Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 6:5-6

"And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching." — Mark 6:5-6 (ASV)

(5–6a) Verse 5 is a bold statement in that it refers to something Jesus could not do. He did, of course, have the power to do miracles in Nazareth. His inability was related to the moral situation. In the climate of unbelief he chose not to exercise his miraculous power. One of the great emphases of Mark’s gospel is that Jesus performs his miracles in response to faith. Jesus expressed amazement at their lack of faith. Apparently he did not expect such a response from his own townspeople.

(6b) Verse 6b probably belongs with vv.7–13. As a result of the village ministry, Jesus decided to send out the Twelve, presumably to increase his own ministry through them.