Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Mark » Chapter 6 » Verse 1-56

Mark 6:1-56 King James Version (KJV)

1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42 And they did all eat, and were filled.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.


Mark 6:1-56 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G2532 he went out G1831 from thence, G1564 and G2532 came G2064 into G1519 his own G846 country; G3968 and G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 follow G190 him. G846

2 And G2532 when the sabbath day G4521 was come, G1096 he began G756 to teach G1321 in G1722 the synagogue: G4864 and G2532 many G4183 hearing G191 him were astonished, G1605 saying, G3004 From whence G4159 hath this G5129 man these things? G5023 and G2532 what G5101 wisdom G4678 is this which is given G1325 unto him, G846 that G3754 even G2532 such G5108 mighty works G1411 are wrought G1096 by G1223 his G846 hands? G5495

3 Is G2076 not G3756 this G3778 the carpenter, G5045 the son G5207 of Mary, G3137 G1161 the brother G80 of James, G2385 and G2532 Joses, G2500 and G2532 of Juda, G2455 and G2532 Simon? G4613 and G2532 are G1526 not G3756 his G846 sisters G79 here G5602 with G4314 us? G2248 And G2532 they were offended G4624 at G1722 him. G846

4 But G1161 Jesus G2424 said G3004 unto them, G846 G3754 A prophet G4396 is G2076 not G3756 without honour, G820 but G1508 in G1722 his own G846 country, G3968 and G2532 among G1722 his own kin, G4773 and G2532 in G1722 his own G846 house. G3614

5 And G2532 he could G3756 G1410 there G1563 do G4160 no G3762 mighty work, G1411 save G1508 that he laid G2007 his hands G5495 upon a few G3641 sick folk, G732 and healed G2323 them.

6 And G2532 he marvelled G2296 because G1223 of their G846 unbelief. G570 And G2532 he went G4013 round about G2945 the villages, G2968 teaching. G1321

7 And G2532 he called G4341 unto him the twelve, G1427 and G2532 began G756 to send G649 them G846 forth G649 by two G1417 and two; G1417 and G2532 gave G1325 them G846 power over G1849 unclean G169 spirits; G4151

8 And G2532 commanded G3853 them G846 that G2443 they should take G142 nothing G3367 for G1519 their journey, G3598 save G1508 a staff G4464 only; G3440 no G3361 scrip, G4082 no G3361 bread, G740 no G3361 money G5475 in G1519 their purse: G2223

9 But G235 be shod G5265 with sandals; G4547 and G2532 not G3361 put on G1746 G1746 two G1417 coats. G5509

10 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 In what place soever G3699 G1437 ye enter G1525 into G1519 an house, G3614 there G1563 abide G3306 till G2193 G302 ye depart G1831 from that place. G1564

11 And G2532 whosoever G3745 G302 shall G1209 not G3361 receive G1209 you, G5209 nor G3366 hear G191 you, G5216 when ye depart G1607 thence, G1564 shake off G1621 the dust G5522 under G5270 your G5216 feet G4228 for G1519 a testimony G3142 against them. G846 Verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 It shall be G2071 more tolerable G414 for Sodom G4670 and G2228 Gomorrha G1116 in G1722 the day G2250 of judgment, G2920 than G2228 for that G1565 city. G4172

12 And G2532 they went out, G1831 and preached G2784 that G2443 men should repent. G3340

13 And G2532 they cast out G1544 many G4183 devils, G1140 and G2532 anointed G218 with oil G1637 many G4183 that were sick, G732 and G2532 healed G2323 them.

14 And G2532 king G935 Herod G2264 heard G191 of him; (for G1063 his G846 name G3686 was G1096 spread abroad:) G5318 and G2532 he said, G3004 That G3754 John G2491 the Baptist G907 was risen G1453 from G1537 the dead, G3498 and G2532 therefore G1223 G5124 mighty works G1411 do shew forth themselves G1754 in G1722 him. G846

15 Others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 Elias. G2243 And G1161 others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 a prophet, G4396 or G2228 as G5613 one of G1520 the prophets. G4396

16 But G1161 when Herod G2264 heard G191 thereof, he said, G2036 It G3778 is G2076 John, G2491 whom G3754 G3739 I G1473 beheaded: G607 he G846 is risen G1453 from G1537 the dead. G3498

17 For G1063 Herod G2264 himself G846 had sent forth G649 and laid hold G2902 upon John, G2491 and G2532 bound G1210 him G846 in G1722 prison G5438 for G1223 Herodias' G2266 sake, G1223 his G846 brother G80 Philip's G5376 wife: G1135 for G3754 he had married G1060 her. G846

18 For G1063 John G2491 had said G3004 unto Herod, G2264 G3754 It is G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for thee G4671 to have G2192 thy G4675 brother's G80 wife. G1135

19 Therefore G1161 Herodias G2266 had a quarrel G1758 against him, G846 and G2532 would G2309 have killed G615 him; G846 but G2532 she could G1410 not: G3756

20 For G1063 Herod G2264 feared G5399 John, G2491 knowing G1492 that he G846 was a just G1342 man G435 and G2532 an holy, G40 and G2532 observed G4933 him; G846 and G2532 when he heard G191 him, G846 he did G4160 many things, G4183 and G2532 heard G191 him G846 gladly. G2234

21 And G2532 when a convenient G2121 day G2250 was come, G1096 that G3753 Herod G2264 on his G846 birthday G1077 made G4160 a supper G1173 to his G846 lords, G3175 G2532 high captains, G5506 and G2532 chief G4413 estates of Galilee; G1056

22 And G2532 when the daughter G2364 of the said G846 Herodias G2266 came in, G1525 and G2532 danced, G3738 and G2532 pleased G700 Herod G2264 and G2532 them that sat with him, G4873 the king G935 said G2036 unto the damsel, G2877 Ask G154 of me G3165 whatsoever G3739 G1437 thou wilt, G2309 and G2532 I will give G1325 it thee. G4671

23 And G2532 he sware G3660 unto her, G846 Whatsoever G3754 G3739 G1437 thou shalt ask G154 of me, G3165 I will give G1325 it thee, G4671 unto G2193 the half G2255 of my G3450 kingdom. G932

24 And G1161 she went forth, G1831 and said G2036 unto her G846 mother, G3384 What G5101 shall I ask? G154 And G1161 she said, G2036 The head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910

25 And G2532 she came in G1525 straightway G2112 with G3326 haste G4710 unto G4314 the king, G935 and asked, G154 saying, G3004 I will G2309 that G2443 thou give G1325 me G3427 by and by G1824 in G1909 a charger G4094 the head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910

26 And G2532 the king G935 was G1096 exceeding sorry; G4036 yet for G1223 his oath's sake, G3727 and G2532 for their sakes which G3588 sat with him, G4873 he would G2309 not G3756 reject G114 her. G846

27 And G2532 immediately G2112 the king G935 sent G649 an executioner, G4688 and commanded G2004 his G846 head G2776 to be brought: G5342 and G1161 he went G565 and beheaded G607 him G846 in G1722 the prison, G5438

28 And G2532 brought G5342 his G846 head G2776 in G1909 a charger, G4094 and G2532 gave G1325 it G846 to the damsel: G2877 and G2532 the damsel G2877 gave G1325 it G846 to her G846 mother. G3384

29 And G2532 when his G846 disciples G3101 heard G191 of it, they came G2064 and G2532 took up G142 his G846 corpse, G4430 and G2532 laid G5087 it G846 in G1722 a tomb. G3419

30 And G2532 the apostles G652 gathered themselves together G4863 unto G4314 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 told G518 him G846 all things, G3956 both G2532 what G3745 they had done, G4160 and G2532 what G3745 they had taught. G1321

31 And G2532 he said G2036 unto them, G846 Come G1205 ye G5210 yourselves G846 apart G2596 G2398 into G1519 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 rest G373 a while: G3641 for G1063 there were G2258 many G4183 coming G2064 and G2532 going, G5217 and G2532 they had no G3761 leisure G2119 so much as G3761 to eat. G5315

32 And G2532 they departed G565 into G1519 a desert G2048 place G5117 by ship G4143 privately. G2596 G2398

33 And G2532 the people G3793 saw G1492 them G846 departing, G5217 and G2532 many G4183 knew G1921 him, G846 and G2532 ran G4936 afoot G3979 thither G1563 out of G575 all G3956 cities, G4172 and G2532 outwent G4281 them, G846 and G2532 came together G4905 unto G4314 him. G846

34 And G2532 Jesus, G2424 when he came out, G1831 saw G1492 much G4183 people, G3793 and G2532 was moved with compassion G4697 toward G1909 them, G846 because G3754 they were G2258 as G5613 sheep G4263 not G3361 having G2192 a shepherd: G4166 and G2532 he began G756 to teach G1321 them G846 many things. G4183

35 And G2532 when the day G5610 was G1096 now G2235 far spent, G4183 his G846 disciples G3101 came G4334 unto him, G846 and said, G3004 G3754 This is G2076 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 now G2235 the time G5610 is far passed: G4183

36 Send G630 them G846 away, G630 that G2443 they may go G565 into G1519 the country G68 round about, G2945 and G2532 into the villages, G2968 and buy G59 themselves G1438 bread: G740 for G1063 they have G2192 nothing G5101 G3756 to eat. G5315

37 He answered G611 and G1161 said G2036 unto them, G846 Give G1325 ye G5210 them G846 to eat. G5315 And G2532 they say G3004 unto him, G846 Shall we go G565 and buy G59 two hundred G1250 pennyworth G1220 of bread, G740 and G2532 give G1325 them G846 to eat? G5315

38 G1161 He saith G3004 unto them, G846 How many G4214 loaves G740 have ye? G2192 go G5217 and G2532 see. G1492 And G2532 when they knew, G1097 they say, G3004 Five, G4002 and G2532 two G1417 fishes. G2486

39 And G2532 he commanded G2004 them G846 to make G347 all G3956 sit down G347 by companies G4849 G4849 upon G1909 the green G5515 grass. G5528

40 And G2532 they sat down G377 in ranks, G4237 G4237 by G303 hundreds, G1540 and G2532 by G303 fifties. G4004

41 And G2532 when he had taken G2983 the five G4002 loaves G740 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes, G2486 he looked up G308 to G1519 heaven, G3772 and blessed, G2127 and G2532 brake G2622 the loaves, G740 and G2532 gave G1325 them to his G846 disciples G3101 to G2443 set before G3908 them; G846 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes G2486 divided he G3307 among them all. G3956

42 And G2532 they did G5315 all G3956 eat, G5315 and G2532 were filled. G5526

43 And G2532 they took up G142 twelve G1427 baskets G2894 full G4134 of the fragments, G2801 and G2532 of G575 the fishes. G2486

44 And G2532 they that did eat G5315 of the loaves G740 were G2258 about G5616 five thousand G4000 men. G435

45 And G2532 straightway G2112 he constrained G315 his G846 disciples G3101 to get G1684 into G1519 the ship, G4143 and G2532 to go G4254 to G1519 the other side G4008 before G4254 unto G4314 Bethsaida, G966 while G2193 he G846 sent away G630 the people. G3793

46 And G2532 when he had sent G657 them G846 away, G657 he departed G565 into G1519 a mountain G3735 to pray. G4336

47 And G2532 when even G3798 was come, G1096 the ship G4143 was G2258 in G1722 the midst G3319 of the sea, G2281 and G2532 he G846 alone G3441 on G1909 the land. G1093

48 And G2532 he saw G1492 them G846 toiling G928 in G1722 rowing; G1643 for G1063 the wind G417 was G2258 contrary G1727 unto them: G846 and G2532 about G4012 the fourth G5067 watch G5438 of the night G3571 he cometh G2064 unto G4314 them, G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 and G2532 would G2309 have passed by G3928 them. G846

49 But G1161 when they saw G1492 him G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 they supposed G1380 it had been G1511 a spirit, G5326 and G2532 cried out: G349

50 For G1063 they all G3956 saw G1492 him, G846 and G2532 were troubled. G5015 And G2532 immediately G2112 he talked G2980 with G3326 them, G846 and G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Be of good cheer: G2293 it is G1510 I; G1473 be G5399 not G3361 afraid. G5399

51 And G2532 he went up G305 unto G4314 them G846 into G1519 the ship; G4143 and G2532 the wind G417 ceased: G2869 and G2532 they were sore G3029 amazed G1839 in G1722 themselves G1438 beyond G1537 measure, G4053 and G2532 wondered. G2296

52 For G1063 they considered G4920 not G3756 the miracle of G1909 the loaves: G740 for G1063 their G846 heart G2588 was G2258 hardened. G4456

53 And G2532 when they had passed over, G1276 they came G2064 into G1909 the land G1093 of Gennesaret, G1082 and G2532 drew to the shore. G4358

54 And G2532 when they G846 were come G1831 out of G1537 the ship, G4143 straightway G2112 they knew G1921 him, G846

55 And ran through G4063 that G1565 whole G3650 region round about, G4066 and began G756 to carry about G4064 in G1909 beds G2895 those that were G2192 sick, G2560 where G3699 they heard G191 he was. G3754 G1563 G2076

56 And G2532 whithersoever G3699 G302 he entered, G1531 into G1519 villages, G2968 or G2228 cities, G4172 or G2228 country, G68 they laid G5087 the sick G770 in G1722 the streets, G58 and G2532 besought G3870 him G846 that G2443 they might touch G680 if G2579 it were but G2579 the border G2899 of his G846 garment: G2440 and G2532 as many G3745 as G302 touched G680 him G846 were made whole. G4982


Mark 6:1-56 American Standard (ASV)

1 And he went out from thence; and he cometh into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

2 And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and `what mean' such mighty works wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

4 And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching.

7 And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

8 and he charged them that they should take nothing for `their' journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, now money in their purse;

9 but `to go' shod with sandals: and, `said he', put not on two coats.

10 And he said unto them, Wheresoever ye enter into a house, there abide till ye depart thence.

11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.

12 And they went out, and preached that `men' should repent.

13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And king Herod heard `thereof'; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.

15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, `It is' a prophet, `even' as one of the prophets.

16 But Herod, when he heard `thereof', said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.

17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.

18 For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

19 And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

27 And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard `thereof', they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught.

31 And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart.

33 And `the people' saw them going, and many knew `them', and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them.

34 And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent;

36 send them away, that they may go into the country and villages round about, and buy themselves somewhat to eat.

37 But he answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred shillings' worth of bread, and give them to eat?

38 And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go `and' see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves; and he gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42 And they all ate, and were filled.

43 And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes.

44 And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men.

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before `him' unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.

46 And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:

49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;

52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.

54 And when they were come out of the boat, straightway `the people' knew him,

55 and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.


Mark 6:1-56 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And he went forth thence, and came to his own country, and his disciples do follow him,

2 and sabbath having come, he began in the synagogue to teach, and many hearing were astonished, saying, `Whence hath this one these things? and what the wisdom that was given to him, that also such mighty works through his hands are done?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?' -- and they were being stumbled at him.

4 And Jesus said to them -- `A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his kindred, and in his own house;'

5 and he was not able there any mighty work to do, except on a few infirm people having put hands he did heal `them';

6 and he wondered because of their unbelief. And he was going round the villages, in a circle, teaching,

7 and he doth call near the twelve, and he began to send them forth two by two, and he was giving them power over the unclean spirits,

8 and he commanded them that they may take nothing for the way, except a staff only -- no scrip, no bread, no brass in the girdle,

9 but having been shod with sandals, and ye may not put on two coats.

10 And he said to them, `Whenever ye may enter into a house, there remain till ye may depart thence,

11 and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.'

12 And having gone forth they were preaching that `men' might reform,

13 and many demons they were casting out, and they were anointing with oil many infirm, and they were healing `them'.

14 And the king Herod heard, (for his name became public,) and he said -- `John the Baptist out of the dead was raised, and because of this the mighty powers are working in him.'

15 Others said -- `It is Elijah,' and others said -- `It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.'

16 And Herod having heard, said -- `He whom I did behead -- John -- this is he; he was raised out of the dead.'

17 For Herod himself, having sent forth, did lay hold on John, and bound him in the prison, because of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he married her,

18 for John said to Herod -- `It is not lawful to thee to have the wife of thy brother;'

19 and Herodias was having a quarrel with him, and was willing to kill him, and was not able,

20 for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

21 And a seasonable day having come, when Herod on his birthday was making a supper to his great men, and to the chiefs of thousands, and to the first men of Galilee,

22 and the daughter of that Herodias having come in, and having danced, and having pleased Herod and those reclining (at meat) with him, the king said to the damsel, `Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give to thee,'

23 and he sware to her -- `Whatever thou mayest ask me, I will give to thee -- unto the half of my kingdom.'

24 And she, having gone forth, said to her mother, `What shall I ask for myself?' and she said, `The head of John the Baptist;'

25 and having come in immediately with haste unto the king, she asked, saying, `I will that thou mayest give me presently, upon a plate, the head of John the Baptist.'

26 And the king -- made very sorrowful -- because of the oaths and of those reclining (at meat) with him, would not put her away,

27 and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought,

28 and he having gone, beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head upon a plate, and did give it to the damsel, and the damsel did give it to her mother;

29 and having heard, his disciples came and took up his corpse, and laid it in the tomb.

30 And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught,

31 and he said to them, `Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity,

32 and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves.

33 And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognised him, and by land from all the cities they ran thither, and went before them, and came together to him,

34 and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things.

35 And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say, -- `The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced,

36 let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.'

37 And he answering said to them, `Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, `Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?'

38 And he saith to them, `How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, `Five, and two fishes.'

39 And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass,

40 and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all,

42 and they did all eat, and were filled,

43 and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes,

44 and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.

45 And immediately he constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before to the other side, unto Bethsaida, till he may let the multitude away,

46 and having taken leave of them, he went away to the mountain to pray.

47 And evening having come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land;

48 and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea, and wished to pass by them.

49 And they having seen him walking on the sea, thought `it' to be an apparition, and cried out,

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled, and immediately he spake with them, and saith to them, `Take courage, I am `he', be not afraid.'

51 And he went up unto them to the boat, and the wind lulled, and greatly out of measure were they amazed in themselves, and were wondering,

52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, for their heart hath been hard.

53 And having passed over, they came upon the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore,

54 and they having come forth out of the boat, immediately having recognised him,

55 having run about through all that region round about, they began upon the couches to carry about those ill, where they were hearing that he is,

56 and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.


Mark 6:1-56 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And he went out thence and came to his own country, and his disciples follow him.

2 And when sabbath was come he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing were amazed, saying, Whence [has] this [man] these things? and what [is] the wisdom that is given to him, and such works of power are done by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

4 But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not despised save in his own country, and among [his] kinsmen, and in his own house.

5 And he could not do any work of power there, save that laying his hands on a few infirm persons he healed [them].

6 And he wondered because of their unbelief. And he went round the villages in a circuit, teaching.

7 And he calls the twelve to [him]; and he began to send them out two [and] two, and gave to them power over the unclean spirits;

8 and he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their belt;

9 but be shod with sandals, and put not on two body-coats.

10 And he said to them, Wheresoever ye shall enter into a house, there remain till ye shall go thence.

11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you nor hear you, departing thence, shake off the dust which is under your feet for a testimony to them.

12 And they went forth and preached that they should repent;

13 and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many infirm, and healed them.

14 And Herod the king heard [of him] (for his name had become public), and said, John the baptist is risen from among [the] dead, and on this account works of power are wrought by him.

15 And others said, It is Elias; and others said, It is a prophet, as one of the prophets.

16 But Herod when he heard [it] said, John whom *I* beheaded, he it is; *he* is risen [from among the dead].

17 For the same Herod had sent and seized John, and had bound him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her.

18 For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have the wife of thy brother.

19 But Herodias kept it [in her mind] against him, and wished to kill him, and could not:

20 for Herod feared John knowing that he was a just and holy man, and kept him safe; and having heard him, did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief [men] of Galilee;

22 and the daughter of the same Herodias having come in, and danced, pleased Herod and those that were with [him] at table; and the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee.

23 And he swore to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask me I will give thee, to half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out, and said to her mother, What should I ask? And she said, The head of John the baptist.

25 And immediately going in with haste to the king, she asked saying, I desire that thou give me directly upon a dish the head of John the baptist.

26 And the king, [while] made very sorry, on account of the oaths and those lying at table with [him] would not break his word with her.

27 And immediately the king, having sent one of the guard, ordered his head to be brought. And he went out and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head upon a dish, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And his disciples having heard [it], came and took up his body, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles are gathered together to Jesus. And they related to him all things, [both] what they had done and what they had taught.

31 And he said to them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they had not leisure even to eat.

32 And they went away apart into a desert place by ship.

33 And many saw them going, and recognised them, and ran together there on foot, out of all the cities, and got [there] before them.

34 And on leaving [the ship] [Jesus] saw a great crowd, and he was moved with compassion for them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

35 And when it was already late in the day, his disciples coming to him say, The place is desert, and it is already late in the day;

36 send them away that they may go into the country and villages around, and buy themselves bread, for they have not anything they can eat.

37 And he answering said to them, Give *ye* them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them to eat?

38 And he says to them, How many loaves have ye? Go [and] see. And when they knew they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he ordered them to make them all sit down by companies on the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave [them] to his disciples that they might set [them] before them. And the two fishes he divided among all.

42 And they all ate and were satisfied.

43 And they took up of fragments the fillings of twelve hand-baskets, and of the fishes.

44 And those that ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

45 And immediately he compelled his disciples to go on board ship, and to go on before to the other side to Bethsaida, while *he* sends the crowd away.

46 And, having dismissed them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

47 And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and *he* alone upon the land.

48 And seeing them labouring in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.

49 But they, seeing him walking on the sea, thought that it was an apparition, and cried out.

50 For all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and says to them, Be of good courage: it is *I*; be not afraid.

51 And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind fell. And they were exceedingly beyond measure astonished in themselves and wondered;

52 for they understood not through the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

53 And having passed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and made the shore.

54 And on their coming out of the ship, immediately recognising him,

55 they ran through that whole country around, and began to carry about those that were ill on couches, where they heard that he was.

56 And wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the market-places, and besought him that they might touch if it were only the hem of his garment; and as many as touched him were healed.


Mark 6:1-56 World English Bible (WEB)

1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him.

2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?

3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" They were offended at him.

4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house."

5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.

6 He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.

7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

8 He charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,

9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics.

10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.

11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.

13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."

15 But others said, "It is Elijah." Others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."

16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, "This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead."

17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.

18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

19 Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn't,

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.

22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

23 He swore to her, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

24 She went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" She said, "The head of John the Baptizer."

25 She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter."

26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn't wish to refuse her.

27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.

29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.

31 He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 They went away in the boat to a desert place by themselves.

33 They{TR reads "The multitudes" instead of "They"} saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him.

34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

35 When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, "This place is deserted, and it is late in the day.

36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."

37 But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." They asked him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii{200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer.} worth of bread, and give them something to eat?"

38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go see." When they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."

39 He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.

40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate, and were filled.

43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.

44 Those who ate the loaves were{TR adds "about"} five thousand men.

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away.

46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land.

48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them,

49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I!{Literally, "I AM!"} Don't be afraid."

51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;

52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.

54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him,

55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was.

56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.


Mark 6:1-56 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And he went away from there, and came into his country; and his disciples went with him.

2 And when the Sabbath day had come, he was teaching in the Synagogue; and a number of people hearing him were surprised, saying, From where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom given to this man, and what are these works of power done by his hands?

3 Is not this the woodworker, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were bitter against him.

4 And Jesus said to them, A prophet is nowhere without honour, but in his country, and among his relations, and in his family.

5 And he was unable to do any work of power there, but only to put his hands on one or two persons who were ill, and make them well.

6 And he was greatly surprised because they had no faith. And he went about the country places teaching.

7 And he gave orders to the twelve, and sent them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

8 And he said that they were to take nothing for their journey, but a stick only; no bread, no bag, no money in their pockets;

9 They were to go with common shoes on their feet, and not to take two coats.

10 And he said to them, Wherever you go into a house, make that your resting-place till you go away.

11 And whatever place will not take you in and will not give ear to you, when you go away, put off the dust from your feet as a witness against them.

12 And they went out, preaching the need for a change of heart in men.

13 And they sent out a number of evil spirits, and put oil on a great number who were ill, and made them well.

14 And king Herod had news of him, because his name was on the lips of all; and he said, John the Baptist has come back from the dead, and for this reason these powers are working in him.

15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even like one of the prophets.

16 But Herod, when he had news of it, said, John, whom I put to death, has come back from the dead.

17 For Herod himself had sent men out to take John and put him in prison, because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had taken for himself.

18 For John said to Herod, It is wrong for you to have your brother's wife.

19 And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;

20 For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.

21 And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

22 And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and did a dance, Herod and those who were at table with him were pleased with her; and the king said to the girl, Make a request for anything and I will give it you.

23 And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out and said to her mother, What is my request to be? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in quickly to the king, and said, My desire is that you give me straight away on a plate the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say 'No' to her.

27 And straight away the king sent out one of his armed men, and gave him an order to come back with the head: and he went and took off John's head in prison,

28 And came back with the head on a plate, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples had news of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in its last resting-place.

30 And the twelve came together to Jesus; and they gave him an account of all the things they had done, and all they had been teaching.

31 And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.

32 And they went away in the boat to a waste place by themselves.

33 And the people saw them going, and a number of them, having knowledge who they were, went running there together on foot from all the towns, and got there before them.

34 And he got out, and saw a great mass of people, and he had pity on them, because they were like sheep without a keeper: and he gave them teaching about a number of things.

35 And at the end of the day, his disciples came to him and said, This place is waste land, and it is late:

36 Send them away, so that they may go into the country and small towns round about, and get some food for themselves.

37 But he said to them in answer, Give them food yourselves. And they said to him, Are we to go and get bread for two hundred pence, and give it to them?

38 And he said to them, How much bread have you? go and see. And when they had seen, they said, Five cakes of bread and two fishes.

39 And he made them all be seated in groups on the green grass.

40 And they were placed in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And he took the five cakes of bread and the two fishes and, looking up to heaven, he said words of blessing over them; and when the cakes were broken, he gave them to the disciples to put before the people; and he made division of the two fishes among them all.

42 And they all took of the food and had enough.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken bits and of the fishes.

44 And those who took of the bread were five thousand men.

45 And straight away he made his disciples get into the boat, and go before him to the other side to Beth-saida, while he himself sent the people away.

46 And after he had sent them away, he went up into a mountain for prayer.

47 And by evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he by himself on the land.

48 And seeing that they had trouble in getting their boat through the water, because the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea; and he would have gone past them;

49 But they, when they saw him walking on the sea, took him for a spirit, and gave a loud cry:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. But straight away he said to them, Take heart, it is I, have no fear.

51 And he went to them into the boat, and the wind went down, and they were full of wonder in themselves;

52 For it was not clear to them about the bread; but their hearts were hard.

53 And when they had gone across, they came to Gennesaret, and got their boat to land.

54 And when they had got out of the boat, the people quickly had news of him,

55 And went running through all the country round about, and took on their beds those who were ill, to where it was said that he was.

56 And wherever he went, into small towns, or great towns, or into the country, they took those who were ill into the market-places, requesting him that they might put their hands even on the edge of his robe: and all those who did so were made well.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Mark 6

Commentary on Mark 6 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 6

A great variety of observable passages we have, in this chapter, concerning our Lord Jesus, the substance of all which we had before in Matthew, but divers circumstances we have, which we did not there meet with. Here is,

  • I. Christ contemned by his countrymen, because he was one of them, and they knew, or thought they knew, his original (v. 1-6).
  • II. The just power he gave his apostles over unclean spirits, and an account given of their negotiation (v. 7-13).
  • III. A strange notion which Herod and others had of Christ, upon which occasion we have the story of the martyrdom of John Baptist (v. 14-29).
  • IV. Christ's retirement into a desert place with his disciples; the crowds that followed him thither to receive instruction from him; and his feeding five thousand of them with five loaves and two fishes (v. 30-44).
  • V. Christ's walking upon the sea to his disciples, and the abundance of cures he wrought on the other side of the water (v. 45-56).

Mar 6:1-6

Here,

  • I. Christ makes a visit to his own country, the place not of his birth, but of his education; that was Nazareth; where his relations were. He had been in danger of his life among them (Lu. 4:29), and yet he came among them again; so strangely doth he wait to be gracious, and seek the salvation of his enemies. Whither he went, though it was into danger, his disciples followed him (v. 1); for they had left all, to follow him whithersoever he went.
  • II. There he preached in their synagogue, on the sabbath day, v. 2. It seems, there was not such flocking to him there as in other places, so that he had no opportunity of preaching till they came together on the sabbath day; and then he expounded a portion of scripture with great clearness. In religious assemblies, on sabbath days, the word of God is to be preached according to Christ's example. We give glory to God by receiving instruction from him.
  • III. They could not but own that which was very honourable concerning him.
    • 1. That he spoke with great wisdom, and that this wisdom was given to him, for they knew he had no learned education.
    • 2. That he did mighty works, did them with his own hands, for the confirming of the doctrine he taught. They acknowledged the two great proofs of the divine original of his gospel-the divine wisdom that appeared in the contrivance of it, and the divine power that was exerted for the ratifying and recommending of it; and yet, though they could not deny the premises, they would not admit the conclusion.
  • IV. They studied to disparage him, and to raise prejudices in the minds of people against him, notwithstanding. All this wisdom, and all these mighty works, shall be of no account, because he had a home-education, had never travelled, nor been at any university, or bred up at the feet of any of their doctors (v. 3); Is not this the Carpenter? In Matthew, they upbraid him with being the carpenter's son, his supposed father Joseph being of that trade. But, it seems, they could say further, Is not this the Carpenter? our Lord Jesus, it is probable, employing himself in that business with his father, before he entered upon his public ministry, at least, sometimes in journey-work.
    • 1. He would thus humble himself, and make himself of no reputation, as one that had taken upon him the form of a servant, and came to minister. Thus low did our Redeemer stoop, when he came to redeem us out of our low estate.
    • 2. He would thus teach us to abhor idleness, and to find ourselves something to do in this world; and rather to take up with mean and laborious employments, and such as no more is to be got by than a bare livelihood, than indulge ourselves in sloth. Nothing is more pernicious for young people than to get a habit of sauntering. The Jews had a good rule for this-that their young men who were designed for scholars, were yet bred up to some trade, as Paul was a tent-maker, that they might have some business to fill up their time with, and, if need were, to get their bread with.
    • 3. He would thus put an honour upon despised mechanics, and encourage those who eat the labour of their hands, though great men look upon them with contempt.
    Another thing they upbraided him with, was, the meanness of his relations; "He is the son of Mary; his brethren and sisters are here with us; we know his family and kindred;' and therefore, though they were astonished at his doctrine (v. 2), yet they were offended at his person (v. 3), were prejudiced against him, and looked upon him with contempt; and for that reason would not receive his doctrine, though ever so well recommended. May we think that if they had not known his pedigree, but he had dropped among them from the clouds, without father, without mother, and without descent, they would have entertained him with any more respect? Truly, no; for in Judea, where this was not know, that was made an objection against him (Jn. 9:29); As for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. Obstinate unbelief will never want excuses.
  • V. Let us see how Christ bore this contempt.
    • 1. He partly excused it, as a common thing, and what might be expected, though not reasonably or justly (v. 4); A prophet is not despised any where but in his own country. Some exceptions there may be to this rule; doubtless many have got over this prejudice, but ordinarily it holds good, that ministers are seldom so acceptable and successful in their own country as among strangers; familiarity in the younger years breeds a contempt, the advancement of one that was an inferior begets envy, and men will hardly set those among the guides of their souls whose fathers they were ready to set with the dogs of their flock; in such a case therefore it must not be thought hard, it is common treatment, it was Christ's, and wisdom is profitable to direct to other soil.
    • 2. He did some good among them, notwithstanding the slights they put upon him, for he is kind even to the evil and unthankful; He laid his hands upon a few sick folks, and healed them. Note, It is generous, and becoming the followers of Christ, to content themselves with the pleasure and satisfaction of doing good, though they be unjustly denied the praise of it.
    • 3. Yet he could there do no such mighty works, at least not so many, as in other places, because of the unbelief that prevailed among the people, by reason of the prejudices which their leaders instilled into them against Christ, v. 5. It is a strange expression, as if unbelief tied the hands of omnipotence itself; he would have done as many miracles there as he had done elsewhere, but he could not, because people would not make application to him, nor sue for his favours; he could have wrought them, but they forfeited the honour of having them wrought for them. Note, By unbelief and contempt of Christ men stop the current of his favours to them, and put a bar in their own door.
    • 4. He marvelled because of their unbelief, v. 6. We never find Christ wondering but at the faith of the Gentiles that were strangers, as the centurion (Mt. 8:10), and the woman of Samaria, and at the unbelief of Jews that were his own countrymen. Note, The unbelief of those that enjoy the means of grace, is a most amazing thing.
    • 5. He went round about the village, teaching. If we cannot do good where we would, we must do it where we can, and be glad if we may have any opportunity, though but in the villages, of serving Christ and souls. Sometimes the gospel of Christ finds better entertainment in the country villages, where there is less wealth, and pomp, and mirth, and subtlety, than in the populous cities.

Mar 6:7-13

Here is,

  • I. The commission given to the twelve apostles, to preach and work miracles; it is the same which we had more largely, Mt. 10. Mark doth not name them here, as Matthew doth, because he had named them before, when they were first called into fellowship with him, ch. 3:16-19. Hitherto they had been conversant with Christ, and had set at his feet, had heard his doctrine, and seen his miracles; and now he determines to make some use of them; they had received, that they might give, had learned, that they might teach; and therefore now he began to send them forth. They must not always be studying in the academy, to get knowledge, but they must preach in the country, to do good with the knowledge they have got. Though they were not as yet so well accomplished as they were to be, yet, according to their present ability and capacity, they must be set to work, and make further improvements afterward. Now observe here,
    • 1. That Christ sent them forth by two and two; this Mark takes notice of. They went two and two to a place, that out of the mouth of two witnesses every word might be established; and that they might be company for one another when they were among strangers, and might strengthen the hands, and encourage the hearts, one of another; might help one another if any thing should be amiss, and keep one another in countenance. Every common soldier has his comrade; and it is an approved maxim, Two are better than one. Christ would thus teach his ministers to associate, and both lend and borrow help.
    • 2. That he gave them power over unclean spirits. He commissioned them to attack the devil's kingdom, and empowered them, as a specimen of their breaking his interest in the souls of men by their doctrine, to cast him out of the bodies of those that were possessed. Dr. Lightfoot suggests, that they cured diseases, and cast out devils, by the Spirit, but preached that only which they had learned from the mouth of Christ.
    • 3. That he commanded them not to take provisions along with them, neither victuals nor money, that they might appear, wherever they came, to be poor men, men not of this world, and therefore might with the better grace call people off from it to another world. When afterward he bid them take purse and scrip (Lu. 22:36), that did not intimate (as Dr. Lightfoot observes) that his care of them was abated from what it had been; but that they should meet with worse times and worse entertainment than they met with at their first mission. In Matthew and Luke they are forbidden to take staves with them, that is, fighting staves; but here in Mark they are bid to take nothing save a staff only, that is, a walking staff, such as pilgrims carried. They must not put on shoes, but sandals only, which were only the soles of shoes tied under their feet, or like pumps, or slippers; they must go in the readiest plainest dress they could, and must not so much as have two coats; for their stay abroad would be short, they must return before winter, and what they wanted, those they preached to would cheerfully accommodate them with.
    • 4. He directed them, whatever city they came to, to make that house their head-quarters, which happened to be their first quarters (v. 10); "There abide, till ye depart from that place. And since ye know ye come on an errand sufficient to make you welcome, have such charity for your friends that first invited you, as to believe they do not think you burthensome.'
    • 5. He pronounces a very heavy doom upon those that rejected the gospel they preached (v. 11); "Whosoever shall not receive you, or will not so much as hear you, depart thence (if one will not, another will), and shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them. Let them know that they have had a fair offer of life and happiness made them, witness that dust; but that, since they have refused it, they cannot expect ever to have another; let them take up with their own dust, for so shall their doom be.' That dust, like the dust of Egypt (Ex. 9:9), shall turn into a plague to them; and their condemnation in the great day, will be more intolerable than that of Sodom: for the angels were sent to Sodom, and were abused there; yet that would not bring on so great a guilt and so great a ruin as the contempt and abuse of the apostles of Christ, who bring with them the offers of gospel grace.
  • II. The apostles' conduct in pursuance of their commission. Though they were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no secular advantage by it, yet, in obedience to their Master's order, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out as Abraham, not knowing whither they went. Observe here,
    • 1. The doctrine they preached; They preached that men should repent (v. 12); that they should change their minds, and reform their lives, in consideration of the near approach of the kingdom of the Messiah. Note, The great design of the gospel preachers, and the great tendency of gospel preaching, should be, to bring people to repentance, to a new heart and a new way. They did not amuse people with curious speculations, but told them that they must repent of their sins, and turn to God.
    • 2. The miracles they wrought. The power Christ gave them over unclean spirits, was not ineffectual, nor did they receive it in vain, but used it, for they cast out many devils (v. 13); and they anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Some think this oil was used medicinally, according to the custom of the Jews; but I rather think it was used as a sign of miraculous healing, by the appointment of Christ, though not mentioned; and it was afterward used by those elders of the church, to whom by the Spirit was given the gift of healing, Jam. 5:14. It is certain here, and therefore probable there, that anointing the sick with oil, is appropriated to that extraordinary power which has long ceased, and therefore that sign must cease with it.

Mar 6:14-29

Here is,

  • I. The wild notions that the people had concerning our Lord Jesus, v. 15. His own countrymen could believe nothing great concerning him, because they knew his poor kindred; but others that were not under the power of that prejudice against him, were yet willing to believe any thing rather than the truth-that he was the Son of God, and the true Messias: they said, He is Elias, whom they expected; or, He is a prophet, one of the Old-Testament prophets raised to life, and returned to this world; or as one of the prophets, a prophet now newly raised up, equal to those under the Old Testament.
  • II. The opinion of Herod concerning him. He heard of his name and fame, of what he said and what he did; and he said, "It is certainly John Baptist, v. 14. As sure as we are here, It is John, whom I beheaded, v. 16. He is risen from the dead; and though while he was with us he did no miracle, yet, having removed for awhile to another world, he is come again with greater power, and now mighty works do show forth themselves in him.'
    Note,
    • 1. Where there is an idle faith, there is commonly a working fancy. The people said, It is a prophet risen from the dead; Herod said, It is John Baptist risen from the dead. It seems by this, that the rising of a prophet from the dead, to do mighty works, was a thing expected, and was thought neither impossible nor improbable, and it was now readily suspected when it was not true; but afterward, when it was true concerning Christ, and a truth undeniably evidenced, yet then it was obstinately gainsaid and denied. Those who most wilfully disbelieve the truth, are commonly most credulous of errors and fancies.
    • 2. They who fight against the cause of God, will find themselves baffled, even when they think themselves conquerors; they cannot gain their point, for the word of the Lord endures for ever. They who rejoiced when the witnesses were slain, fretted as much, when in three or four days they rose again in their successors, Rev. 11:10, 11. The impenitent unreformed sinner, that escapeth the sword of Jehu, shall Elisha slay.
    • 3. A guilty conscience needs no accuser or tormentor but itself. Herod charges himself with the murder of John, which perhaps no one else dare charge him with; I beheaded him; and the terror of it made him imagine that Christ was John risen. He feared John while he lived, and now, when he thought he had got clear of him, fears him ten times worse when he is dead. One might as well be haunted with ghosts and furies, as with the horrors of an accusing conscience; those therefore who would keep an undisturbed peace, must keep an undefiled conscience, Acts 24:16.
    • 4. There may be the terrors of strong conviction, where there is not the truth of a saving conversion. This Herod, who had this notion concerning Christ, afterward sought to kill him (Lu. 13:31), and did set him at nought (Lu. 23:11); so that he will not be persuaded, though it be by one risen from the dead; no, not by a John the Baptist risen from the dead.
  • III. A narrative of Herod's putting John Baptist to death, which is brought in upon this occasion, as it was in Matthew. And here we may observe,
    • 1. The great value and veneration which Herod had some time had for John Baptist, which is related only by this evangelist, v. 20. Here we see what a great way a man may go toward grace and glory, and yet come short of both, and perish eternally.
      • (1.) He feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and a holy. It is possible that a man may have a great reverence for good men, and especially for good ministers, yea, and for that in them that is good, and yet himself be a bad man. Observe,
        • [1.] John was a just man, and a holy; to make a complete good man, both justice and holiness are necessary; holiness toward God, and justice toward men. John was mortified to this world, and so was a good friend both to justice and holiness.
        • [2.] Herod knew this, not only by common fame, but by personal acquaintance with him. Those that have but little justice and holiness themselves, may yet discern it with respect in others. And,
        • [3.] He therefore feared him, he honoured him. Holiness and justice command veneration, and many that are not good themselves, have respect for those that are.
      • (2.) He observed him; he sheltered him from the malice of his enemies (so some understand it); or, rather, he had a regard to his exemplary conversation, and took notice of that in him that was praiseworthy, and commended it in the hearing of those about him; he made it appear that he observed what John said and did.
      • (3.) He heard him preach; which was great condescension, considering how mean John's appearance was. To hear Christ himself preach in our streets will be but a poor plea in the great day, Lu. 13:26.
      • (4.) He did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him. He was not only a hearer of the word, but in part a doer of the work. Some sins which John in his preaching reproved, he forsook, and some duties he bound himself to; but it will not suffice to do many things, unless we have respect to all the commandments.
      • (5.) He heard him gladly. He did not hear him with terror as Felix heard Paul, but heard him with pleasure. There is a flashy joy, which a hypocrite may have in hearing the word; Ezekiel was to his hearers as a lovely song (Eze. 33:32); and the stony ground received the word with joy, Lu. 8:13.
    • 2. John's faithfulness to Herod, in telling him of his faults. Herod had married his brother Philip's wife, v. 17. All the country, no doubt, cried shame on him for it, and reproached him for it; but John reproved him, told him plainly, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. This was Herod's own iniquity, which he could not leave, when he did many things that John taught him; and therefore John tells him of this particularly. Though he were a king, he would not spare him, any more than Elijah did Ahab, when he said, Hast thou killed and also taken possession? Though John had an interest in him, and he might fear this plain-dealing would destroy his interest, yet he reproved him; for faithful are the wounds of a friend (Prov. 27:6); and though there are some swine that will turn again, and rend those that cast pearls before them, yet, ordinarily, he that rebuketh a man (if the person reproved has any thing of the understanding of a man), afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with his tongue, Prov. 28:23. Though it was dangerous to offend Herod, and much more to offend Herodias, yet John would run the hazard rather than be wanting in his duty. Note, Those ministers that would be found faithful in the work of God, must not be afraid of the face of man. If we seek to please men, further than is for their spiritual good, we are not the servants of Christ.
    • 3. The malice which Herodias bore to John for this (v. 19); She had a quarrel with him, and would have killed him; but when she could not obtain that, she got him committed to prison, v. 17. Herod respected him, till he touched him in his Herodias. Many that pretend to honour prophesying, are for smooth things only, and love good preaching, if it keep far enough from their beloved sin; but if that be touched, they cannot bear it. No marvel if the world hate those who testify of it that its works are evil. But it is better that sinners persecute ministers now for their faithfulness, than curse them eternally for their unfaithfulness.
    • 4. The plot laid to take off John's head. I am apt to think that Herod was himself in the plot, notwithstanding his pretences to be displeased and surprised, and that the thing was concerted between him and Herodias; for it is said to be when a convenient day was come (v. 21), fit for such a purpose.
      • (1.) There must be a ball at court, upon the king's birth-day, and a supper prepared for his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee.
      • (2.) To grace the solemnity, the daughter of Herodias must dance publicly, and Herod must take on him to be wonderfully charmed with her dancing; and if he be, they that sit with him cannot but, in compliment to him, be so too.
      • (3.) The king hereupon must make her an extravagant promise, to give her whatever she would ask, even to the half of the kingdom; and yet, that, if rightly understood, would not have reached the end designed, for John Baptist's head was worth more than his whole kingdom. This promise is bound with an oath, that no room might be left to fly off from it; He sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask, I will give. I can scarcely think he would have made such an unlimited promise, but that he knew what she would ask.
      • (4.) She, being instructed by Herodias her mother, asked the head of John Baptist; and she must have it brought her in a charger, as a pretty thing for her to play with (v. 24, 25); and there must be no delay, no time lost, she must have it by and by.
      • (5.) Herod granted it, and the execution was done immediately while the company were together, which we can scarcely think the king would have done, if he had not determined the matter before. But he takes on him,
        • [1.] To be very backward to it, and that he would not for all the world have done it, if he had not been surprised into such a promise; The king was exceeding sorry, that is, he seemed to be so, he said he was so, he looked as if he had been so; but it was all sham and grimace, he was really pleased that he had found a pretence to get John out of the way. Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare-The man who cannot dissemble, knows not how to reign. And yet he was not without sorrow for it; he could not do it but with great regret and reluctancy; natural conscience will not suffer men to sin easily; the very commission of it is vexatious; what then will the reflection upon it be?
        • [2.] He takes on him to be very sensible of the obligation of his oath; whereas if the damsel had asked but a fourth part of his kingdom, I doubt not but he would have found out a way to evade his oath. The promise was rashly made, and could not bind him to do an unrighteous thing. Sinful oaths must be repented of, and therefore not performed; for repentance is the undoing of what we have done amiss, as far as is in our power. When Theodosius the emperor was urged by a suitor with a promise, he answered, I said it, but did not promise it if it be unjust. If we may suppose that Herod knew nothing of the design when he made that rash promise, it is probable that he was hurried into the doing of it by those about him, only to carry on the humour; for he did it for their sakes who sat with him, whose company he was proud of, and therefore would do any thing to gratify them. Thus do princes make themselves slave to those whose respect they covet, and both value and secure themselves by. None of Herod's subjects stood in more awe of him than he did of his lords, high captains, and chief estates. The king sent an executioner, a soldier of his guard. Bloody tyrants have executioners ready to obey their most cruel and unrighteous decrees. Thus Saul has a Doeg at hand, to fall upon the priests of the Lord, when his own footmen declined it.
    • 5. The effect of this is,
      • (1.) That Herod's wicked court is all in triumph, because this prophet tormented them; the head is made a present of to the damsel, and by her to her mother, v. 28.
      • (2.) That John Baptist's sacred college is all in tears; the disciples of John little thought of this; but, when they heard of it, they came, and took up the neglected corpse, and laid it in a tomb; where Herod, if he had pleased, might have found it, when he frightened himself with the fancy that John Baptist was risen from the dead.

Mar 6:30-44

In there verses, we have,

  • I. The return to Christ of the apostles whom he had sent forth (v. 7), to preach, and work miracles. They had dispersed themselves into several quarters of the country for some time, but when they had made good their several appointments, by consent they gathered themselves together, to compare notes, and came to Jesus, the centre of their unity, to give him an account of what they had done pursuant to their commission: as the servant that was sent to invite to the feast, and had received answers from the guests, came, and showed his Lord all those things, so did the apostles here; they told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. Ministers are accountable both for what they do, and for what they teach; and must both watch over their own souls, and watch for the souls of others, as those that must give account, Heb. 13:17. Let them not either do any thing, or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be related and repeated to the Lord Jesus. It is a comfort to faithful ministers, when they can appeal to Christ concerning their doctrine and manner of life, both which perhaps have been misrepresented by men; and he gives them leave to be free with him, and to lay open their case before him, to tell him all things, what treatment they have met with, what success, and what disappointment.
  • II. The tender care Christ took for their repose, after the fatigue they had (v. 31); He said unto them, perceiving them to be almost spent, and out of breath, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile. It should seem that John's disciples came to Christ with the mournful tidings of their master's death, much about the same time that his own disciples came to him with the report of their negotiation. Note, Christ takes cognizance of the frights of some, and the toils of others, of his disciples, and provides suitable relief for both, rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. With what kindness and compassion doth Christ say to them, Come, and rest! Note, The most active servants of Christ cannot be always upon the stretch of business, but have bodies that require some relaxation, some breathing-time; we shall not be able to serve God without ceasing, day and night, till we come to heaven, where they never rest from praising him, Rev. 4:8. And the Lord is for the body, considers its frame, and not only allows it time for rest, but puts it in mind of resting. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers. Return to thy rest. And those that work diligently and faithfully, may cheerfully retire to rest. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet. But observe,
    • 1. Christ calls them to come themselves apart; for, if they had any body with them, they would have something to say, or something to do, for their good; if they must rest, they must be alone.
    • 2. He invites them not to some pleasant country-seat, where there were fine buildings and fine gardens, but into a desert place, where the accommodations were very poor, and which was fitted by nature only, and not by art, for quietness and rest. But it was of a piece with all the other circumstances he was in; no wonder that he who had but a ship for his preaching place, had but a desert for his resting place.
    • 3. He calls them only to rest awhile; they must not expect to rest long, only to get breath, and then to go to work again. There is no remaining rest for the people of God till they come to heaven.
    • 4. The reason given for this, is, not so much because they had been in constant work, but because they now were in a constant hurry; so that they had not their work in any order; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Let but proper time be set, and kept for every thing, and a great deal of work may be done with a great deal of ease; but if people be continually coming and going, and no rule or method be observed, a little work will not be done without a deal of trouble.
    • 5. They withdrew, accordingly, by ship; not crossing the water, but making a coasting voyage to the desert of Bethsaida, v. 32. Going by water was much less toilsome than going by land would have been. They went away privately, that they might be by themselves. The most public persons cannot but wish to be private sometimes.
  • III. The diligence of the people to follow him. It was rude to do so, when he and his disciples were desirous, for such good reason, to retire; and yet they are not blamed for it, nor bid to go back, but bid welcome. Note, A failure in good manners will easily be excused in those who follow Christ, if it be but made up in a fulness of good affections. They followed him of their own accord, without being called upon. Here is no time set, no meeting appointed, no bell tolled; yet they thus fly like a cloud, and as the doves to their windows. They followed him out of the cities, quitted their houses and shops, their callings and affairs, to hear him preach. They followed him afoot, though he was gone by sea, and so, to try them, seemed to put a slight upon them, and to endeavour to shake them off; yet they stuck to him. They ran afoot, and made such haste, that they out-went the disciples, and came together to him with an appetite to the word of God. Nay they followed him, though it was into a desert place, despicable and inconvenient. The presence of Christ will turn a wilderness into a paradise.
  • IV. The entertainment Christ gave them (v. 34); When he saw much people, instead of being moved with displeasure, because they disturbed him when he desired to be private, as many a man, many a good man, would have been, he was moved with compassion toward them, and looked upon them with concern, because they were as sheep having no shepherd, they seemed to be well-inclined, and manageable as sheep, and willing to be taught, but they had no shepherd, none to lead and guide them in the right way, none to feed them with good doctrine: and therefore, in compassion to them, he not only healed their sick, as it is in Matthew, but he taught them many things, and we may be sure that they were all true and good, and fit for them to learn.
  • V. The provision he made for them all; all his hearers he generously made his guests, and treated them at a splendid entertainment: so it might truly be called, because a miraculous one.
    • 1. The disciples moved that they should be sent home. When the day was not far spent, and night drew on, they said, This is a desert place, and much time is now past; send them away to buy bread, v. 35, 36. This the disciples suggested to Christ; but we do not find that the multitude themselves did. They did not say, Send us away (though they could not but be hungry), for they esteemed the words of Christ's mouth more than their necessary food, and forgot themselves when they were hearing him; but the disciples thought it would be a kindness to them to dismiss them. Note, Willing minds will do more, and hold out longer, in that which is good, than one would expect from them.
    • 2. Christ ordered that they should all be fed (v. 37); Give ye them to eat. Though their crowding after him and his disciples hindered them from eating (v. 31), yet he would not therefore, to be even with them, send them away fasting, but, to teach us to be kind to those who are rude to us, he ordered provision to be made for them; that bread which Christ and his disciples took with them into the desert, that they might make a quiet meal of it for themselves, he will have them to partake of. Thus was he given to hospitality. They attended on the spiritual food of his word, and then he took care that they should not want corporal food. The way of duty, as it is the way of safety, so it is the way to supply. Let God alone to fill the pools with rain from heaven, and so to make a well even in the valley of Baca, for those that are going Zion-ward, from strength to strength, Ps. 84:6, 7. Providence, not tempted, but duly trusted, never yet failed any of God's faithful servants, but has refreshed many with seasonable and surprising relief. It has often been seen in the mount of the Lord, Jehovah-jireh, that the Lord will provide for those that wait on him.
    • 3. The disciples objected against it as impracticable; Shall we go, and buy two hundred penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat? Thus, through the weakness of their faith, instead of waiting for directions from Christ, they perplex the cause with projects of their own. It was a question, whether they had two hundred pence with them, whether the country would of a sudden afford so much bread if they had, and whether that would suffice so great a company; but thus Moses objected (Num. 11:22), Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them? Christ would let them see their folly in forecasting for themselves, that they might put the greater value upon his provision for them.
    • 4. Christ effected it, to universal satisfaction. They had brought with them five loaves, for the victualling of their ship, and two fishes perhaps they caught as they came along; and that is the bill of fare. This was but a little for Christ and his disciples, and yet this they must give away, as the widow her two mites, and as the church of Macedonia's deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. We often find Christ entertained at other people's tables, dining with one friend, and supping with another: but here we have him supping a great many at his own charge, which shows that, when others ministered to him of their substance, it was not because he could not supply himself otherwise (if he was hungry, he needed not tell them); but it was a piece of humiliation, that he was pleased to submit to, nor was it agreeable to the intention of miracles, that he should work them for himself. Observe,
      • (1.) The provision was ordinary. Here were no rarities, no varieties, though Christ, if he had pleased, could have furnished his table with them; but thus he would teach us to be content with food convenient for us, and not to be desirous of dainties. If we have for necessity, it is no matter though we have not for delicacy and curiosity. God, in love, gives meat for our hunger; but, in wrath, gives meat for our lusts, Ps. 78:18. The promise to them that fear the Lord, is, that verily they shall be fed; he doth not say, They shall be feasted. If Christ and his disciples took up with mean things, surely we may.
      • (2.) The guests were orderly; for they sat down by companies on the green grass (v. 39), they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties (v. 40), that the provision might the more easily and regularly be distributed among them; for God is the God of order, and not of confusion. Thus care was taken that every one should have enough, and none be over-looked, nor any have more than was fitting.
      • (3.) A blessing was craved upon the meat; He looked up to heaven, and blessed. Christ did not call one of his disciples to crave a blessing, but did it himself (v. 41); and by virtue of this blessing the bread strangely multiplied, and so did the fishes, for they did all eat, and were filled, though they were to the number of five thousand, v. 42, 44. This miracle was significant, and shows that Christ came into the world, to be the great feeder as well as the great healer; not only to restore, but to preserve and nourish, spiritual life; and in him there is enough for all that come to him, enough to fill the soul, to fill the treasures; none are sent empty away from Christ, but those that come to him full of themselves.
      • (4.) Care was taken of the fragments that remained, with which they filled twelve baskets. Though Christ had bread enough at command, he would hereby teach us, not to make waste of any of God's good creatures; remembering how many there are that do want, and that we know not but we may some time or other want such fragments as we throw away.

Mar 6:45-56

This passage of story we had Mt. 14:22, etc., only what was there related concerning Peter, is omitted here. Here we have,

  • I. The dispersing of the assembly; Christ constrained his disciples to go before by ship to Bethsaida, intending to follow them, as they supposed, by land. The people were loth to scatter, so that it cost him some time and pains to send them away. For now that they had got a good supper, they were in no haste to leave him. But as long as we are here in this world, we have no continuing city, no not in communion with Christ. The everlasting feast is reserved for the future state.
  • II. Christ departed into a mountain, to pray. Observe,
    • 1. He prayed; though he had so much preaching-work upon his hands, yet he was much in prayer; he prayed often, and prayed long, which is an encouragement to us to depend upon the intercession he is making for us at the right hand of the Father, that continual intercession.
    • 2. He went alone, to pray; though he needed not to retire for the avoiding either of distraction or of ostentation, yet, to set us an example, and to encourage us in our secret addresses to God, he prayed alone, and, for want of a closet, went up into a mountain, to pray. A good man is never less alone than when alone with God.
  • III. The disciples were in distress at sea; The wind was contrary (v. 48), so that they toiled in rowing, and could not get forward. This was a specimen of the hardships they were to expect, when hereafter he should send them abroad to preach the gospel; it would be like sending them to sea at this time with the wind in their teeth: they must expect to toil in rowing, they must work hard to strive against so strong a stream; they must likewise expect to be tossed with waves, to be persecuted by their enemies; and by exposing them now he intended to train them up for such difficulties, that they might learn to endure hardness. The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted we may have Christ for us, and yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them.
  • IV. Christ made them a kind visit upon the water. He could have checked the winds, where he was, or have sent an angel to their relief; but he chose to help them in the most endearing manner possible, and therefore came to them himself.
    • 1. He did not come till the fourth watch of the night, not till after three o'clock in the morning; but then he came. Note, If Christ's visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably. Though the salvation tarry, yet we must wait for it; at the end it shall speak, in the fourth watch of the night, and not lie.
    • 2. He came, walking upon the waters. The sea was now tossed with waves, and yet Christ came, walking upon it; for though the floods lift up their voice, the Lord on high is mightier, Ps. 93:3, 4. No difficulties can obstruct Christ's gracious appearances for his people, when the set time is come. He will either find, or force, a way through the most tempestuous sea, for their deliverance, Ps. 42:7, 8.
    • 3. He would have passed by them, that is, he set his face and steered his course, as if he would have gone further, and took no notice of them; this he did, to awaken them to call to him. Note, Providence, when it is acting designedly and directly for the succour of God's people, yet sometimes seems as if it were giving them the go-by, and regarded not their case. They thought that he would, but we may be sure that he would not, have passed by them.
    • 4. They were frightened at the sight of him, supposing him to have been an apparition; They all saw him, and were troubled (v. 50), thinking it had been some daemon, or evil genius, that haunted them, and raised this storm. We often perplex and frighten ourselves with phantasms, the creatures of our own fancy and imagination.
    • 5. He encouraged them, and silenced their fears, by making himself known to them; he talked familiarly with them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. Note,
      • (1.) We know not Christ till he is pleased to reveal himself to us. "It is I; I your Master, I your friend, I your Redeemer and Saviour. It is I, that came to a troublesome earth, and now to a tempestuous sea, to look after you.'
      • (2.) The knowledge of Christ, as he is in himself, and near to us, is enough to make the disciples of Christ cheerful even in a storm, and no longer fearful. If it be so, why am I thus? If it is Christ that is with thee, be of good cheer, be not afraid. Our fears are soon satisfied, if our mistakes be but rectified, especially our mistakes concerning Christ. See Gen. 21:19; 2 Ki. 6:15-17. Christ's presence with us in a stormy day, is enough to make us of good cheer, though clouds and darkness be round about us. He said, It is I. He doth not tell them who he was (there was no occasion), they knew his voice, as the sheep know the voice of their own shepherd, Jn. 10:4. How readily doth the spouse say, once and again, It is the voice of my beloved! Cant. 2:8; 5:2. He said, egoµ eimi-I am he; or I am; it is God's name, when he comes to deliver Israel, Ex. 3:14. So it is Christ's, now that he comes to deliver his disciples. When Christ said to those that came to apprehend him by force, I am he, they were struck down by it, Jn. 18:6. When he saith to those that come to apprehend him by faith, I am he, they are raised up by it, and comforted.
    • 6. He went up to them into the ship, embarked in the same bottom with them, and so made them perfectly easy. Let them but have their Master with them, and all is well. And as soon as he was come into the ship, the wind ceased. In the former storm that they were in, it is said, He arose, and rebuked the winds, and said to the sea, Peace, be still (ch. 4:39); but here we read of no such formal command given, only the wind ceased all of a sudden. note, Our Lord Jesus will be sure to do his own work always effectually, though not always alike solemnly, and with observation. Though we hear not the command given, yet, if thus the wind cease, and we have the comfort of a calm, say, It is because Christ is in the ship, and his decree is gone forth or ever we are aware, Cant. 6:12. When we come with Christ to heaven, the wind ceaseth presently; there are no storms in the upper region.
    • 7. They were more surprised and astonished at this miracle than did become them, and there was that at the bottom of their astonishment, which was really culpable; They were sore amazed in themselves, were in a perfect ecstasy; as if it were a new and unaccountable thing, as if Christ had never done the like before, and they had no reason to expect he should do it now; they ought to admire the power of Christ, and to be confirmed hereby in their belief of his being the Son of God: but why all this confusion about it? It was because they considered not the miracle of the loaves; had they given that its due weight, they would not have been so much surprised at this; for his multiplying the bread was as great an instance of his power as his walking on the water. They were strangely stupid and unthinking, and their heart was hardened, or else they would not have thought it a thing incredible that Christ should command a calm. It is for want of a right understanding of Christ's former works, that we are transported at the thought of his present works, as if there never were the like before.
  • V. When they came to the land of Gennesaret, which lay between Bethsaida and Capernaum, the people bid them very welcome; The men of that place presently knew Jesus (v. 54), and knew what mighty works he did wherever he came, what a universal Healer he was; they knew likewise that he used to stay but a little while at a place, and therefore they were concerned to improve the opportunity of this kind visit which he made them; They ran through that whole region round about, with all possible expedition, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, and not able to go themselves; there was no danger of their getting cold when they hoped to get a cure, v. 55. Let him go where he would, he was crowded with patients-in towns, in the cities, in the villages about the cities; they laid the sick in the streets, to be in his way, and begged leave for them to touch if it were but the border of his garment, as the woman with the bloody issue did, by whom, it should seem, this method of application was first brought in; and as many as touched, were made whole. We do not find that they were desirous to be taught by him, only to be healed. If ministers could not cure people's bodily diseases, what multitudes would attend them! But it is sad to think how much more concerned the most of men are about their bodies than about their souls.