Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 1

Mark

PREFACE

Little is certainly known about Mark, the writer of this gospel. He is commonly supposed to be the same person mentioned several times in the New Testament. He was not an apostle or a companion of the Lord Jesus during his ministry, though some of the Fathers state that he was one of the seventy disciples. This is improbable, as Peter mentions him (1 Peter 5:13) as his son; from this, it is supposed that he was converted through the agency of Peter.

From the New Testament, we learn that he was Barnabas’s nephew (Colossians 4:10) and that his mother’s name was Mary. She was a pious woman in Jerusalem at whose house the apostles and early Christians often assembled (Acts 12:12).

His Hebrew name was John (Acts 12:12), and it is probable that he adopted a name better known or more familiar when he visited the Gentiles, a practice not uncommon in that age. He was at first the companion of Paul and Barnabas in their journeys to spread Christianity (Acts 13:5).

He chose not to accompany them through their whole journey but left them in Pamphylia and probably returned to Jerusalem (Acts 15:38).

It is likely that at this time he was Peter's companion and traveled with him to Babylon (1 Peter 5:13). Afterward, he went with Barnabas to Cyprus (Acts 15:39).

Later, he went to Rome at the express desire of Paul, in company with Timothy (2 Timothy 4:11). He remained at Rome while Paul was a captive there, but how long is uncertain (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24). From Eusebius, Epiphanius, and Jerome, we hear that Mark went from Rome to Alexandria in Egypt, where he planted a church, and died and was buried in the eighth year of the reign of Nero, A.D. 64.

The time when this gospel was written is not certainly known. It is supposed to have been between the years 56 and 63. It is generally agreed that it was written at Rome; therefore, it was during the latter years of his life, after the apostles had left Judea (Mark 16:20).

Mark was, for a considerable time, the companion of Peter. Though he had not himself been with the Saviour in his ministry, yet from his long acquaintance with Peter, he was familiar with the events of his life and with his instructions. The uniform testimony of the Fathers is that he was the interpreter of Peter and that he wrote this Gospel under the eye of Peter and with his approval.

It has come down to us, therefore, with the sanction of Peter’s authority. Its right to a place among the inspired books has never been questioned. It has never been questioned that it was written by Mark, that it was with Peter’s approval, that it was a record of the facts which Peter stated in his ministry, and that it was, therefore, an inspired book.

MARK CHAPTER 1

The beginning of the Gospel. The word gospel literally means good tidings, and particularly the good tidings respecting the way of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some have understood the word gospel here to mean history or life—the beginning of the history, etc. But Mark says nothing of the early life of the Saviour.

It has reference rather to the preaching of John, an account of which immediately follows, and means the beginning of the good news, or announcement, respecting the Messiah. It was very customary thus to prefix a title to a book.

The Son of God. This title was used here to attract attention and secure the respect of those who should read this gospel.

It is no common history. It does not describe the deeds of man—of a hero or philosopher—but the doctrines and actions of THE SON OF GOD. The history, therefore, commands respect.

Verses 2 and 3: As it is written in the prophets. He mentions prophets, here, without specifying which. The passages are found in Malachi 3:1; and in Isaiah 40:3.

Mark here relates concisely what Matthew has recorded, more at length in Matthew 4.

The spirit driveth. The word driveth does not mean that he was compelled forcibly against his will to go there, but that he was inclined to go there by the Spirit, or was led there. The Spirit of God, for important purposes, caused him to go. , where the same word is used in the original: But when the people were put forth— in Greek, all driven out.

And was with the wild beasts. This is added to show the desolation and danger of his dwelling there. In this place, surrounded by such dangers, the temptations offered by Satan were the stronger. Amidst want, and perils, Satan might suppose he would be more easily seduced from God. But he trusted in his Father, and was alike delivered from dangers, from the wild beasts, and from the power of temptation: thus teaching us what to do in the day of danger and trial.

And the angels ministered unto him. From Luke 4:2, we learn that in those days he did eat nothing. When Mark says, therefore, that the angels ministered to him, it means after the days of temptation had expired, as is said by Matthew, Matthew 4:11.

Now after that John, etc. John was imprisoned by Herod (Matthew 14:3).

Jesus came into Galilee. He left Judea and went into the more retired country of Galilee. He supposed that if he remained in Judea, Herod would also persecute him and attempt his life. His time of death had not come; and he therefore prudently sought safety in retirement.

Thus, we may learn that when we have great duties to perform for the church of God, we are not wantonly to endanger our lives. When we can secure them without a sacrifice of principle, we are to do it. (See Matthew 24:16.)

The time is fulfilled. That is, the time for the appearance of the Messiah. The time, so long foretold, has come.

The kingdom of God is at hand. See Barnes on Matthew 3:2.

Repent ye. Exercise sorrow for sins, and turn from them. And believe the Gospel. Literally, trust in the gospel, or believe the good tidings—that is, respecting salvation. See Barnes on Matthew 4:17.

repent ye (Acts 2:38); believe (Romans 16:26).