuses on authorial intent as expressed in the literary context, is the tricky or clever way ancient interpreters (as well as modern ones) manipulated the text to fit their preset theological structure. By adding the numerical value of the letters of the Greek word "dove" (peristera), which equals 801, one gets the same numerical value of the Greek words alpha (equals 1) and omega (equals 800), so the dove equals the eternal Christ Spirit. This is so clever, but it is isogetic, not exegetic!

▣ "upon Him" This is the preposition eis which means "into." It is not meant to imply that Jesus did not already have the Holy Spirit, but this was a special visible sign of the Spirit's empowerment for His assigned Messianic task. This may also be an allusion to fulfilled prophecy (cf. Isa. 63:11).

Mark uses the preposition "into" (eis), but Matthew and Luke use "upon" (epi). This is because Mark's Gospel, which has none of the birth narratives or visitations, begins Jesus' ministry with the baptismal event. This brevity was used by the heretical groups, Adoptionists and Gnostics, to assert that Jesus, a normal human, was supernaturally empowered with "the Christ Spirit" at this juncture and thereafter was able to do the miraculous. Later scribes, therefore, changed the preposition to "to" (pros).

SPECIAL TOPIC: ADOPTIONISM

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

1:11 "a voice came out of the heavens" The rabbis called the heavenly voice a Bath Kol (cf. Mark 9:7), which was the method of affirming God's will during the interbiblical period when there was no prophet. This would have been a powerful divine affirmation to those familiar with rabbinical Judaism.

▣ "'You are My beloved Son'" These two titles unite the royal aspect of the Messiah (Ps. 2:7) to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isa. 42:1). The term "son" in the OT could refer to (1) the nation of Israel; (2) the King of Israel; or (3) the coming Davidic Messianic King. See Special Topic at Mark 3:16.

Notice the three persons of the Trinity in Mark 1:11: the Spirit, the voice from heaven, and the Son, the recipient of both.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TRINITY

▣ "My beloved" This phrase is either (1) a title for the Messiah as in the NRSV, NJB, and Williams translations or (2) a descriptive phrase as in the NASB, NKJV, and TEV. In the Greek translation of the OT, the Septuagint, this would be understood as "favorite" or even "only," similar to John 3:16.

▣ "'in You I am well-pleased'" This descriptive phrase is paralleled in Matt. 3:17 and 17:5 (the Transfiguration). However, the descriptive phrase is missing in Mark 9:7 and Luke 9:35.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:12-13
 ¹²Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. ¹³And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.

1:12-13 This account of the temptation of Jesus is so brief compared to Matt. 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. In these accounts the purpose of the temptation is clear: how would Jesus use His Messianic powers to accomplish His redemptive task (cf. James Stewart, The Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ, pp. 39-46)? But what could Mark's brief account mean? It is possible that Peter saw this event as a symbol of Jesus' defeat of evil (i.e., by the empowering of the Spirit), a foreshadowing of the Passion Week. But this is only speculation. The text itself gives no clue except the event's timing—just after Jesus' (1) enduing by the Spirit and (2) affirmation by the Father, but before His public ministry. This is one of the three events mentioned before Jesus' public ministry ([1] John's ministry; [2] John's baptism; and [3] Satan's temptation).

1:12 "Immediately" See note at Mark 1:10.

▣ "the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness" The term "impelled" is the strong term "throw out" (often used of exorcisms, cf. Mark 1:34,39; 3:15,22,23; 6:13; 7:26; 9:18,28,38). The Son's temptation was by the agency of the evil one, but instigated by the Spirit (cf. Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). It was God's will that Jesus be tested! I would like to recommend two good books on this topic, The Life and Teaching of Jesus by James S. Stewart and Between God and Satan by Helmut Thielicke.

In the OT the wilderness was a time of testing for Israel, but also a time of intimate fellowship. The rabbis called the wilderness wandering period the honeymoon between YHWH and Israel. Elijah and John the Baptist grew up in the wilderness. It was a place of seclusion for training, meditation, and preparation for active ministry. This period was crucial for Jesus' preparation (cf. Heb. 5:8).

1:13 "forty days" This is used both literally and figuratively in the Bible. It denotes a long indeterminate period of time (i.e., longer than a lunar cycle, but shorter than a seasonal change).

SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE

▣ "was being tempted" This is an imperfect passive periphrastic linked to an imperfect active "to be" verb. The term "tempt" (peirazō) has the connotation of "to test with a view toward destruction." From the first class conditional sentences in Matt. 4 (cf. Mark 4:3,6) we learn that the temptation was over how to use His Messianic power to accomplish God's redemptive will.

SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS

▣ "by Satan" The Bible repeatedly asserts a personal, supernatural force of evil.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN

▣ "the wild beasts" This is possibly a simple reference to an uninhabited area. However, because wild beasts are used as metaphors for or names of the demonic in the OT (cf. NEB) this could also refer to a place of demonic activity (cf. Ps. 22:12-13,16,21; Isa. 13:21-22; 34:11-15).

These wild beasts could also be a continuing allusion to the new exodus, the new age of restored fellowship between mankind and the animals (cf. Isa. 11:6-9; 65:25; Hos. 2:18). The Bible often describes the new age as a restoration of the Garden Eden (cf. Genesis 2; Rev. 21-22). The original image of God in mankind (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) is restored through Jesus' sacrificial death. Full fellowship, which existed before the Fall (cf. Genesis 3), is possible again.

▣ "angels were ministering to Him" This is an Imperfect tense which means (1) ongoing action in past time or (2) the beginning of an activity in past time. Angels ministered to (1) Elijah in the wilderness in the same way (i.e., providing food, cf. 1 Kgs. 18:7-8). This may imply Jesus as the new prophetic voice (cf. Deut. 18:18-22) and (2) Israel in the wilderness, so too, to Jesus while in the wilderness. This may have implied Jesus as the new Moses paralleling his baptism and testing (cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-13).

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:14-15
 ¹⁴Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, ¹⁵and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

1:14-15 These two verses are a summary statement. Mark often uses this technique (cf. Mark 1:14-15,21-22,39; 2:13; 3:7b-9; 6:7,12-13). These summaries convey several theological truths

1. Jesus was popular and many came to hear Him preach/teach

2. Jesus was powerful, exorcizing demons and healing people

3. He transferred His power to His disciples (i.e., the mission trips of the Twelve and the seventy)

4. the purpose of Jesus' proclamation was repentance and faith

 

1:14 "John had been taken into custody" John was imprisoned (i.e., paradidōmi, which is used twenty times in Mark for "turned over to the authorities") by Herod Antipas because he continued to publicly condemn Herod's marriage to his brother's ex-wife (cf. Mark 6:16-17).

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FAMILY OF HEROD THE GREAT

▣ "Jesus came into Galilee" The Gospel records Jesus' ministry geographically in Galilee, in Judea, in Galilee, and in Judea. Jesus left southern Palestine when John was arrested (cf. Matt. 4:12; Luke 4:14-15; John 1:43). Ministry in the predominantly Gentile northern Palestine was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Isa. 9. No one expected anything spiritually significant to begin in this region, far removed from the Temple (cf. John 1:46) and the first to be defeated and exiled by the Mesopotamian powers (i.e., Assyria and neo-Babylon).

▣ "preaching the gospel of God" This use of the term "gospel" must be qualified. At first Jesus' message was similar to John's. The full gospel of Jesus will not be complete until after His life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Verse 15 gives the content of Jesus' early preaching. What John preached was personally embodied in Jesus of Nazareth (cf. John 14:6).

1:15 "'time is fulfilled'" This phrase is introduced by hoti, which usually denotes a quote and is common in Mark. This reflects Peter's memory of Jesus' words. This is perfect passive indicative, which has prophetic/messianic significance (cf. Eph. 1:10; Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Titus 1:3). The passive voice reflects God's activity in and control of time and history.

▣ "'the kingdom of God'" This refers to God's reign. It is both a present reality and a future consummation. In Matthew's Gospel this is usually referred to as "kingdom of heaven." These phrases are synonymous (compare Matt. 13:11 with Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10). The kingdom arrived when Jesus was born. It is described and embodied in Jesus' life and teachings. It will be consummated at His return. It was the subject of Jesus' sermons and parables. It was the central theme of His spoken messages.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KINGDOM OF GOD

NASB, NKJV"is at hand"
NRSV"has come near"
TEV"is near"
NJB"is close at hand"

This is a perfect active indicative, which implies that the kingdom was a past reality (cf. Mark 1:1-3) as well as a current reality (cf. Matt. 12:28; Luke 11:20; 17:21). The phrase "the time is fulfilled" parallels this phrase and emphasizes the reality of God's prophetic word now becoming a historical event. The "New Age of Righteousness" was inaugurated at Jesus' birth, but not fully known until the Passion Week's events and not fully empowered until Pentecost.

Although the Kingdom has truly come, there are also NT texts which imply that its complete manifestation is future (cf. Mark 9:1; 14:25; Matt. 26:29; Luke 22:18; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). What we do with Christ now determines our eschatological hope (cf. Mark 8:38).

▣ "'repent'" See Special Topic on Repentance at Mark 1:4.

▣ "'and believe in the gospel'" The parallels in Matt. 4:17 and Luke 4:14-15 do not have the same summary.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH (PISTIS [noun], PISTEUŌ, [verb], PISTOS [adjective])

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:16-20
 ¹⁶As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." ¹⁸Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. ¹⁹Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. ²⁰Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

1:16 "the Sea of Galilee" This lake goes by several names in the Bible.

1. the Sea of Chinnereth (cf. Num. 34:11; Jos. 12:3; 13:27)

2. Lake of Gennesaret (cf. Luke 5:1)

3. Sea of Tiberias (cf. John 6:1; 21:1)

4. Sea of Galilee (most common, cf. Mark 1:16; 7:31; Matt. 4:18; 15:29; John 6:1)

 

▣ "Simon and Andrew. . .casting a net" Notice Peter is the first officially called in Mark, while in John 1:35-42 it was Andrew. The Sea of Galilee supplied all of Palestine with fish. This net refers to hand nets, which were about 10 feet by 15 feet across. Fish were a main staple of the Jewish diet.

1:17 "'Follow Me'" This is an adverb functioning as an Aorist imperative. This must not have been the first encounter between Jesus and these fishermen (cf. John 1:35ff). This is their call to be official, permanent followers of a rabbi (cf. Mark 1:17 and 20).

▣ "'I will make you become fishers of men'" This is a word play on their vocation. Fishing in the OT was often a metaphor for judgment (cf. Jer. 16:16. Ezek. 29:4-5; 38:4; Amos 4:2; Hab.1:14-17). Here it is a metaphor of salvation.

1:18 This is repeated in Matt. 4:18-22, but a slightly different account is found in Luke 5:1-11.

1:19-20 "boat" These were large fishing boats. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were prosperous middle class fishermen (i.e., had hired servants). John apparently had business contracts to regularly sell fish to the priestly families in Jerusalem (i.e., John was known by them, cf. John 18:15-16).

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:21-28
 ²¹They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. ²²They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. ²³Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are the Holy One of God!" ²⁵And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" ²⁶Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. ²⁷They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." ²⁸Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

1:21 "Capernaum" Jesus, because of the city of Nazareth's lack of faith (cf. Luke 4:16-30) and as a fulfilment of prophecy (cf. Matt. 4:13-16), took this city as His headquarters (cf. Mark 2:1). Ministry in the city of Capernaum (cf. Mark 1:21-3:6) is used to depict typical activity of Jesus. These events reveal clearly His authority, power, and Messiahship. This is like a glimpse into the daily life and activity of Jesus during this entire period of public ministry.

▣ "immediately" See note at Mark 1:10.

▣ "Sabbath" Special Topic following.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SABBATH

This is from the Hebrew word meaning "rest" or "cessation." It is connected to the seventh day of creation where God ceased His labor after finishing initial creation (cf. Gen. 2:1-3). God did not rest because He was tired, but because (1) creation was complete and good (cf. Gen. 1:31) and (2) to give mankind a regular pattern for worship and rest. The Sabbath begins like all the days of Gen. 1, at twilight; therefore, twilight on Friday to twilight on Saturday was the official time period. All the details of its observance are given in Exodus (especially chapters 16,20,31, and 35) and Leviticus (especially chapters 23-26). The Pharisees had taken these regulations and, by their oral discussions, interpreted them to include many rules. Jesus often performed miracles, knowingly violating their picky rules so as to enter into a dialogue with them. It was not the Sabbath that Jesus rejected or belittled, but their self-righteous legalism and lack of love.

▣ "synagogue" This is from a compound word which literally means "to come together." It was Jesus' custom to attend worship regularly. The synagogue developed in Mesopotamia during the Babylonian Exile. It was a place of worship, education, and cultural preservation. It was the local expression of the Jewish faith, as the Temple was the national expression. There was at least one synagogue in every town with at least ten Jewish men.

▣ "began to teach" It was customary for someone from the congregation or a distinguished guest to be chosen to lead the teaching part of the worship service. Usually a passage from the Torah (i.e., Genesis – Deuteronomy) was read and a passage from the Prophets (i.e., Joshua – Kings and Isaiah – Malachi).

1:22,27 "amazed" Literally this meant "struck to attention." Jesus' teaching style and content were radically different from that of the rabbis. They quoted one another as authorities, but He spoke with God's authority (cf. Matt. 5:17-48). Jesus' teachings and actions caused amazement, astonishment, and even fear (cf. Mark 1:22,27; 2:12; 5:42; 6:2,51; 7:37; 9:6,15; 10:26,32; 11:18; 14:33).

1:22 "not as the scribes" Jesus did not quote oral tradition (i.e., Talmud). The Jews were concerned that they might break God's commands, so every verse of the Torah (the writings of Moses, Genesis - Deuteronomy) was interpreted by rabbinical discussions. Later these developed into schools, one liberal (i.e., Hillel) and one conservative (i.e., Shammai). The leading rabbis of these two ancient schools were often quoted as authorities. The scribes were the professional teachers of Judaism who interpreted the oral tradition to local situations and needs. Most scribes in Jesus' day were Pharisees.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SCRIBES

1:23 "man. . .with an unclean spirit" This was a case of demon possession (cf. Mark 1:34). Notice he was still in worship, keeping up appearances. The NT makes a distinction between physical illness and demon possession, although they often had the same symptoms. In these cases the demon controls the person. The person has lost his own will. The Jewish worldview assumed the presence of spiritual beings, good (cf. Mark 1:13; Matt. 18:10; Acts 12:15; 2 Kgs. 6:17) and evil (cf. Mark 1:23,26,27; 3:11,20; 5:2,8,13; 6:7; 7:25), who affected people's lives.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC (UNCLEAN SPIRITS)

1:24

NASB"What business do we have with each other"
NKJV"What have we to do with You"
NRSV"What have you to do with us"
TEV, NJB"What do you want with us"

This is literally "what to us and to you." In A Translator's Handbook on the Gospel of Mark Bratcher and Nida note that "In classical Greek the phrase would mean 'what have we in common?' Here, however, it corresponds to the Hebrew 'Why do you meddle with me'" (p. 49). This idiom is illustrated in Judges 11:12; 2 Sam. 16:10; 19:22; 1 Kgs. 17:18; 2 Chr. 35:12.

▣ "Jesus of Nazareth" See note at Mark 10:47.

▣ "'Have You come to destroy us'" Grammatically this could be either a question or a statement. This was an OT idiom of hostility (cf. Judg.11:12; 2 Sam. 16:10; 19:22; 1 Kgs. 17:18; 2 Kgs. 3:13; 2 Chr. 35:21). Evil knows it will one day be judged!

▣ "'the Holy One of God'" This was an OT Messianic title. This was not a voluntary confession but a calculated attempt to cause trouble for Jesus. Jesus was later accused of receiving power from Satan (cf. Matt. 9:34; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15).

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE

1:25 "Jesus rebuked him" Mark uses this verb often: (1) sometimes of demons (cf. Mark 1:25; 3:2; 9:25); (2) of the wind and sea (cf. Mark 4:39); and (3) of His own disciples (cf. Mark 8:30,33; 10:13).

▣ "'Be quiet'" This is an aorist passive imperative meaning "be muzzled" (cf. Mark 4:39). Jesus' two commands directed at the demon are strong terms with negative connotations.

▣ "come out of him" This is an aorist active imperative.

SPECIAL TOPIC: EXORCISM

1:26 Several physical manifestations of an unclean spirit leaving a person are recorded (cf. Mark 1:26; 9:26; and Luke 9:39). This may have been a way of confirming that the spirit had truly left.

This first sign of power clearly shows the Messianic implications of Jesus. The OT title (cf. Ps. 16:10) by which the demons acknowledge Him and His power to control and judge them clearly reflects the spiritual authority of Jesus of Nazareth (cf. Mark 1:27c). This account is paralleled in Luke 4:31-37.

1:27 "'What is this? A new teaching with authority'" This Greek word for "new" (i.e., kainos) means "new in point of quality," not "new in point of time." The phrase "with authority" can refer to Jesus' teaching (cf. Matt. 7:29; NASB, NRSV, NJB) or to Jesus' commanding (cf. Luke 4:36; NKJV, TEV). Since Luke 4:36 is a direct parallel, the second option seems best.

The source of Jesus' authority would become the central issue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders (cf. Mark 11:28; Matt. 21:23; Luke 20:2). They could not deny His power so they impugned its source. This is the unpardonable sin!

1:28 "immediately" See note at Mark 1:10.

▣ "the news about Him spread everywhere" Such a public exorcism would have been told and retold repeatedly.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:29-31
 ²⁹And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. ³⁰Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. ³¹And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.

1:30 "Simon's mother-in-law" This shows that Peter was married. His wife is never mentioned in the NT. She may have been dead, but 1 Cor. 9:5 implies she traveled with Peter. This account is paralleled in Luke 4:31-37 and Matt. 8:14-17.

▣ "was lying sick" This is an imperfect tense which shows continuous action in past time. She had been sick for some time.

▣ "with a fever" This literally means "fever-stricken." This is a present tense, which implies an ongoing problem. Notice this illness was not linked to demon possession (cf. Mark 1:32). Jesus' power over sickness is another sign of His person and Messianic mission. As often in the Gospels Jesus' miracles were as much for the disciples as for the recipient. Jesus is clearly revealing Himself to His newly chosen Apostles. Here He acts in compassion on the Sabbath. This would have been shocking to these Jewish men.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:32-34
 ³²When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. ³³And the whole city had gathered at the door. ³⁴And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

1:32 "When evening came" Apparently this was after twilight, so the Sabbath was officially over and physical healings were now rabbinically legal.

▣ "bringing to Him" This is an Imperfect tense which means "continually carrying." Jesus did not want to be known as a miracle worker, but a proclaimer of truth (cf. Luke 4:43), yet the word was out (cf. Mark 1:28).

▣ "ill" Verse 32 implies that "all" who were sick or demon possessed in the entire town were brought to Jesus. Verse 34 states that He healed or delivered "many" of them, but not everyone. It is interesting that the terms "all" and "many" are often used synonymously in the Bible (cf. Isaiah 53:6 vs. 53:11,12 and Rom. 5:18. vs. 19). It is uncertain whether Jesus healed everyone brought to Him or many of them. At the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, it is recorded that Jesus only healed one of many sick persons. Jesus did not go out of His way to heal, but if the situation presented itself (i.e., a teaching moment for the disciples plus Jesus' compassion for the hurting and needy) He acted in power. He did go out of His way for the purpose of evangelism (i.e., the Samaritan woman, cf John 4, especially Mark 1:4). Healing was a sign, but evangelism was the purpose and focus of His ministry.

There is some confusion about Jesus' methodology in healing; sometimes it is dependent on the faith response of the sick person, sometimes on the faith of one of their friends or loved ones and often for the purpose of showing His power, unrelated to faith on the receiver's part. Salvation did not automatically accompany physical deliverance or healing.

▣ "these who were demon possessed" Notice the distinction between illness and demon possession.

1:33 These townspeople were curious and some were desperate for physical health and spiritual wholeness.

1:34 "He healed many" This verse is the first of many in Mark (cf. Mark 1:34,43-44; 3:12; 4:11; 5:43; 7:24,36; 8:26,30; 9:9) which have often been referred to as "Mark's Messianic Secret." Jesus tells the disciples and those He heals not to tell about His healing acts. Jesus did not want to be known merely as a healer or miracle worker. These were only signs that pointed to His Messiahship, which at this point in His life had not been fully revealed. Jesus came to (1) reveal the Father; (2) give Himself as a sacrifice for sin; and (3) give believers an example to follow. The healings and deliverances were only signs of His compassion for the weak, sick, and outcast. This was also an OT predicted sign of the ministry of the Messiah (cf. Isa. 61:1).

▣ "was not permitting the demons to speak" This is imperfect tense, implying several exorcisms (cf. Mark 1:24). See Special Topic on the Demonic at Mark 1:24.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:35-39
 ³⁵In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. ³⁶Simon and his companions searched for Him; ³⁷they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." ³⁸He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." ³⁹And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.

1:35 "In the early morning, while it was still dark" This refers to last watch of the night, sometime between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m.

▣ "was praying there" This is imperfect tense which shows Jesus' regular prayer life. In Luke's Gospel this emphasis is often repeated. In Mark there are only three examples of Jesus praying: here, the feeding of the five thousand (cf. Mark 8:6), and in Gethsemane (cf. Mark 14:32-42).

1:37-39 The people were looking for Jesus because He healed them, not because of His teaching (cf. Luke 4:43). Jesus was continually on the move because (1) He wanted all to hear His message and (2) His mission was misunderstood.

1:38

NASB"for that is what I came for"
NKJV"because for this purpose I have come forth"
NRSV"for that is what I came out to do"
TEV, NJB"because that is why I came"

Jesus felt deeply that He had been sent (cf. Luke 4:43) to proclaim the gospel of God (cf. Mark 1:14-15). He sensed that He was not sent as a miracle worker or healer, but as the establisher of a new day, a new relationship with the Father, the inauguration of the kingdom of God! The centrality of His person, the content of His message, His redemptive acts, and His glorious resurrection and ascension were the focus of His message. Mark's Messianic Secret is a literary way of asserting that these things would not be fully understood or revealed until years in the future.

1:39 There is a textual variant in Mark 1:39. Some ancient Greek manuscripts have "he went" (cf. א, B, L, the Palestinian Syriac, and the Coptic translations, also NASB, NRSV, TEV, NJB), while the Greek uncial manuscripts A, C, D, W, the Vulgate, and Peshitta translations as well as the Greek text used by Augustine have "he was" (cf. NKJV). The Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament by Bruce Metzger, pp. 75-76, asserts that a copyist changed "he went" to match Luke 4:44. This is a good example of the fact that most Greek manuscript variations make no significant theological or historical difference as to the overall meaning of the account.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 1:40-45
 ⁴⁰And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." ⁴¹Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." ⁴²Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. ⁴³And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, ⁴⁴and He said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." ⁴⁵But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

1:40 "a leper" This is paralleled in Matt. 8:2-4 and Luke 5:12-16. Judaism saw leprosy as an illness inflicted by God (cf. 2 Chr. 26:16-21). Contact with the leper would make one ceremonially unclean. This disease meant total social alienation! It is culturally surprising that this socially ostracized person approached Jesus and that Jesus would touch him (cf. Mark 1:41). The OT disease called leprosy, discussed in Lev. 13-14, describes many types of skin diseases, all of which excluded one from worship.

▣ "on his knees" In Luke 5:12 it says he fell prostrate before Jesus. Jesus was not like the other rabbis. He took time to care for the outcast and ostracized.

▣ "'If you are willing, You can make me clean'" This is a third class conditional sentence which means potential action. He was not doubting Jesus' power (i.e., the leper calls Jesus "Lord" in Matt. 8:2), but His desire to act.

1:41 "Moved with compassion" Jesus cares for humanity made in the image of God. The Western Text, MS D, has "indignant," but MSS א, A, B, and C have "pity." The words are similar in Aramaic. Although the oldest and best manuscripts have "pity" the most unusual reading would have been "indignant" or "angry." See Appendix Two on Textual Criticism. There are several other places in Mark where Jesus' anger is recorded in unexpected contexts (cf. Mark 1:43; 3:5 and 10:14; also one in John 11:33, 38). His anger may have been directed at the disease or the evil of this age.

Mark portrays Jesus as fully human, feeling and expressing the full range of human emotions, for Himself as well as others.

1. pity or anger (Mark 1:41; 3:5)

2. physical hunger (Mark 2:25)

3. deep sigh (Mark 7:34, 8:12)

4. indignance/sternness (Mark 10:14)

5. love (Mark 10:21)

6. grief/trouble (Mark 10:33-34)

7. desertion (Mark 15:34)

8. thirst (Mark 15:36)

 

▣ "touched him" This was a ceremonial "no! no!" Jesus touching people is a common occurrence in the Gospels (cf. Mark 7:33; 8:22; 10:13; also several times people touched Jesus, e.g. Mark 3:10; 5:22-28,30,31; 6:56) as a gesture of personal care and concern.

▣ "'be cleansed'" This is an aorist passive imperative. Jesus heals with the same personal authority by which He expels demons.

1:43 "sternly warned him" Literally this is "snorted," which means an inarticulate groan. This reflects Mark's Messianic Secret. The Gospel was not yet finished, and the message was still incomplete. Jesus did not want to be known as a miracle worker.

▣ "immediately sent him away" This is the same strong word used of the Spirit driving Jesus into wilderness (cf. Mark 1:12).

1:44 "'offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded'" This requirement related to the healing of leprosy (cf. Lev. 13, 14; Deut. 24:8). Jesus did not reject the OT (cf. Matt. 5:17-19), but the oral traditions that had developed within Judaism (cf. Matt. 5:21-48). Possibly this was also for a witness to the priests.

1:45 "proclaim" This is a present infinitive. This was in direct disobedience to Jesus' strong request (cf. Mark 1:43-44).

▣ "stayed out in unpopulated areas" This referred to the uninhabited pasture lands like Mark 1:3.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why did Mark begin with John the Baptist's ministry? Who does he represent?

2. Does baptism impart or symbolize forgiveness?

3. Why was Jesus baptized? Was He sinful and in need of repentance?

4. Where in this section is evidence for the Trinity implied?

5. Why was Jesus tempted? In what areas of His life did the temptation come?

6. Is God's kingdom here or is it future?

7. Does Mark 1 describe the first encounter between Jesus and the fishermen?

8. Why were the people in the synagogue in Capernaum so surprised at Jesus' teaching?

9. Is demon possession a reality or a cultural superstition?

10. Why did the demons reveal who Jesus really was?

11. Why is cleansing the leper so significant?

12. Why did Jesus command the leper to tell no one what had happened to him?

 

Copyright © 2013 Bible Lessons International

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4	NKJV	NRSV	TEV	NJB
The Man with a Withered Hand	Healing on the Sabbath	Jesus and Sabbath Laws	The Man with a Paralyzed Hand	Cure of the Man with a Withered Hand
		(2:23-3:6)
3:1-6	3:1-6		3:1-4a	3:1-6
			3:4b-6
A Multitude at the Seaside	A Great Multitude Follows Jesus	Work of Healing	A Crowd by the Lake	The Crowds Follow Jesus
3:7-12	3:7-12	3:7-12	3:7-11	3:7-12
			3:12
The Choosing of the Twelve	The Twelve Apostles	The Twelve Chosen	Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles	The Appointment of the Twelve
3:13-19	3:13-19	3:13-19a	3:13-15	3:13-19
			3:16-19
Jesus and Beelzebul	A House Divided Cannot Stand	Questions About Jesus' Power	Jesus and Beelzebul	His Family are Concerned about Jesus
		3:19b-27
3:20-30	3:20-27		3:20-21	3:20-21
				Allegations of the Scribes
			3:22	3:22-27
			3:23-26
			3:27
	The Unpardonable Sin
	3:28-30	3:28-30	3:28-30	3:28-30
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus	Jesus' Mother and Brothers Send for Him		Jesus' Mother and Brothers	The True Kinsmen of Jesus
3:31-35	3:31-35	3:31-35	3:31-32	3:31-35
			3:33-35

READING CYCLE THREE (from "A Guide to Good Bible Reading")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

 

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:1-6
 ¹He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. ²They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. ³He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" ⁴And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?" But they kept silent. ⁵After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. ⁶The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

3:1 "into a synagogue" This event is paralleled in Matt. 12:9-14 and Luke 6:6-11. The synagogue developed during the Babylonian Exile. It was primarily a place of education, prayer, worship, and fellowship. It was the local expression of Judaism as the Temple was the national focal point.

Jesus attended the synagogues regularly. He learned His Scriptures and traditions at synagogue school in Nazareth. He fully participated in first century Jewish worship.

It is also interesting that Jesus, apparently purposefully, acted in provocative ways on the Sabbath and in synagogue. He intentionally violated the Oral Traditions (i.e., Talmud) of the elders so as to enter into a theological confrontation/discussion with the religious leaders (both local and national; both Pharisees and Sadducees). The best extended discussion of His theology as it deviates from the traditional norms is the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matthew 5-7, especially 5:17-48).

▣ "hand was withered" This is a perfect passive participle. Luke 6:6 says it was his right hand, which would have affected his ability to work.

3:2 "They were watching Him" This is imperfect tense. It refers to the ever-watchful presence of the religious leaders.

▣ "if" This is a first class conditional sentence, which is assumed to be true. Jesus did heal on the Sabbath in the synagogue right before their eyes!

▣ "so that they might accuse Him" This is a hina, or purpose, clause. They were not interested in the crippled man. They wanted to catch Jesus in a technical violation so as to discredit and reject Him. Jesus acts out of compassion for the man, to continue to teach His disciples, and to confront the rule-oriented, tradition-bound, self-righteousness of the religious leaders.

3:3

NASB"Get up and come forward!"
NKJV"Step forward"
NRSV"Come forward"
TEV"Come up here to the front"
NJB"Get up and stand in the middle"

This is literally "Rise into the midst." This is a present active imperative. This was so that everyone could see.

3:4 The rabbis had a highly developed Oral Tradition (Talmud) which interpreted the Mosaic Law (cf. Mark 2:24). They made rigid pronouncements on what could legally be done or not be done on the Sabbath. One could stabilize an injured person in an emergency, but could not improve his condition. Jesus' question revealed the problem of the priority of their cherished traditions above human needs. This is always true of legalists!

▣ "save" This is the Greek term sōzō. It is used in two distinct ways in the NT: (1) it follows the OT usage of deliverance from physical problems and (2) it is used of spiritual salvation. In the Gospels it usually has the first meaning (cf. Mark 3:4; 8:35a; 15:30-31; even heal, cf. Mark 5:23,28,34; 6:56; 10:52), but in Mark 8:35b; 10:26; 13:13 it might refer to the second meaning. This same double usage is in James (#1 in Mark 5:15,20, but #2 in Mark 1:21; 2:14; 4:12).

▣ "life" This is the Greek word psuchē. It is so hard to define. It can speak of

1. our earthly physical life (cf. Mark 3:4; 8:35; 10:45)

2. our feelings and self-consciousness (cf. Mark 12:30; 14:34)

3. our spiritual, eternal consciousness (cf. Mark 8:36,37)

The difficulty in translating this term comes from its Greek philosophical usage, humans having a soul, instead of the Hebrew concept of humans being a soul (cf. Gen. 2:7).

3:5 "After looking around at them with anger" Mark's Gospel is the most transparent in recording Jesus' feelings (cf. Mark 1:40-42,43; 3:1-5; 10:13-16,17-22; 14:33-34; 15:34). The deafening silence and moral superiority of the self-righteous religious leaders angered Jesus! This event continues to clarify 2:27-28.

▣ "grieved at their hardness of heart" This is an intensified form of the term grief (lupē) with the preposition sun. It is only used here in the NT. Jesus identified with this man's problem and need as He reacted negatively toward the religious leaders' intransigence. They were unwilling to see the truth because of their commitment to tradition (cf. Isa. 29:13; Col. 2:16-23). How often does this happen to us?

The term "hardness" means calcified (cf. Rom. 11:25; Eph. 4:18). See Special Topic: Heart at Mark 2:6.

▣ "restored" This term (i.e., to restore to its original state) implies that the withered hand was an accident, not a birth defect. The non-canonical Gospel of Hebrews records the tradition that he was a mason who had come to ask Jesus to restore his hand so that he could return to work.

3:6 "The Pharisees went out" Luke 6:11 says "in a rage." This is literally "out of the mind" (cf. 2 Tim. 3:9). See note on Pharisees at Mark 2:16.

▣ "immediately" See note at Mark 1:10.

▣ "began conspiring" This is an imperfect active indicative used in the sense of the beginning of an action in past time. In Mark 3:11 three imperfects are used to show repeated action in past time. These two usages are the major linguistic function of this tense.

▣ "with the Herodians" Normally the very conservative and nationalistic Pharisees would have nothing to do with the politically oriented Herodians who supported the reign of Herod and the Roman occupation.

 SPECIAL TOPIC: HERODIANS

▣ "as to how they might destroy Him" These leaders were offended by healing on the Sabbath, but saw no problem in premeditated murder! They probably based this decision on Exod. 31:13-17. Strange things have been rationalized in the name of God. This is surely a foreshadowing of Jesus' death at the hands of the Jewish leadership.

SPECIAL TOPIC: DESTRUCTION (APOLLUMI)

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:7-12
 ⁷Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea, ⁸and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him. ⁹And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him; ¹⁰for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him. ¹¹Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, "You are the Son of God!" ¹²And He earnestly warned them not to tell who He was.

3:7-8 Jesus' growing popularity was another reason for the opposition from the religious leaders (cf. Matt. 12:15-16; Luke 6:17-19).

3:8 "Idumea" This refers to the national lands of ancient Edom which was the home area of Herod.

▣ "beyond the Jordan" This refers to the area called Perea in the trans-Jordan region. This was one of three regions identified as responsible to the Mosaic Law (i.e., Judah, Galilee, and the land on the other side of the Jordan [i.e., Perea, cf. Baba Bathra 3:2]). It was officially defined as the land between the Jabbok and Arnon rivers (in the OT, Ammon and Moab).

▣ "the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon" This refers to the ancient kingdom of Phoenicia.

▣ "a great number of people" Apparently these were a mixture of Jews and Gentiles.

3:9 "a boat" This refers to a small row boat.

▣ "ready for Him all the time" This boat was always available lest the crushing crowd push Him into the sea (cf. Mark 1:45).

3:10 "pressed around Him" Literally this is "falling against." Every sick person wanted to touch Him (cf. Mark 5:25-34). This crowd looked like the waiting room of a county hospital's emergency room.

3:11 There is a series of three imperfect verbs in this verse which shows Jesus' ongoing confrontation with the demonic. See SPECIAL TOPIC: EXORCISM at Mark 1:25.

▣ "Son of God" These demons were not witnesses for Jesus' benefit, but to accentuate the crowd's misconceived expectations. This led to the charge in Mark 3:22 that Jesus' power came from Satan (cf. Matt. 9:34; 10:25; 11:18). The Jewish leaders could not challenge Jesus' power, so they impugned the source of His authority.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SON OF GOD

3:12 This is the continuing emphasis on "the Messianic Secret" in Mark. Jesus, by word and deed, is fully revealed as the Messiah early in Mark, but because of the misunderstanding of (1) the Jewish leadership (i.e., Messiah as national hero restoring Israel to world prominence) and (2) the crowd (i.e., Messiah as miracle worker), Jesus admonishes several different people not to broadcast their knowledge of Him. The gospel is only finished after His life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:13-19
 ¹³And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. ¹⁴And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, ¹⁵and to have authority to cast out the demons. ¹⁶And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), ¹⁷and James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, "Sons of Thunder"); ¹⁸and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot ¹⁹and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

3:13 "He went up on the mountain" This could be understood in two ways: (1) Jesus left the area close by the sea of Galilee and went up into the hill country or (2) this is a prelude to the setting of the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt. 5-7), which Mark does not record.

3:14 "appointed twelve" This is paralleled in Luke's Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:12-16. Mark does not record Matthew's Sermon on the Mount (i.e., Matt. 5-7).

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE NUMBER TWELVE

3:14 There is another phrase added to this verse by the ancient Greek uncial manuscripts א, B, and with slight change, in C. The added phrase is "whom he also named apostles" (see footnote in NRSV). Many textual critics assume that this addition is an assimilation from Luke 6:13.

▣ "so that they would be with Him" Jesus was intimately involved in the training of the Twelve. Robert Coleman has authored two helpful books on Jesus' methods: The Master Plan of Evangelism and The Master Plan of Discipleship, both of which deal with the growth of the early church using the same principles as Jesus.

▣ "send them out to preach" Jesus came to preach the good news of the kingdom. He trained His disciples to do the same: (1) the Twelve (cf. Mark 6:7-13; Matt. 10:1,9-14; Luke 9:1-6) and (2) later, seventy disciples (cf. Luke 10:1-20).

3:15 "demons" This possibly refers to fallen angels, active on Satan's behalf. However, the Bible is silent on the origin of the demonic. Jesus' authority over them establishes His power and Messianic mission. See Special Topic at Mark 1:24.

3:16 "He appointed the twelve" The Twelve are mentioned in the NT four times (cf. Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; and Acts 1:13 [identical to Matt. 10:2-4]). The list always appears in four groups of three people. The order often changes within the groups (but Peter is always first and Judas Iscariot is always last). It is possible that these groupings reflect a rotating way of allowing these men to return home from time to time to check on their family responsibilities.

It is amazing how little we know about most of the early Apostles. Early church tradition is often all we have to rely on.

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHART OF APOSTLES' NAMES

▣ "Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter)" Most Jews of Galilee had both a Jewish name (i.e., Simon or Symeon, meaning "hearing") and a Greek name (which is never given). Jesus nicknames him "rock." In Greek it is petros and in Aramaic it is cephas (cf. John 1:42; Matt. 16:16).

Peter is the eyewitness, apostolic source behind the Gospel of Mark. See Introduction for complete notes.

3:17 "Boanerges. . .Sons of Thunder" Mark translates the Aramaic name for his Gentile (probably Roman) readers. These brothers (i.e., James and John) live up to the nickname in Luke 9:54.

3:18 "Andrew" The Greek term means "manly." From John 1:29-42 we learn that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and that he introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus.

▣ "Philip" The Greek term means "fond of horses." His call is elaborated in John 1:43-51.

▣ "Bartholomew" The term means "son of Ptolemy." He may be the Nathanael of the Gospel of John (cf. John 1:45-49; 21:20).

▣ "Matthew" The Hebrew term means "gift of YHWH." This is referring to Levi (cf. Mark 2:13-17).

▣ "Thomas" The Hebrew term means "twin" or Didymus (cf. John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2).

▣ "James" This is the Hebrew name "Jacob." There are two men named James in the list of the Twelve. One is the brother of John (cf. Mark 3:17) and part of the inner circle (i.e., Peter, James, and John). This one is known as James the less.

▣ "Thaddaeus" He was also called "Lebbeus" (cf. Matt. 10:3) or "Judas" (cf. John 14:22). Both Thaddaeus and Lebbeus mean "beloved child."

NASB, NJB"Simon the Zealot"
NKJV"Simon the Canaanite"
NRSV"Simon the Cananean"
TEV"Simon the Patriot"

The Greek text of Mark has "Cananean" (also Matt. 10:4). Mark, whose Gospel was written to Romans, may not wanted to use the politically "hot-button" word "zealot," which referred to a Jewish anti-Roman guerrilla movement. Luke does call him by this term (cf. Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13). The term Cananean may have several derivatives.

1. of the area of Galilee known as Cana

2. from the OT use of Canaanite as merchant

3. from a general designation as a native of Canaan (also called Palestine)

If Luke's designation is right, then "zealot" is from the Aramaic term for "enthusiast" (cf. Luke 6:15; Acts 1:17). Jesus' chosen twelve disciples were from several different and competing groups. Simon was a member of a nationalistic group which advocated the violent overthrow of Roman authority. Normally this Simon and Levi (i.e., Matthew the tax collector) would not have been in the same room with each other.

3:19 "Judas Iscariot" There are two Simons, two Jameses, and two Judases. "Iscariot" has two possible derivations: (1) man of Kerioth in Judah (cf. Jos. 15:23) or (2) "dagger man" or assassin, which would mean he also was a zealot, like Simon.

▣ "who betrayed Him" This verb has been colored by John's Gospel's description of Judas (cf. John 6:71; 12:4; 13:2,26-27; 18:2-5). Originally it simply meant "turn over to authorities" (cf. Mark 1:14). Judas' psychological and/or theological motivation in betraying Jesus is a mystery.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:20-27
 ²⁰And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. ²¹When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, "He has lost His senses." ²²The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons." ²³And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. ²⁶If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! ²⁷But no one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.

3:20 "He came home" This must refer to the same house as Mark 2:1 and possibly Mark 7:17; 9:38.

▣ "the crowd" This was the result of Jesus' healing and deliverance ministry (cf. Mark 1:45; 2:2,13; 3:7,20).

▣ "that they could not even eat a meal" This was what concerned His family so much. Jesus always had time for needy people. He gave Himself to them.

3:21

NASB, NKJV"His own people"
NRSV, TEV "his family"
NJB"his relations"

Literally this is "those from his side." The KJV has "friends," but apparently this was His mother and siblings.

NASB"to take custody of Him"
NKJV"to lay hold of Him"
NRSV"to restrain Him"
TEV, NJB"to take charge of him"

This is a strong verb in Matthew (cf. Matt. 14:3; 18:28), but usually not violent in Mark. It often refers to helping sick people rise by taking them by the hand. His family tried to take Him home forcefully because they thought He was acting irrationally (cf. Mark 3:31-35).

NASB"He has lost His senses"
NKJV, NJB "He is out of His mind"
NRSV"He has gone out of his mind"
TEV"He's gone mad"

The Greek text is ambiguous as to who made this statement. Was it the family (i.e., NASB, NKJV, NJB, NIV) or something the family had heard others say (i.e., NRSV, TEV)?

The term in this context means "separated from mental balance" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:13). It is often used in Mark for people being "amazed" (cf. Mark 2:12; 5:42).

This shows that although Jesus was popular with the crowds, He was misunderstood by (1) His own disciples; (2) the religious leaders; (3) His own family; and (4) the crowds themselves.

3:22 "The scribes who came down from Jerusalem" This may refer to those mentioned in Mark 2:6,16, who were apparently an official deputation from the Sanhedrin sent to gather information on Jesus' teachings and actions.

▣ "He is possessed by" This meant he was possessed by a demon and derived His power from Satan (cf. Matt. 9:34; John 7:20; 8:48-52; 10:20). The same thing was said of John the Baptist (cf. Matt. 11:18). They could not deny Jesus' miracles so they impugned the source of His power and authority.

▣ "Beelzebul" This indeclinable noun is spelled Beelzebub in KJV, but Beelzebul in most modern translations. The "beel" reflects the Semitic word ba'al, which means "lord," "owner," "master," or "husband." It was the name for the fertility storm-god of Canaan.

The "zebul" can mean (1) heights (i.e., mountain or heaven); (2) prince (i.e., Zabul); or (3) dung. The Jews often changed the letters of foreign gods to form a derogatory pun.

If it is "zebub" it could refer to

1. the baal of Ekron (cf. 2 Kgs. 1:2,3,6)

2. a god of the Philistines, Zebaba

3. an Aramaic word play or pun on "lord of enmity" (i.e., be'el debaba)

4.  "lord of the flies" (Aramaic "fly" dibaba)

This spelling, Beelzebub, is unknown in rabbinical Judaism.

For further information on the names for personal evil see The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, vol. 3, pp. 468-473.

▣ "ruler of the demons" The name Beelzebul was not a common name for Satan in Judaism. Jesus uses it as synonymous with Satan in Mark 3:23.

3:23-26 Jesus showed the logical folly of attributing His power over the demonic to Satan. Obviously a leader against his servants is a disaster!

3:23 "He called them to Himself" This was to show them (i.e., the scribes of Mark 3:22) that He could read their thoughts (see note at Mark 2:6b). It also gave them one more chance to clearly hear His message.

▣ "parables" The literal meaning of this term (parabolē, used 13 times in Mark) is "to throw alongside." A common occurrence of life is used to illustrate spiritual truth.

3:24 "if" This is a Third class conditional sentence meaning potential action.

3:27 "unless he first binds the strong man" This was a veiled Messianic reference to Isa. 49:24-25. It also showed Jesus' realization that He was stronger than Satan.

The act of exorcism was common in Judaism (cf. Mark 9:38; Acts 19:14). What was uncommon is the power and authority exercised by Jesus versus the magical potions and formulas used by the rabbis. Jesus clearly shows that by His coming Satan is already defeated! Augustine even quoted Mark 3:24 as evidence that the promised millennium was already present (i.e., amillennialism).

This verse is often used today as a proof-text for "binding" Satan from Christian meetings. This text cannot function as a precedent for Christians praying against Satan. Believers are never instructed to address Satan. This verse has been turned into a superstitious mantra which is totally out of character with the NT.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:28-30
 ²⁸"Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; ²⁹but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"— ³⁰because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."

3:28 "Truly" This is literally "amen." Jesus' initial use of "truly" is unique. It usually precedes a significant statement.

SPECIAL TOPIC: AMEN

▣ "all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter" This showed the scope of God's grace in Christ. The phrase "the sons of men" is the normal Semitic idiom referring to human beings (cf. Ps. 8:4; Ezek. 2:1).

3:29 "but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit" This must be understood in its pre-Pentecostal historical setting. It was used in the sense of God's truth being rejected. The teaching of this verse has commonly been called "the unpardonable sin." It must be interpreted in light of the following criteria:

1. the distinction in the OT between "intentional" and "unintentional sins," (cf. Num. 15:27-31)

2. the unbelief of Jesus' own family contrasted with the unbelief of the Pharisees in this context

3. the statements of forgiveness in Mark 3:28

4. the differences between the Gospel parallels, particularly the change of "son of man," (cf. Matt. 12:32; Luke 12:10) to "sons of men," (cf. Matt. 12:31; Mark 3:28).

In light of the above, this sin is committed by those who, in the presence of great light and understanding, still reject Jesus as God's means of revelation and salvation. They turn the light of the gospel into the darkness of Satan (cf. Mark 3:30). They reject the Spirit's drawing and conviction (cf. John 6:44,65). The unpardonable sin is not a rejection by God because of some single act or word, but the continual, ongoing rejection of God in Christ by willful unbelief (i.e., the scribes and Pharisees).

This sin can only be committed by those who have been exposed to the gospel. Those who have heard the message about Jesus clearly are the most responsible for its rejection. This is especially true of modern cultures that have continual access to the gospel, but reject Jesus (i.e., America, western culture).

For the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity see Special Topic following.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT

▣ "never has forgiveness" This statement must be interpreted in light of Mark 3:28.

▣ "but is guilty of an eternal sin" This was a willful rejection of the gospel (i.e., the person and works of Jesus) in the presence of great light!

There are many variants related to the phrase "an eternal sin." Some ancient Greek manuscripts

1. changed it to a genitive phrase (i.e., hamartias) – C*, D, W

2. added "judgment" (i.e., kriseōs) – A and C² (cf. KJV)

3. added "torment" (i.e., kolaseōs), minuscule 1234

It was shocking to the early scribes to talk about an "eternal sin."

The UBS⁴ gives "an eternal sin" a B rating (almost certain).

SPECIAL TOPIC: ETERNAL

SPECIAL TOPIC: Exegetical Procedures for Interpreting "The Unpardonable Sin"

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: MARK 3:31-35
 ³¹Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. ³²A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You." ³³Answering them, He said, "Who are My mother and My brothers?" ³⁴Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! ³⁵For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother."

3:31-35 These verses are related to Mark 3:21. There is an obvious contrast between the ignorant, but compassionate, unbelief of Jesus' family (cf. John 7:5) and the willful, hostile unbelief of the religious leaders. Jesus specifically states that God's will is belief in Himself (cf. John 6:40; 14:6).

3:33 "'Who are My mother and My brothers'" This shocking question shows Jesus self-understanding and the radical nature of biblical faith that can only be described in terms of a new birth, a new family. Family life was such an important aspect of Jewish life that to use these family terms for fellow believers is significant. Believers relate to deity as family members; God is Father, Jesus is the unique Son and Savior, but we, too, are children of God.

3:35 "'For whoever does the will of God'" Faith in Christ is God's will for all humans (cf. John 1:12; 3:16; 6:40; 14:6; 1 John 5:12,13). See Special Topic: The Will of God at 1 Pet. 2:15. Notice the inclusive, universal invitation to respond in faith to Jesus and His message.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why is the setting of Luke different from that of Mark? (Mark 3:22-30)

What does Matthew's account add to Mark's?

2. Why did the religious leaders make these charges against Jesus in this chapter? Did they know better?

3. Why does Jesus try to reason with them?

4. What is "the unpardonable sin?"

5. In what context can the unpardonable sin be committed today? Can one know if he/she has committed it?

6. Is this passage on the unpardonable sin related to 1 John 5:16 or Heb. 6 and 10?

7. How is this sin related to salvation? How is this sin related to the unbelief of Jesus' family?

8. Is blasphemy against Jesus forgivable but not against the Holy Spirit? What is the difference (compare Matt. 12:31-32 to Luke 12:10 and Mark 3:28)?

 

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