Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 1:14-22

"Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they left the nets, and followed him. And going on a little further, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him. And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at his teaching: For he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes." — Mark 1:14-22 (ASV)

Jesus began to preach in Galilee after John was put in prison. If some are laid aside, others will be raised up to carry on the same work. Observe the great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins.

Christ has joined these two together, and let no one think to put them apart. Christ honors those who, though lowly in this world, are diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ calls must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to do so.

Not that we must necessarily go out of the world, but we must hold the world loosely; forsake everything that is against our duty to Christ and that cannot be kept without harm to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the Sabbath day, by applying himself to, and abounding in, the Sabbath work, for which the Sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.