Church Fathers Commentary Mark 6:53-56

"And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. And when they were come out of the boat, straightway [the people] knew him, and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 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 6:53-56 (ASV)

Glossa Ordinaria: The Evangelist, having shown the danger the disciples had sustained in their passage and their deliverance from it, now shows the place to which they sailed, saying, And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

Theophylact of Ohrid: The Lord remained at the place mentioned above for some time. Therefore, the Evangelist adds, And when they had come out of the ship, straightway they knew Him—that is, the inhabitants of the country knew Him.

The Venerable Bede: They knew Him by report, not by His features; or perhaps, through the greatness of His miracles, His physical appearance was also known to some. Notice also how great the faith of the people of Gennesaret was, for they were not content with healing only those who were present, but sent to the surrounding towns so that everyone might hurry to the Physician.

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

Theophylact of Ohrid: For they did not call Him to their houses to heal them; rather, the sick themselves were brought to Him.

Therefore, it also follows: And whithersoever He entered into villages, or cities, or country...

The miracle that had been worked for the woman with an issue of blood had reached the ears of many and created in them the great faith by which they were healed.

The passage continues: And as many as touched Him were made whole.

In a mystical sense, you should understand the hem of His garment to mean the slightest of His commandments, for whoever transgresses it shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19).

Alternatively, understand the hem to represent His assumption of our flesh, by which we have approached the Word of God and will, in the end, enjoy His majesty.

Pseudo-Jerome: Furthermore, what is said, And as many as touched Him were made whole, will be fulfilled when grief and mourning flee away.