1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;

17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The withered hand healed.
This man's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, which disabled him from working for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity. Let those be helped that cannot help themselves. But stubborn infidels, when they can say nothing against the truth, yet will not yield. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that, and is grieved. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look upon them shortly, when the day of his wrath comes. The great healing day now is the sabbath, and the healing place the house of prayer; but the healing power is of Christ. The gospel command is like that recorded here: though our hands are withered, yet, if we will not stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed. But if we are healed, Christ, his power and grace, must have all the glory.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Luke 1:76, 77.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He entered again into the synagogue - At Capernaum on the same day. (Matthew 12:9) ; (Luke 6:6) .
McArther Bible Commentary
This conflict episode is the last of the five conflict episodes which began in Mar 2:1 (Mar 2:1-12, Mar 2:13-17, Mar 2:18-22, Mar 2:23-28). As such, it gives a sense of climax to the growing antagonism between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. In this encounter, Jesus gave the Pharisees a living illustration of scriptural Sabbath observance and His sovereign authority over both man and the Sabbath.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:9 Mark 1:21 Mark 1:39 Mark 2:28 Luke 6:6

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The withered hand healed.
This man's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, which disabled him from working for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity. Let those be helped that cannot help themselves. But stubborn infidels, when they can say nothing against the truth, yet will not yield. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that, and is grieved. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look upon them shortly, when the day of his wrath comes. The great healing day now is the sabbath, and the healing place the house of prayer; but the healing power is of Christ. The gospel command is like that recorded here: though our hands are withered, yet, if we will not stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed. But if we are healed, Christ, his power and grace, must have all the glory.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Luke 1:76, 77.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And they - The scribes and Pharisees, watched him, that they might accuse him - Pride, anger, and shame, after being so often put to silence, began now to ripen into malice.
McArther Bible Commentary
accuse. The Pharisees were not open to learning from Jesus, but only looked for an opportunity to charge Him with violating the Sabbath, an accusation they could bring before the Sanhedrin.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:10 Mark 3:3 Luke 6:7 Luke 11:54 Luke 14:1 Luke 20:20 John 8:6

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The withered hand healed.
This man's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, which disabled him from working for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity. Let those be helped that cannot help themselves. But stubborn infidels, when they can say nothing against the truth, yet will not yield. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that, and is grieved. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look upon them shortly, when the day of his wrath comes. The great healing day now is the sabbath, and the healing place the house of prayer; but the healing power is of Christ. The gospel command is like that recorded here: though our hands are withered, yet, if we will not stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed. But if we are healed, Christ, his power and grace, must have all the glory.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Luke 1:76, 77.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:10 Mark 3:2 Mark 3:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The withered hand healed.
This man's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, which disabled him from working for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity. Let those be helped that cannot help themselves. But stubborn infidels, when they can say nothing against the truth, yet will not yield. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that, and is grieved. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look upon them shortly, when the day of his wrath comes. The great healing day now is the sabbath, and the healing place the house of prayer; but the healing power is of Christ. The gospel command is like that recorded here: though our hands are withered, yet, if we will not stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed. But if we are healed, Christ, his power and grace, must have all the glory.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is it lawful to save life or to kill? - Which he knew they were seeking occasion to do. But they held their peace - Being confounded, though not convinced.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jesus countered the Pharisees with a question that elevated the issue at hand from a legal to a moral problem. Is it lawful. By referring to the Mosaic Law, Jesus was forcing the Pharisees to examine their tradition regarding the Sabbath to see if it was consistent with God's OT law. to do good … evil, to save … kill. Christ used a device common in the Middle East-He framed the issue in terms of clear-cut extremes. The obvious implication is that failure to do good or save a life was wrong and not in keeping with God's original intention for the Sabbath (see notes on Mar 2:27; Mat 12:10). But they kept silent. The Pharisees refused to answer Jesus' question, and by their silence implied that their Sabbath views and practices were false.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:3 Mark 3:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The withered hand healed.
This man's case was piteous; he had a withered hand, which disabled him from working for his living; and those that are so, are the most proper objects of charity. Let those be helped that cannot help themselves. But stubborn infidels, when they can say nothing against the truth, yet will not yield. We hear what is said amiss, and see what is done amiss; but Christ looks at the root of bitterness in the heart, the blindness and hardness of that, and is grieved. Let hard-hearted sinners tremble to think of the anger with which he will look upon them shortly, when the day of his wrath comes. The great healing day now is the sabbath, and the healing place the house of prayer; but the healing power is of Christ. The gospel command is like that recorded here: though our hands are withered, yet, if we will not stretch them out, it is our own fault that we are not healed. But if we are healed, Christ, his power and grace, must have all the glory.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Looking round upon them with anger, being grieved - Angry at the sin, grieved at the sinner; the true standard of Christian anger. But who can separate anger at sin from anger at the sinner? None but a true believer in Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
anger. Definite displeasure with human sin reveals a healthy, moral nature. Jesus' reaction was consistent with His divine nature and proved that He is the righteous Son of God. This kind of holy indignation toward sinful attitudes and practices was to be more fully demonstrated when Jesus cleansed the temple (cf. Mar 11:15-18; Mat 21:12-13; Luk 19:45-48). hardness of their hearts. This phrase refers to an inability to understand because of a rebellious attitude (Psa 95:8; Heb 3:8, Heb 3:15). The Pharisees' hearts were becoming more and more obstinate and unresponsive to the truth (cf. Mar 16:14; Rom 9:18).
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:4 Luke 6:10 Ephesians 4:18 Revelation 6:16

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Pharisees going out - Probably leaving the scribes to watch him still: took counsel with the Herodians - as bitter as they usually were against each other.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Pharisees … plotted. They absolutely refused to be persuaded by anything Jesus said and did (cf. Joh 3:19), but were instead determined to kill Him. The Greek word for "plotted" (lit. "counseled together") includes the notion of carrying out a decision already made; the Pharisees were simply discussing how to implement it. Herodians. This secular, political party, which took its name from Herod Antipas and was strong in its support for Rome, opposed the Pharisees on nearly every issue, but were willing to join forces with them because both desperately wanted to destroy Jesus. See note on Mat 22:16.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:14 Matthew 22:16 Mark 12:13 Acts 4:25

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:25 Matthew 12:15 Matthew 12:16 Mark 1:45 Mark 3:20 Mark 4:1 Luke 6:17

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
From Idumea - The natives of which had now professed the Jewish religion above a hundred and fifty years. They about Tyre and Sidon - The Israelites who lived in those coasts.
McArther Bible Commentary
In spite of His conflicts with the Pharisees, Jesus remained very popular with the ordinary people. Mark is the only Gospel writer who, at this point in Jesus' ministry, notesd that the masses came from all parts of Palestine to see and hear Him. Idumea. An area southeast of Judea, mentioned only here in the NT and populated by many Edomites (originally descendants of Esau, see note on Gen 36:43). By this time, it had become mostly Jewish in population and was considered a part of Judea. beyond the Jordan. The region east of the Jordan River, also called Perea, and ruled by Herod Antipas. Its population contained a large number of Jews. Tyre and Sidon. Two Phoenician cities on the Mediterranean coast, north of Galilee. Phoenicia as a whole was often designated by these cities (cf. Jer 47:4; Joe 3:4; Mat 11:21; Act 12:20).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:1 Joshua 15:21 Ezekiel 35:15 Ezekiel 36:5 Matthew 4:25 Matthew 11:21 Luke 6:17

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:39 Mark 4:1 Mark 4:36 Mark 5:2 Mark 6:32 Luke 5:1 Luke 5:3

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Plagues or scourges (so the Greek word properly means) seem to be those very painful or afflictive disorders which were frequently sent, or at least permitted of God, as a scourge or punishment of sin.
McArther Bible Commentary
afflictions. Lit. "a whip, a lash," sometimes translated "plagues," or "scourges." This term metaphorically describes various painful, agonizing physical ailments and illnesses.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:23 Matthew 9:21 Matthew 14:36 Mark 5:29 Mark 5:34 Mark 6:56 Mark 8:22 Luke 5:3 Luke 6:19 Luke 7:21

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
McArther Bible Commentary
unclean spirits. This refers to demons (see note on Mar 1:23; cf. Luk 4:41). whenever they saw Him. The tense of the Greek verb means there were many times when demons looked at Jesus and contemplated the truth of His character and identity. You are the Son of God. Cf. Mar 1:24. The demons unhesitatingly affirmed the uniqueness of Jesus' nature, which Mark saw as clear proof of Jesus' deity.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:3 1 Corinthians 11:34

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people resort to Christ.
All our sicknesses and calamities spring from the anger of God against our sins. Their removal, or the making them blessings to us, was purchased to us by the blood of Christ. But the plagues and diseases of our souls, of our hearts, are chiefly to be dreaded; and He can heal them also by a word. May more and more press to Christ to be healed of these plagues, and to be delivered from the enemies of their souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He charged them not to make him known - It was not the time: nor were they fit preachers.
McArther Bible Commentary
warned … not make Him known. Jesus always rebuked demons for their testimonies about Him. He wanted His teaching and actions, not the impure words of demons, to proclaim who He was (see note on Mar 1:25; cf. Act 16:16-18).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 8:4 Matthew 9:30

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He calleth whom he would - With regard to the eternal states of men, God always acts as just and merciful. But with regard to numberless other things, he seems to us to act as a mere sovereign. (Luke 6:12)
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
called …. those He Himself wanted. The Greek verb called empasizes that Jesus acted in His own sovereign interest when He chose the twelve disciples (cf. Joh 15:16).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:1 Matthew 10:1 Mark 3:14 Mark 6:7 Luke 6:12 Luke 9:1 John 6:3

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 10:2) ; (Luke 6:13) ; (Acts 1:13) .
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
appointed twelve. Christ, by an explicit act of His will, formed a distinct group of twelve men who were among His followers (see note on Mat 10:1). This new group constituted the foundation of His church (cf. Eph 2:20).
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:13 Mark 3:15 Mark 6:30

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
have power. This word for power is sometimes rendered "authority." Along with the main task of preaching, Jesus gave the Twelve the right to expel demons (cf. Luk 9:1).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:24 Mark 3:14 Mark 3:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He surnamed them sons of thunder - Both with respect to the warmth and impetuosity of their spirit, their fervent manner of preaching, and the power of their word.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
A list of the Twelve (see notes on Mat 10:2-4).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:2 Mark 3:15 Mark 3:17 Luke 6:13 Luke 6:14 Acts 1:13

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
Sons of Thunder. Mark defines the Aramaic term "Boanerges" for his Gentile readers. This name for the two brothers probably referred to their intense, outspoken personalities (cf. Mar 9:38; Luk 9:54).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:21 Mark 3:16 Mark 3:18 Luke 9:54

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
Thaddaeus. The only name that is not the same in all the NT lists of the Twelve (cf. Mat 10:2-4; Luk 6:14-16; Act 1:13). Matthew calls him Lebbaeus, with Thaddaeus as a surname (Mat 10:3); Luke and Acts call him "Judas the son of James"; and Joh 14:22 refers to him as "Judas (not Iscariot)." the Cananite. This title does not indicate that this Simon was a native of Cana. Rather, the word is derived from the Aramaic, which means "to be zealous" and was used for those who were zealous for the lLaw. Luke uses the word transliterated from the Greek term that meant "the Zealot" (Luk 6:15; see note on Mat 10:4).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:9 Matthew 10:3 Mark 3:17 Mark 3:19 John 11:16

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And to Simon he gave the name Peter.Though all Christians must be livingstones, of the spiritual temple, yet Christ gave this name peculiarly to Simon, according to the measure of grace which he intended to bestow upon him. This is not inconsistent with the shameful weakness which he manifested in denying his Lord: for this title showed his invincible power and steadiness, which continued till his death. Yet it is absurd in the Papists to infer from this, that the Church is founded on him, as will afterwards be more fully explained,Christ called the sons of Zebedeesons of thunder, because he was to give them a powerful voice, that they mightthunder throughout the whole world.And that thunder is heard, in the present day, from the mouth of John. As to his brother, there can be no doubt that, so long as he lived, he shook the earth. The word has been corrupted: for the full pronunciation would beבני רגש, (Benae-regesh;)but the changes which words undergo in passing into other languages are well known.
McArther Bible Commentary
Iscariot. This Hebrew term means "man of Kerioth," as in Kerioth-Hezron, south of Hebron (Jos 15:25). went into a house. A clearer translation is "went home," which would refer to Jesus' return to Capernaum (cf. Mar 2:1). Verse divisions of the text are also misleading here; the phrase should be included with verse Mar 3:20 and actually start the new paragraph.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:4 Mark 3:18 Mark 3:20 Mark 9:33

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To eat bread - That is, to take any subsistence.
Bible Cross References
Mark 1:45 Mark 2:1 Mark 3:7 Mark 3:19 Mark 6:31 Mark 7:17 Mark 9:28

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostles called.
Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His relations - His mother and his brethren, (Mark 3:31) . But it was some time before they could come near him.
McArther Bible Commentary
His own people. In Greek, this expression was used in various ways to describe someone's friends or close associates. In the strictest sense, it means family, which is probably the best understanding here. lay hold of Him. Mark uses this same term elsewhere to mean the arrest of a person (Mar 6:17; Mar 12:12; Mar 14:1, Mar 3:44, Mar 3:46, Mar 3:51). Jesus' relatives evidently heard the report of verse Mar 3:20 and came to Capernaum to restrain Him from His many activities and bring Him under their care and control, all supposedly for His own good. out of His mind. Jesus' family could only explain His unconventional lifestyle, with its willingness for others always to impose on Him, only by saying He was irrational or had lost His mind.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 9:11 Jeremiah 29:26 Mark 3:31 John 7:3 John 7:5 John 7:10 John 10:20 Acts 26:24 2 Corinthians 5:13

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 12:24-32.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The scribes and Pharisees, (Matthew 12:22) ; who had come down from Jerusalem - Purposely on the devil's errand. And not without success. For the common people now began to drink in the poison, from these learned, good, honourable men! He hath Beelzebub - at command, is in league with him: And by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils - How easily may a man of learning elude the strongest proof of a work of God! How readily can he account for every incident without ever taking God into the question. (Matthew 12:24) ; (Luke 11:15) .
McArther Bible Commentary
scribes. Jewish scholars, also called lawyers, mostly Pharisees who were experts in the law and its application (see note on Mat 2:4). Beelzebub. Satan (see note on Luk 11:15).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 1:2 Matthew 9:34 Matthew 10:25 Matthew 11:18 Matthew 15:1

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
parables. Jesus answered the scribes by making an analogy between well-known facts and the truths He expounded (see note on Mat 13:3).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:10 Matthew 12:25 Matthew 13:3 Mark 3:24 Mark 4:2 Mark 4:11 Mark 12:1 Luke 11:17

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:25 Mark 3:23 Mark 3:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:24 Mark 3:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
has an end. An expression used only in Mark which refers to Satan's ultimate doom as head of the demonic world system. See notes on Rev 20:1-10.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:10 Mark 3:25

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods. One must be stronger than Satan in order to enter his domain ("strong man's house"), bind him (restrain his action), and free ("plunder") people ("his goods") from his control. Only Jesus had such power over the devil. Cf. Rom 16:20; Heb 2:14-15.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 49:24 Isaiah 49:25 Matthew 12:29

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 12:31, 32.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 12:31) ; (Luke 12:10) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Assuredly, I say to you. Mark's first use of this expression, which occurs throughout the Gospels, is used as a formula that always introduces truthful and authoritative words from Jesus (cf. Mar 6:11; Mar 8:12; Mar 9:1, Mar 9:41; Mar 10:15, Mar 10:29; Mar 11:23; Mar 12:43; Mar 13:30; Mar 14:9, Mar 14:18, Mar 14:25, Mar 14:30).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 24:16 Matthew 9:3 Matthew 12:31 Matthew 12:32 Luke 12:10

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 12:31, 32.
McArther Bible Commentary
he who blasphemes … never has forgiveness. When a person deliberately and disrespectfully slanders the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in pointing to the lordship and redemption of Jesus Christ, he forfeits any possibility of forgiveness of sins (see note on Mat 12:31), because he has wholly rejected the only basis of God's salvation.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:3 Mark 3:30 Luke 12:10

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The blasphemy of the scribes.
It was plain that the doctrine of Christ had a direct tendency to break the devil's power; and it was as plain, that casting of him out of the bodies of people, confirmed that doctrine; therefore Satan could not support such a design. Christ gave an awful warning against speaking such dangerous words. It is true the gospel promises, because Christ has purchased, forgiveness for the greatest sins and sinners; but by this sin, they would oppose the gifts of the Holy Ghost after Christ's ascension. Such is the enmity of the heart, that unconverted men pretend believers are doing Satan's work, when sinners are brought to repentance and newness of life.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit - Is it not astonishing, that men who have ever read these words, should doubt, what is the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost? Can any words declare more plainly, that it is "the ascribing those miracles to the power of the devil which Christ wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost?"
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:29 Mark 3:31

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ's relatives.
It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Then come his brethren and his mother - Having at length made their way through the crowd, so as to come to the door. His brethren are here named first, as being first and most earnest in the design of taking him: for neither did these of his brethren believe on him. They sent to him, calling him - They sent one into the house, who called him aloud, by name. (Matthew 12:46) ; (Luke 8:19) .
McArther Bible Commentary
His brothers and His mother. I.e., Jesus' earthly family (see notes on Mar 3:21; Mat 12:46). The narrative that left off at verse Mar 3:21 resumes here.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:46 Mark 3:21 Mark 3:30 Mark 3:32 Luke 8:19

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ's relatives.
It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:31 Mark 3:33

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ's relatives.
It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:32 Mark 3:34

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ's relatives.
It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Looking round on them who sat about him - With the utmost sweetness; He said, Behold my mother and my brethren - In this preference of his true disciples even to the Virgin Mary, considered merely as his mother after the flesh, he not only shows his high and tender affection for them, but seems designedly to guard against those excessive and idolatrous honours, which he foresaw would in after ages be paid to her.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:49 Mark 3:33 Mark 6:6 Hebrews 2:11

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ's relatives.
It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jesus makes a decisive and comprehensive statement on true Christian discipleship. Such discipleship involves a spiritual relationship that transcends the physical family and is open to all who are empowered by the Spirit of God to come to Christ in repentance and faith and enabled to live a life of obedience to God's Word.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 6:6 Hebrews 10:36 1 Peter 4:2 1 John 2:17