John Calvin Commentary Mark 12:34

"And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question." — Mark 12:34 (ASV)

But when Jesus saw. Whether this scribe made any further progress is uncertain; but as he had shown himself to be teachable, Christ reaches out His hand to him. By His example, He teaches us that we should assist those in whom there is any beginning of teachableness or of right understanding.

There appear to have been two reasons why Christ declared that this scribe was not far from the kingdom of God: first, because he was easily persuaded to do his duty, and second, because he skillfully distinguished the outward worship of God from necessary duties.

Christ's declaration that he was near the kingdom of God was not so much intended to praise him as to exhort him. Through this scribe, Christ encourages us all, after having once entered the right path, to proceed with all the greater cheerfulness.

By these words, we are also taught that many, while they are still held and involved in error, advance with closed eyes toward the road. In this manner, they are prepared to run in the Lord's course when the time arrives.

And after that, no one ventured to ask him a question. The assertion of the Evangelists that the mouths of adversaries were stopped, so that they did not venture any more to lay snares for Christ, must not be understood as if they desisted from their wicked obstinacy. For they groaned inwardly, like wild beasts confined in their dens, or, like unruly horses, they bit the bridle.

But the more hardened their obstinacy and the more incorrigible their rebellion, all the more illustrious was Christ’s triumph over both. This victory, which He obtained, should greatly encourage us never to become dispirited in the defense of the truth, being assured of success.

Indeed, it will often happen that enemies will molest and insult us until the end, but God will eventually ensure that their fury recoils on their own heads, and that, in spite of their efforts, truth will be victorious.