\id MRK - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Mark 
\toc3 Mk. 
\toc2 Mark 
\toc1 The Gospel According to Mark 
\mt2 The Gospel According to  
\mt1 MARK  
\c 1  
\m
\v 1 \w A|strong="G5547"\w* beginning\f + \fr 1:1 \ft There is no definite article with ‘beginning’; and of course the other three Gospels have different ‘beginnings’.\f* \w of|strong="G2098"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2098"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, Son \w of|strong="G2098"\w* \w God|strong="G3588"\w*!\f + \fr 1:1 \ft There is no definite article with ‘Son’, which in this case emphasizes the inherent quality of the noun.\f*   
\ms1 John the Baptizer  
\p
\v 2 \w As|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2531"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Around 3.3% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Isaiah the prophet’ instead of ‘the prophets’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The 96.7% are correct.\f*  
\q1 —“Take note, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* sending \w my|strong="G3708"\w* messenger \w ahead|strong="G4253"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,  
\q2 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2680"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:2 \ft See Malachi 3:1.\f*   
\q1
\v 3 “\w A|strong="G1722"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* calling \w out|strong="G5456"\w*:  
\q2 ‘\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*,  
\q2 \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w paths|strong="G5147"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 1:3 \ft See Isaiah 40:3. My rendering follows that of the translation of the Jewish Publication Society, which reflects normal Hebrew parallelism.\f*—   
\m
\v 4 \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* baptizing \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*\f + \fr 1:4 \ft He was ‘preparing the way of the Lord’, and doing so in the wilderness.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G2532"\w* sins.\f + \fr 1:4 \ft There are those who squirm at the plain meaning of the Text—John was offering forgiveness of sins. Well, throughout the Old Testament, if you brought an animal offering you were confessing to being a sinner, and expecting to be forgiven. As forerunner to the Lamb of God, who would provide the ultimate payment for sin, John represented a transition, from the old to the new.\f*  
\v 5 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w Judean|strong="G2449"\w* \w countryside|strong="G5561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Jerusalemites started \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w* \w River|strong="G4215"\w*, \w confessing|strong="G1843"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sins.   
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w clothed|strong="G1746"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w*'s \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w leather|strong="G1193"\w* \w belt|strong="G2223"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w waist|strong="G3751"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* locusts \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wild|strong="G2532"\w* \w honey|strong="G3192"\w*.\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Honey is an excellent food; his locusts were probably considerably larger than our grasshoppers.\f*  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w*: “\w After|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* Superior \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w sandal|strong="G5266"\w* strap \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stoop|strong="G2955"\w* \w down|strong="G2955"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* loosen.  
\v 8 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w* baptized \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* baptize \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:8 \ft There is no definite article with Holy Spirit, so I take it that we should consider the phrase as a proper name. Two baptisms are here contrasted: 1) John the agent with water as the vehicle; 2) Jesus the agent with the Holy Spirit as the vehicle. A baptism where the Holy Spirit is the agent is distinct from these. But how and when does Jesus baptize us with the Holy Spirit? He does so from His position at the Father's right hand, when we believe into Him. From then on the Spirit indwells us, and is closely associated with our ‘new man’.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus is baptized  
\p
\v 9 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* Natsareth \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w coming|strong="G2597"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w*\f + \fr 1:10 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘out of’ instead of ‘from’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w torn|strong="G4977"\w* open \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w dove|strong="G4058"\w*, \w descending|strong="G2597"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \bd \+w Voice|strong="G5456"\+w*\bd* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*: “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beloved, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*!”\f + \fr 1:11 \ft Here we have the three persons of the Godhead clearly represented: the Father by the Voice, the Holy Spirit by the dove, and Jesus was the Son. This was doubtless an important affirmation for Jesus.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus is tested  
\p
\v 12 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w impelled|strong="G1544"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*.  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w tested|strong="G3985"\w*\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Our ‘test’ and ‘tempt’ are translations of a single Greek word, the context determining the choice. To tempt is to test in the area of morals. In this context I consider that ‘tempt’ is too limited, but it is included in the wider meaning of ‘test’. Note that the Spirit impelled Him, which means that this was a necessary part of the Plan. The three specific tests recorded by Matthew and Luke presumably happened near the end of the forty days.\f* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wild|strong="G2342"\w* animals;\f + \fr 1:13 \ft The Creator had nothing to fear from the animals.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angels \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w ministering|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 1:13 \ft The parallel passage in Matthew 4:11 gives the impression that the angels waited until the devil left. In that event, Jesus bested Satan without angelic help.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus ministers in Galilee  
\p
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G3860"\w*,\f + \fr 1:14 \ft This was probably around a year after His baptism, during the second half of 27 AD.\f* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom\f + \fr 1:14 \ft Some 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘of the Kingdom’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,  
\v 15 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w*. \w Repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:15 \ft John, His herald, is in prison—his ministry and function have ended. So Jesus takes up John's message and continues with it.\f*   
\s1 Peter, Andrew, James, John  
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* walking \w beside|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew \w his|strong="G1722"\w* brother, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*,\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Some 90% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘his brother, of Simon’—presumably a reference to their father. If Peter was the eldest son, he would have been named for his father.\f* casting \w a|strong="G2532"\w* circular net onto \w the|strong="G1722"\w* water,\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Fishing with a circular net is very common here in Brazil. You have to throw it with a circular motion so it spreads out and lands on the water as a full circle. The lead weights around the edges then start sinking and hopefully some fish will be caught in the middle.\f* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* fishermen.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w follow|strong="G1205"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* turn \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w into|strong="G1096"\w* fishers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:17 \ft They had already spent time with Jesus—at the wedding in Cana, in Judea, in Samaria—so their reaction is not surprising.\f*  
\v 18 \w At|strong="G3588"\w* once \w they|strong="G2532"\w* left \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*\f + \fr 1:18 \ft They had an assortment. They probably also had hired men (verse 20), so their equipment would be cared for.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G3641"\w* ways \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* brother \w John|strong="G2491"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w mending|strong="G2675"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*.  
\v 20 \w Right|strong="G2117"\w* \w away|strong="G3326"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hired|strong="G3411"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w followed|strong="G3694"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 A demonized man  
\p
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*.\f + \fr 1:21 \ft By this time Jesus had been rejected in Natsareth (Luke 4:16-30) and had moved to Capernaum, which became His base of operations (Luke 4:31-32).\f* \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1519"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w*.  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*.\f + \fr 1:22 \ft Presumably the scribes would cite ‘authorities’ for more than one position, and leave the conclusion up in the air—but not Jesus.\f*   
\p
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 24 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “Hey, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* want \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* Natsarene?!\f + \fr 1:24 \ft The name of the town in Hebrew is based on the consonants נצר (\+it resh, tsadde, nun\+it*), but since Hebrew is read from right to left, for us the order is reversed = n, ts, r. This word root means ‘branch’. Greek has the equivalent for ‘ps’ and ‘ks’, but not for ‘ts’, so the transliteration used a ζ (\+it zeta\+it*) ‘dz’, which is the voiced counterpart of ‘ts’. But when the Greek was transliterated into English it came out as ‘z’! But Hebrew has a ‘z’, ז (\+it zayin\+it*), so in transliterating back into Hebrew people assumed the consonants נזר, replacing the correct \+it tsadde\+it* with \+it zayin\+it*. Neither ‘Nazareth’ nor ‘Nazarene’, spelled with a \+it zayin\+it*, is to be found in the Old Testament, but there is a prophetic reference to Messiah as the Branch, \+it netser\+it*—Isaiah 11:1—and several to the related word, \+it tsemach\+it*—Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15; Zechariah 3:8, 6:12. So Matthew (2:23) is quite right—the prophets (plural, being at least three) referred to Christ as the Branch. Since Jesus was a man, He would be the ‘Branch-man’, from ‘Branch-town’. Which brings us to the word ‘Natsorean’. The familiar ‘Nazarene’ (Ναζαρηνος) [Natsarene] occurs in Mark 1:24, 14:67, 16:6 and Luke 4:34, but in Matthew 2:23 and in fourteen other places, including Acts 22:8 where the glorified Jesus calls \+nd Himself\+nd* that, the word is ‘Natsorean’ (Ναζωραιος), which is quite different. I have been given to understand that the Natsareth of Jesus' day had been founded some 100 years before by a Branch family, who called it Branch town; they were very much aware of the prophecies about the Branch and fully expected the Messiah to be born from among them—they called themselves Branch-people (Natsoreans). Of course everyone else thought it was a big joke and tended to look down on them. “Can anything good…?”\f* \w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w us|strong="G3004"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w*—\w the|strong="G2532"\w* Holy \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “Shut \w up|strong="G1537"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 1:25 \ft The demon had no business piping up, and he did so without due respect, so the Lord did not waste any kind words on him. Since the speaker said ‘us’, there may have been more than one.\f*  
\v 26 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, convulsing \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w crying|strong="G5455"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*, \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 1:26 \ft Demons like to put on a show; personally, I like to deprive them of that ‘pleasure’ by forbidding any manifestation at the outset.\f*  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* astounded, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w questioned|strong="G4802"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*? \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1322"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*?\f + \fr 1:27 \ft Instead of ‘what can this new doctrine be’, perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘a new doctrine’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* \w Because|strong="G4314"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w commands|strong="G2004"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* fame \w spread|strong="G1831"\w* directly \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* area \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.   
\s1 Peter's mother-in-law  
\p
\v 29 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* exiting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*'s \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w lying|strong="G2621"\w* \w down|strong="G2621"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fever|strong="G4445"\w*,\f + \fr 1:30 \ft The parallel passage in Luke 4:37 specifies that it was a high fever—she was burning. The case mentioned in Matthew 8:14-15 is probably different, happening some time later.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* delay \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* grasping \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w lifted|strong="G1453"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*; immediately \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fever|strong="G4446"\w* left \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 1:31 \ft A high fever usually leaves a person weak, even after it passes, so we really have a double miracle here: Jesus dismissed the fever, but also reversed its effect.\f*   
\s1 Many healings  
\p
\v 32 \w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w set|strong="G1096"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w bringing|strong="G5342"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* demonized.  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* much \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w gathered|strong="G1996"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w*,  
\v 34 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w various|strong="G4164"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* allow \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* Messiah.\f + \fr 1:34 \ft I here follow some 40% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission; most versions omit “He was Messiah”.\f*   
\s1 Alone to pray  
\p
\v 35 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G3029"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w*, \w still|strong="G3029"\w* night, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1831"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, slipped \w out|strong="G1831"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w off|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w solitary|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w where|strong="G5117"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hunted \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 37 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* upon \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G3956"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Let|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* neighboring \w towns|strong="G2969"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w preach|strong="G2784"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*; \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:38 \ft I here follow some 40% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission; most versions have ‘come forth’, presumably referring to why He had slipped out of town (which doesn't make very good sense).\f*   
\p
\v 39 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* constantly \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.\f + \fr 1:39 \ft Was Galilee infested with demons? Beginning with Abraham, God declared a special interest in that area, so it is predictable that Satan would also devote special attention to it.\f*   
\ms1 The hinge—proof, evaluation, rejection, blasphemy  
\s1 A leper—the proof  
\p
\v 40 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w leper|strong="G3015"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w*, \w imploring|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w*, \w kneeling|strong="G2532"\w* \w before|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w*, \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w cleanse|strong="G2511"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 41 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w moved|strong="G4697"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w stretched|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 1:41 \ft Wow! In those days, no one would touch a leper, because of contamination. Notice that Jesus agreed with the leper: “I want to; be cleansed!” Beautiful!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w*; \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*!”  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leprosy|strong="G3014"\w* left \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*.  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G1544"\w* \w at|strong="G2532"\w* once, \w sternly|strong="G1690"\w* warning \w him|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 44 \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w See|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w*; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*, \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w offer|strong="G4374"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansing|strong="G2512"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:44 \ft This would be the first case the priest had ever had of evaluating a cleansed leper, because only the Messiah could cure leprosy. By instructing the cleansed leper in this way, Jesus was serving notice to the priests that the Messiah had come.\f*  
\v 45 \w However|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w freely|strong="G2532"\w*, spreading \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w news|strong="G3056"\w*,\f + \fr 1:45 \ft But he did go to the priest, which resulted in the following evaluation—Luke makes this point clearly in his parallel account. That said, however, I can sympathize with that leper—he had good reason to sound off! But it did increase the pressure on Jesus.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w openly|strong="G5320"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w remained|strong="G1510"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w places|strong="G5117"\w*; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w*.\f + \fr 1:45 \ft There were an awful lot of sick people who all of a sudden had hope.\f*   
\c 2  
\s1 A paralytic—the evaluation  
\m
\v 1 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* later, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w home|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Without|strong="G2532"\w* delay \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w room|strong="G5562"\w*, \w not|strong="G3366"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w around|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* \w men|strong="G5064"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w carrying|strong="G5342"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* near \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* removed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roof|strong="G4721"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*;\f + \fr 2:4 \ft The roof was presumably flat, with an outside staircase leading up to it. I suppose damaging someone else's roof could be considered a crime, but they were determined. If Jesus was in His own house, there would be no problem.\f* \w upon|strong="G1510"\w* breaking \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* lowered \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pallet|strong="G2895"\w* \w on|strong="G2895"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w lying|strong="G2621"\w*.  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w*, “\w Son|strong="G5043"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w are|strong="G3588"\w* forgiven \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”   
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*:  
\v 7 “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* guy \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* blasphemies \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*? \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* forgive sins \w but|strong="G1487"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w alone|strong="G1520"\w*?”  
\v 8 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w perceived|strong="G1921"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*\f + \fr 2:8 \ft Time and again the Inspired Record will point out that Jesus could read people's thoughts.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*?  
\v 9 \w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w*:\f + \fr 2:9 \ft I suppose the point to be that the first is easier to \ft \+bd say\+bd*, because no one can see whether it happened or not. But if you tell a paralytic to get up and he doesn't, you get egg on the face. The Lord did it that way to help them believe that He could really forgive sin. There was nothing wrong with the scribes' inference; indeed only God can forgive sin, so in fact Jesus was claiming to be God!\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w*, ‘\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* forgiven’, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, pick \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w pallet|strong="G2895"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* start \w walking|strong="G4043"\w*!’?  
\v 10 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*\f + \fr 2:10 \ft That is what the Text says, “the Son of the Man”, which appears to be a phrase coined by the Lord Jesus to refer to Himself. The phrase does not make very good sense in English, at first glance, but if “\+nd the\+nd* man” refers to pristine Adam and “\+nd the\+nd* son” to an only pristine descendant, it makes great sense. It seems to indicate a perfect human prototype, like Adam was before the fall—the human side of the God-man.\f* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* forgive sins”—\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w*:  
\v 11 “\w To|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, pick \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w pallet|strong="G2895"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*!”  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w forthwith|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, picked \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w pallet|strong="G2895"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*; \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1839"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \it anything\it* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 2:12 \ft Quite right; they never had!\f*   
\s1 Matthew called  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3855"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w*,\f + \fr 2:14 \ft Presumably this happened as He headed out toward the sea.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Levi|strong="G3018"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alphaeus \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5058"\w* office, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Follow \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w reclining|strong="G2621"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w table|strong="G4873"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*,\f + \fr 2:15 \ft Matthew's—he evidently put on a big dinner and invited all his associates.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners\f + \fr 2:15 \ft ‘Tax collectors and sinners’ seems to have been almost a frozen idiom. A Jew who collected taxes for Rome was viewed as a traitor and held in very low esteem.\f* \w joined|strong="G1096"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w table|strong="G4873"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w followed|strong="G1096"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners, \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners?”  
\v 17 \w Upon|strong="G2424"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w healthy|strong="G2480"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* doctor, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*. \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* sinners \w to|strong="G2532"\w* repentance.”\f + \fr 2:17 \ft Perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘to repentance’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*   
\s1 Fasting  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*'s \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w fasting|strong="G3522"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*'s \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*?”  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Can|strong="G1410"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* groomsmen \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*? \w As|strong="G3745"\w* \w long|strong="G5550"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w themselves|strong="G3326"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*.  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.\f + \fr 2:20 \ft Some 15% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘day’ instead of ‘days’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.), but presumably the fasting would take place on more than one day.\f*   
\s1 Cloth and wineskins  
\p
\v 21 “\w Further|strong="G1909"\w*, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w sews|strong="G1976"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w patch|strong="G1915"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* unshrunk \w cloth|strong="G4470"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*, \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w else|strong="G3361"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* tears away \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w* hole \w results|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* puts \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* wineskins, \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w else|strong="G3361"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* bursts \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wineskins, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* spills \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* skins \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* ruined; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* wineskins.”\f + \fr 2:22 \ft There is no way of renewing an old wineskin. Whenever a church becomes an ‘old wineskin’, any introduction of new wine will always cause a split. Anyone who wants to obey the Holy Spirit will probably not be welcome in such a church. To be with Jesus it is often necessary to go ‘outside the camp’ (Hebrews 13:13).\f*   
\s1 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath\f + \fr 2:23 \ft Between verses 22 and 23 all of John chapter 5 takes place—that chapter revolves around the second Passover of His public ministry, in 28 \ft \+sc ad\+sc* A year and a half have passed since His baptism.\f*  
\p
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w passing|strong="G3899"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w* \w fields|strong="G4702"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w path|strong="G3598"\w*, \w picking|strong="G5089"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heads|strong="G4719"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w*.  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G3708"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w permitted|strong="G1832"\w*?”  
\v 25 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Did|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* read \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*?  
\v 26 \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* (\w making|strong="G2532"\w* Abiathar \w high|strong="G2532"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w*)\f + \fr 2:26 \ft My rendering is rather different than the ‘in the days of Abiathar the high priest’ of the AV. We are translating three Greek words that very literally would be ‘upon Abiathar high priest’. As a direct result of David's visit, Abiathar became high priest. For a complete discussion please see the Appendix: Abiathar is not Ahimelech.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w consecrated|strong="G4286"\w* bread, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w only|strong="G1487"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w permitted|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* shared \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*?”  
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.\f + \fr 2:27 \ft This is a crucial point. The Pharisees, etc., had turned the Sabbath into an instrument of domination that they used to impose their authority on the people.\f*  
\v 28 \w Therefore|strong="G5620"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.”\f + \fr 2:28 \ft The Lord of the Sabbath can change the rules, or even retire it! Jesus' claim was totally unacceptable to the Pharisees; He was depriving them of their favorite instrument.\f*   
\c 3  
\s1 A Sabbath healing—the rejection  
\m
\v 1 \w Another|strong="G3825"\w* time \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w withered|strong="G3583"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w watched|strong="G3906"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w closely|strong="G3906"\w*, \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w withered|strong="G3584"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, “\w Come|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w*!”  
\v 4 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w evil|strong="G2554"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill?” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* remained \w silent|strong="G4623"\w*.  
\v 5 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w looking|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w anger|strong="G3709"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w grieved|strong="G4818"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hardness|strong="G4457"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*,\f + \fr 3:5 \ft They had no compassion, no \ft \+it agape\+it*; their only concern was to preserve their system, their position and authority.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G2588"\w*, “\w Stretch|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stretched|strong="G1614"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* restored \w as|strong="G2532"\w* healthy \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w*!\f + \fr 3:5 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘as healthy as the other’, as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 6 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herodians|strong="G2265"\w*\f + \fr 3:6 \ft Pharisees and Herodians were political opponents, so this was a strange alliance; evidently they perceived Jesus as a common enemy; such a serious enemy that He needed destroying.\f* started hatching \w a|strong="G2532"\w* plot \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w how|strong="G3704"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 Healings by the sea  
\p
\v 7 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w withdrew|strong="G2424"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*,  
\v 8 \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Idumea|strong="G2401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*; \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*. \w A|strong="G2532"\w* huge \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sorts \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*.  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w small|strong="G4142"\w* \w boat|strong="G4142"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w ready|strong="G4342"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w press|strong="G3793"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G4342"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G1063"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w afflictions|strong="G3148"\w* \w were|strong="G2192"\w* pushing toward \w Him|strong="G2443"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* touch \w Him|strong="G2443"\w*.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*—\w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w saw|strong="G2334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G4363"\w* \w down|strong="G4363"\w* \w before|strong="G4363"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cry|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w giving|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G4160"\w* \w strict|strong="G4183"\w* \w orders|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w Him|strong="G4160"\w* \w known|strong="G5318"\w*.\f + \fr 3:12 \ft I wonder why the demons felt compelled to proclaim who Jesus was, evidently. I would say that He generally has the opposite problem with us!\f*   
\s1 The Twelve chosen  
\p
\v 13 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w appointed|strong="G4160"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*,\f + \fr 3:14 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, add ‘whom He also named apostles’, presumably imported from Luke 6:13, to be followed by NIV, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* send \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w preach|strong="G2784"\w*  
\v 15 —\w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* heal sicknesses \w and|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 3:15 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘to heal diseases and’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*:  
\v 16 namely \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* (\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*);  
\v 17 \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* (\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \it Boanerges\it*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, ‘\w Sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w thunder|strong="G1027"\w*’);  
\v 18 Andrew, Phillip, Bartholomew, \w Matthew|strong="G3156"\w*, \w Thomas|strong="G2381"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alphaeus, \w Thaddaeus|strong="G2280"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Cananite;  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3739"\w*.   
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*;\f + \fr 3:20 \ft This may well have been His own house in Capernaum. If He were in someone else's house, the hosts could have protected Him so He could at least eat.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4905"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G5620"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* bread.  
\v 21 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G2902"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* family \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* apprehend \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G2532"\w*!”\f + \fr 3:21 \ft Go down to verse 31 for more about this.\f*   
\s1 Scribes blaspheme the Holy Spirit  
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w come|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*\f + \fr 3:22 \ft They had come all the way to Galilee, just to combat Jesus.\f* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* Beelzebul,”\f + \fr 3:22 \ft All Greek manuscripts have ‘Beelzebul’, rather than the familiar ‘Beelzebub’, that is a carryover from the Latin.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w casts|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*?  
\v 24 \w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* kingdom \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*.  
\v 25 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w household|strong="G3614"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w household|strong="G3614"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*.  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w risen|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2476"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G2192"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w finished|strong="G5056"\w*.  
\v 27 \w No|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w plunder|strong="G1283"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w*'s \w goods|strong="G4632"\w*,\f + \fr 3:27 \ft Since the definite article occurs with ‘strong man’ the first time the phrase occurs, the entity has already been introduced, so the reference is to Satan. Here is a biblical basis for binding Satan, which is now possible because of Christ's victory. Hebrews 2:14 informs us that Jehovah the Son took on human form to destroy the devil, while 1 John 3:8 affirms that He was manifested to undo the works of the devil. But in John 20:21 the resurrected Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you”, and not long after that He returned to the Father. He defeated Satan alright, but it is up to us to ‘undo the works’.\f* invading \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w binds|strong="G1210"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w*—\w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w plunder|strong="G1283"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.   
\p
\v 28 “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven, \w including|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* blasphemies \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* utter;  
\v 29 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* blasphemes \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* forgiveness, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w subject|strong="G1777"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* eternal condemnation”\f + \fr 3:29 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read ‘sin’ instead of ‘condemnation’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 30 —\w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G2192"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:30 \ft Those scribes committed the unpardonable sin. They said that the Holy Spirit was Satan; that His work was Satan's. Are there not those in our day who have done the same thing?\f*   
\ms1 Jesus goes on the offensive  
\s1 New relationships  
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w standing|strong="G4739"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w calling|strong="G2564"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 32 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* sisters\f + \fr 3:32 \ft The reference to ‘sisters’ makes clear that the ‘brothers’ were indeed Mary's sons. Some 30% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘and your sisters’ (as in TR, AV and NKJV).\f* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w asking|strong="G3004"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 33 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brothers?”  
\v 34 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w at|strong="G4012"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w seated|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* circle \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Behold|strong="G2396"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* brothers!  
\v 35 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brother, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* sister, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:35 \ft The claims of Christ's Kingdom are more important than the claims of one's family. Of course, if a true disciple's family does not share his commitment, they are not going to like it.\f*   
\c 4  
\s1 Many parables  
\m
\v 1 \w Once|strong="G3825"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w beside|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w*, \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* water, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*, \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* water's edge.  
\v 2 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*:   
\s2 Parable of the soils  
\p
\v 3 “\w Listen|strong="G2400"\w*! Yes, \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w sower|strong="G4687"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G3708"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w seed|strong="G4098"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w path|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w*\f + \fr 4:4 \ft The AV and NKJV add ‘of the air’, following the TR and perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts.\f* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w devoured|strong="G2719"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Some|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rocky|strong="G4075"\w* area \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w soil|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w sprang|strong="G1816"\w* \w up|strong="G1816"\w* \w quickly|strong="G2112"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* depth \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w soil|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w scorched|strong="G2739"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w withered|strong="G3583"\w* \w up|strong="G3583"\w*.  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns grew \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* smothered \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w yielded|strong="G1325"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* coming \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* growing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w produce|strong="G2590"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*—yielding \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* times \w as|strong="G1519"\w* much, \w sixty|strong="G1835"\w* times \w as|strong="G1519"\w* much, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* times \w as|strong="G1519"\w* much.”  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* hear!”   
\s2 The why of parables  
\p
\v 10 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*,\f + \fr 4:10 \ft Evidently there were some regular followers beyond the twelve. In fact, later on He would send out seventy, two by two (Luke 10:1).\f* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*.  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w*, \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*,  
\v 12 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w Seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3708"\w*;  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* hear, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*;  
\q1 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w return|strong="G1994"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w them|strong="G3708"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:12 \ft See Isaiah 6:9-10. Jesus only started using parables after He had been rejected by the religious leaders. As Jesus clearly states, He started using parables so the people would \+nd not\+nd* understand. (Any claim that Jesus was a ‘great teacher’ based on His use of parables is just hot air.) If parables are not to be understood, then no doctrine should ever be based on one—but if the Lord interpreted it, the interpretation may be used. Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “their sins” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s2 ‘The soils’ explained  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w understand|strong="G1097"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*? \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w understand|strong="G1097"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*?  
\v 14 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w sower|strong="G4687"\w* \w sows|strong="G4687"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 15 \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ones \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w path|strong="G3598"\w*: \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w soon|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* takes away \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* hearts.\f + \fr 4:15 \ft This statement is really a continuation of that given in Mark 3:27. The Lord Jesus declares that it is impossible to steal Satan's goods unless we bind him first. (From His use of “no one” it seems clear that the Lord is enunciating a general principle or truth.) And what might the nature of those ‘goods’ be? In the context (see Matthew 12:22-24) Jesus had delivered someone from a demon that caused blindness and dumbness, and in their comments the scribes and Pharisees include other instances where Jesus had expelled demons—it seems clear that the ‘goods’ are people who are subject to Satan's power, in one way or another. Thus we have the same essential truth as that declared in Acts 26:18—we have to do something about Satan's power over a person so that he or she can be saved! But what does Satan do to people that makes it necessary to “bind” him? 
\fp We find the answer in 2 Corinthians 4:4. Let us begin with verse 3: “If our gospel is veiled it is veiled to them who are perishing, in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine in them.” The Text clearly states that Satan, ‘the god of this world’, is in the business of blinding the minds of unbelievers when they hear the Gospel, so they will not understand, so they will not be convicted, so they will not repent and convert. This is a terrible truth, the most terrible truth in the world, at least as I see it. The enemy has access to our minds, access in the sense that he has the power or ability to invade them, whether by introducing thoughts or by jamming our reasoning. The Lord Jesus declared this truth when He explained the parable of the sower. “These are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown; but, as soon as they hear it Satan comes and takes away the Word that was planted in their hearts” (Mark 4:15). In the parallel passage in Luke 8:12 Jesus adds the following words: “lest they believe and be saved”. Note that the Word is already in the mind or heart of the person, but then Satan comes, invades the mind and “takes away” that Word. I am not sure just how this intrusion by the enemy works, perhaps he causes a mental block of some sort, but the practical effect is that the Word becomes ineffective, as if the person had not even heard it. Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, read ‘them’, instead of ‘their hearts’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 16 \w Similarly|strong="G3668"\w*, \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rocky|strong="G4075"\w* area: \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*,  
\v 17 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w since|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w temporary|strong="G4340"\w*—\w when|strong="G2532"\w* oppression \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w persecution|strong="G1375"\w* \w comes|strong="G1096"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w quickly|strong="G1722"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w*.\f + \fr 4:17 \ft Note that with both the stones and the thorns, the seed did germinate; there was life.\f*  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns: \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*,  
\v 19 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w worries|strong="G3308"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* age, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* deceitfulness \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w wealth|strong="G4149"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* undue \w desires|strong="G1939"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w other|strong="G3062"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* smother \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* unfruitful.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*: \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* hear \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*, welcome \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* produce \w fruit|strong="G2592"\w*—\w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* times \w as|strong="G1722"\w* much, \w sixty|strong="G1835"\w* times \w as|strong="G1722"\w* much, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* times \w as|strong="G1722"\w* much.”   
\s2 The candlestick  
\p
\v 21 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w brought|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* box\f + \fr 4:21 \ft The reference is to a peck measure, whether a box or a basket (or a basin).\f* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w bed|strong="G2825"\w*, \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*? \w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w its|strong="G5259"\w* stand?  
\v 22 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* ‘\w hidden|strong="G2927"\w*’ \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* exposed, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* concealed \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w light|strong="G5318"\w*.  
\v 23 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G5100"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G2192"\w* him hear!”  
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*: “Pay attention \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w*. \w With|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* use \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w measured|strong="G3354"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* return; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w*,\f + \fr 4:24 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘to you who hear’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. The phrase is relevant to verse 25.\f* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w added|strong="G4369"\w*.  
\v 25 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*; \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:25 \ft To stand still spiritually is not an available option. Either we grow, or we lose. Spiritual growth is like riding up an incline on a bicycle with no brakes—if you stop pedaling, you go backwards. ‘The same measure’ includes effort; ‘hearing’ implies doing something about it.\f*   
\s2 Spontaneous growth  
\p
\v 26 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w if|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w man|strong="G2316"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* scatter \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seed|strong="G4703"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*  
\v 27 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G1492"\w* \w sleep|strong="G2518"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seed|strong="G4703"\w* \w should|strong="G1492"\w* sprout \w and|strong="G2532"\w* grow, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* himself \w does|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w*.  
\v 28 \w All|strong="G1722"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* itself \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w produces|strong="G2592"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2592"\w*: \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* shoot, \w then|strong="G1534"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G4719"\w* \w of|strong="G1093"\w* \w grain|strong="G4621"\w*, \w then|strong="G1534"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w grain|strong="G4621"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G4719"\w*.  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w grain|strong="G2590"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* ready, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sends \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sickle|strong="G1407"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w come|strong="G3936"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:29 \ft We do not have to understand how God works; we just have to do our part, and the harvest will come.\f*   
\s2 The mustard seed  
\p
\v 30 \w Again|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w sort|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* illustrate \w it|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 31 \w It|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w mustard|strong="G4615"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w smallest|strong="G3398"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w seeds|strong="G4690"\w*,\f + \fr 4:31 \ft The rendering ‘the smallest seed in the world/earth’ is unfortunate and misleading. The Text has ‘of those on the ground’, repeating the phrase above it, only eliding the verb. The Lord was not making a global botanical statement, as the next verse makes clear—He was referring to vegetables planted in a garden in His day and in that area, and of such herbs mustard had the smallest seed. To object that tobacco and orchid seeds are smaller is beside the point.\f*  
\v 32 \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w grows|strong="G4160"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* \w larger|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w garden|strong="G3001"\w* \w herbs|strong="G3001"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w produces|strong="G4160"\w* \w big|strong="G3173"\w* \w branches|strong="G2798"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G2681"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w shade|strong="G4639"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:32 \ft The verb I have rendered ‘to rest’ is a compound form. The noun root refers to a temporary shelter, like a tent or a hut. The verbal form means to make use of such a shelter. Here the preposition κατα is prefixed to the verb, emphasizing, as I suppose, the temporariness. The Text says that the birds can use the \+nd shade\+nd*, not the branches. But shade moves with the sun, and with the wind—how can you build a nest in something that keeps moving around (the Text actually says ‘under its shade’)?\f*   
\p
\v 33 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w apart|strong="G5565"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*, \w however|strong="G1161"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G2980"\w* explain \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.   
\s1 A supernatural tempest  
\p
\v 35 \w On|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G1565"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G1330"\w* \w across|strong="G4008"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*.”  
\v 36 \w Since|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* already \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*,\f + \fr 4:36 \ft Going back to 4:1, He was already in the boat. I would say that the explanations recorded in 4:10-20 actually happened later.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* off \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w behind|strong="G3326"\w* (\w other|strong="G1722"\w* little \w boats|strong="G4143"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*).\f + \fr 4:36 \ft I do not know why Mark mentions the other boats—maybe some of the crowd had come in them. In any case, they evidently did not follow Him across the lake (they may have been dangerously small to attempt it).\f*  
\v 37 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w strong|strong="G3173"\w* cyclonic wind \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w such|strong="G5620"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w waves|strong="G2949"\w* \w beat|strong="G1911"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w filling|strong="G1072"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* poop deck, \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cushion|strong="G4344"\w*;\f + \fr 4:38 \ft In keeping with the size of the boat, the poop deck was probably just big enough for someone to lie down on it. Jesus was not down in the boat or He would already be covered with water. He was so worn out that not even the storm aroused Him—they probably had to shake Him.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* awakened \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w care|strong="G3199"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* perishing?”\f + \fr 4:38 \ft There were professional fishermen in that boat, who had seen no end of storms on that lake, but this one was unusual. Satan saw where Jesus was heading and did not want to lose his prize victim, so he made a valiant effort to stop Him.\f*  
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* awakened, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, “Shut \w up|strong="G1326"\w*; \w be|strong="G1096"\w* muzzled!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind \w stopped|strong="G2869"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* complete \w calm|strong="G1055"\w*.\f + \fr 4:39 \ft Jesus performed a double miracle here. First, He made the wind stop short. But once water is agitated, it takes a while to calm down, even if the cause is gone, so second, He smoothed out the water immediately.\f*  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w afraid|strong="G1169"\w*? \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*?”\f + \fr 4:40 \ft Jesus is evidently saying that they should not have been afraid, and that they themselves could have solved the problem—if they had the faith. I imagine that the Lord would say something similar to us, when we fail to respond appropriately to difficult circumstances that take us by surprise.\f*  
\v 41 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w terrified|strong="G5399"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!?”\f + \fr 4:41 \ft Well really, what were the options?—human being, angelic being (good or bad), God. Who can turn water into wine, cleanse lepers, raise dead, feed 5,000 with five loaves, etc.?\f*   
\c 5  
\s1 The ‘legion’  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Gadarenes.\f + \fr 5:1 \ft A very small handful (0.3%; 5 mss out of some 1,700) of objectively inferior Greek manuscripts have ‘Gerasenes’ instead of ‘Gadarenes’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Gadara being the Roman capital of the province of Perara, located some six miles from the Sea of Galilee, ‘the region of the Gadarenes’ is a perfectly reasonable description of the site, especially since Mark was writing for a Roman audience. For a more detailed discussion, please see the Appendix: The ‘Legion’ and the pigs; where was it?\f*  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*, \w right|strong="G2117"\w* \w away|strong="G1831"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3419"\w*.  
\v 3 —\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w dwelling|strong="G2731"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3418"\w*. \w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*,  
\v 4 \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w shackles|strong="G3976"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*, \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w* \w torn|strong="G1288"\w* \w apart|strong="G1288"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shackles|strong="G3976"\w* \w broken|strong="G4937"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w pieces|strong="G4937"\w*; \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2480"\w* \w enough|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w tame|strong="G1150"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Always|strong="G3956"\w*, \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3418"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w crying|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cutting|strong="G2629"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w*.\f + \fr 5:5 \ft Here in Brazil, where Spiritism and Satanism are out in the open, this sort of thing is well known. The demons ‘heal’ the victims so they don't become incapacitated.\f*—  
\v 6 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kneeled \w down|strong="G4352"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 5:6 \ft I find this to be curious: this was an unusually powerful demon, yet he kneeled to Jesus, whereas many lesser ones evidently did not (although they all knew who Jesus really was).\f*  
\v 7 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w cry|strong="G2896"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* want \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w implore|strong="G3726"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 5:7 \ft Now really, a demon appealing to God! Since he had recognized, correctly, that Jesus was ‘Son of the Most High God’, he was appealing to Him through His Father—pretty shrewd! (I assume that he had been informed that the attempt to destroy Jesus with the storm had failed.)\f* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* torment \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 8 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* man!”  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w him|strong="G1905"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Legion|strong="G3003"\w*\f + \fr 5:9 \ft A full Roman legion was 6,000 men, but many legions had only half that many. On the basis of verse 12, one wonders if there could have been 2,000 demons. This being the only recorded instance where Jesus asked a demon's name, I wonder why He did. Since He presumably already knew, I take it that He did it so we would have a record of demonic infestation. I see no basis here for needing to know a demon's name before you can cast it out.\f* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* started \w begging|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w repeatedly|strong="G4183"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w*.\f + \fr 5:10 \ft Demons are territorial. (See also Daniel 10.) The parallel passage in Luke records that they also begged not to be sent to the Abyss.\f*  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w large|strong="G3173"\w* herd \w of|strong="G3735"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w feeding|strong="G1006"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* hillside.  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* demons\f + \fr 5:12 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘all the demons’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. (except that some supply ‘the demons’, but not ‘all’).\f* \w begged|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Send|strong="G3992"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* forthwith \w Jesus|strong="G1525"\w* \w gave|strong="G2010"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w permission|strong="G2010"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* (\w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w two|strong="G5613"\w* \w thousand|strong="G1367"\w*); \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* herd \w rushed|strong="G3729"\w* \w down|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w steep|strong="G2911"\w* \w bank|strong="G2911"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w drowned|strong="G4155"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.\f + \fr 5:13 \ft For the demons to destroy the herd would be self-defeating; I take it that the pigs preferred death to demons (animals often show better sense than people do). Since the Law forbad eating pork, presumably Jesus was not particularly disturbed (and I suppose it is possible that He Himself stampeded the pigs).\f*   
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* tending \w the|strong="G2532"\w* pigs \w ran|strong="G5343"\w* off \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* countryside. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 15 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w observed|strong="G2334"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1139"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w been|strong="G2192"\w* demonized, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w legion|strong="G3003"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothed|strong="G2439"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* \w right|strong="G4993"\w* \w mind|strong="G4993"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*.  
\v 16 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w related|strong="G1334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* demonized \w man|strong="G1139"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w implore|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* depart \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w borders|strong="G3725"\w*.\f + \fr 5:17 \ft So far as we know, Jesus never went back there. The loss of the pigs was a hard blow to the local economy, so Jesus was obviously a ‘dangerous’ person to have around. The pigs were more important to them than the man.\f*   
\p
\v 18 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w getting|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1139"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* demonized started \w begging|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* permit \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w home|strong="G3624"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w family|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* report \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w much|strong="G3745"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 5:19 \ft Note that the Text has ‘the Lord’, not ‘God’—since Jesus presumably was speaking Hebrew, He probably used God's personal name, Jehovah, to give that translation. In verse 20 the man credits ‘Jesus’.\f* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* departed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Decapolis|strong="G1179"\w* \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w much|strong="G3745"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w crossed|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.   
\s1 A hemorrhage and a dead girl  
\p
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* synagogue rulers, \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Jairus|strong="G2383"\w*, \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G2064"\w* finding \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w falls|strong="G4098"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*  
\v 23 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* pleads \w earnestly|strong="G4183"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w little|strong="G2365"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2365"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w point|strong="G2079"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2079"\w*; \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w*\f + \fr 5:23 \ft This sort of thing happened more than once; the Jews evidently believed that His physical presence was necessary.\f* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w*.”  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*. \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* following \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w pressing|strong="G4918"\w* around \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s2 The hemorrhage  
\p
\v 25 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*—\w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* bleeding \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*,  
\v 26 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w doctors|strong="G2395"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w spent|strong="G1159"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w instead|strong="G3123"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* getting \w better|strong="G3123"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w grew|strong="G2064"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w*—  
\v 27 \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w she|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w she|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w behind|strong="G3693"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2064"\w* touched \w His|strong="G4012"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*.  
\v 28 (\w She|strong="G3754"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* kept \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w just|strong="G2579"\w* touch \w His|strong="G4982"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w*, \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*.”)\f + \fr 5:28 \ft The street was packed with people; the crowed was on both sides of Jesus, as well as behind. So she had to push her way forward, and no doubt got plenty of dirty looks, and maybe a few elbows—it would have been easy to give up, but she kept repeating her expectation to herself to keep up her courage (and she was desperate).\f*  
\v 29 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w flow|strong="G4077"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* blood \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w dried|strong="G3583"\w* \w up|strong="G3583"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w affliction|strong="G3148"\w*.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* instantly \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w perceived|strong="G1921"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turning|strong="G1994"\w* \w around|strong="G1994"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* touched \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w*?”  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* see \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w pressing|strong="G4918"\w* around \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* touched \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?’?”  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w looking|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*, \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w trembling|strong="G5141"\w*, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G1096"\w* \w down|strong="G4363"\w* \w before|strong="G4363"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* truth.\f + \fr 5:33 \ft That was not easy, in front of the crowd.\f*  
\v 34 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w*: “\w Daughter|strong="G2364"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*\f + \fr 5:34 \ft That is what the Text says, ‘into’ not ‘in’. To go in peace is to leave on good terms, no hard feelings. But what might going \+nd into\+nd* peace be? I would say that you take the peace with you; you live within an atmosphere of peace. Now that is a proper ‘blessing’!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w healed|strong="G5199"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w affliction|strong="G3148"\w*.”   
\s2 The dead girl  
\p
\v 35 \w While|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* synagogue ruler's house \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Your|strong="G3588"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w trouble|strong="G4660"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w further|strong="G2089"\w*?”\f + \fr 5:35 \ft Healing is one thing, raising the dead is another!\f*  
\v 36 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* immediately \w upon|strong="G2424"\w* hearing \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* synagogue ruler, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w just|strong="G3440"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*!”  
\v 37 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* allowed \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G4870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*.\f + \fr 5:37 \ft At this point He told the crowd to stop, so He could proceed at a brisk pace, accompanied only by the three disciples and the father (the messengers doubtless followed).\f*  
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* synagogue ruler's \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w commotion|strong="G2351"\w*—\w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G4183"\w* \w wailing|strong="G2799"\w*.  
\v 39 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w making|strong="G2532"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w commotion|strong="G2350"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w*? \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* dead, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w asleep|strong="G2518"\w*.”  
\v 40 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started ridiculing \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:40 \ft They knew that she was dead, as indeed she was.\f* \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1544"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w*'s \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 5:40 \ft Peter was there, and he helped Mark write this Gospel.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* lying.  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2902"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*, “\it Talitha koumi\it*,” \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w*, “\w Little|strong="G2877"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*!”  
\v 42 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w* got \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w around|strong="G4043"\w* (\w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w old|strong="G2094"\w*). \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* overcome \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w amazement|strong="G1611"\w*.  
\v 43 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G1325"\w* \w strict|strong="G4183"\w* \w orders|strong="G1291"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w should|strong="G3778"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w about|strong="G1097"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w something|strong="G4183"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.\f + \fr 5:43 \ft Nothing like being practical! It had doubtless been a while since the last decent meal. Given the crowd that was there, it would be impossible to hide what had happened.\f*   
\c 6  
\s1 A visit to Natsareth  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w*,\f + \fr 6:1 \ft It had probably been over a year since they tried to kill Him (Luke 4:28-30), and He now had a significant ‘body guard’.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* heard \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Where|strong="G4159"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w get|strong="G1096"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*? \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*? \w Such|strong="G5108"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w performed|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*!  
\v 3 Isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w carpenter|strong="G5045"\w*,\f + \fr 6:3 \ft They call Jesus ‘\+nd the\+nd* carpenter’, so Joseph had died.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w Joses|strong="G2500"\w*, \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*? \w And|strong="G2532"\w* aren'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* sisters \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*?”\f + \fr 6:3 \ft I placed all the statements within a single set of quotes, but they probably came from different people. Four brothers are named, and ‘sisters’ is plural, so there were at \+nd least\+nd* two of them (Matthew 13:56 has “all his sisters”, so there were probably more than two). After Jesus, Joseph and Mary had a full family.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w offense|strong="G4624"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* honor, \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w*, \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:4 \ft In fact, His brothers did not believe in Him until after His resurrection (John 7:3-5).\f*  
\v 5 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w work|strong="G1411"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w sick|strong="G3641"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G2296"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* unbelief. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G2945"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* circuit, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*.   
\s1 The Twelve commissioned and sent  
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w*, \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w over|strong="G1849"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w staff|strong="G4464"\w*—\w no|strong="G3361"\w* knapsack, \w no|strong="G3361"\w* bread, \w no|strong="G3361"\w* coin \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w belt|strong="G2223"\w*—  
\v 9 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w wear|strong="G5265"\w* \w sandals|strong="G4547"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1746"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w tunics|strong="G5509"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Whenever|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w depart|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G1563"\w*.\f + \fr 6:10 \ft Jesus was obliging the disciples to be dependent on others for food and lodging, since they were not to take money—if no one fed them, they would go hungry; if no one took them in, they would have to sleep under a tree. How many of us would follow such instructions?\f*  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* hear \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w depart|strong="G1607"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w shake|strong="G1621"\w* \w off|strong="G1621"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dust|strong="G5522"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w under|strong="G5270"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 6:11 \ft Note that this is a command. Paul did this at least once (Acts 13:51), and the Lord Jesus Himself gave the example (Matthew 11:23-24), except that He spoke the curse. (I have had occasion to do it, and the consequences were serious.)\f* Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* tolerable \w for|strong="G1519"\w* Sodom \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Gomorrah \w on|strong="G1519"\w* Judgment \w Day|strong="G3588"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* city.”\f + \fr 6:11 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last sentence of verse 11, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* people \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w*,  
\v 13 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* anointing \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w oil|strong="G1637"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2323"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* sick.   
\s1 Herod had executed John the Baptizer  
\p
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* heard \it of Him\it*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w known|strong="G5318"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Baptizer \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w*\f + \fr 6:14 \ft Just what he meant by ‘the powers’, we do not know. His view of the supernatural was probably not strictly biblical.\f* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w work|strong="G1754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 15 \w Others|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*.” Still \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* heard, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* beheaded; \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* been \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* dead!”\f + \fr 6:16 \ft Do you suppose Herod had a guilty conscience?\f*   
\p
\v 17 \w You|strong="G3754"\w* see, \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* ordered \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w arrested|strong="G2902"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*, \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w account|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w*, \w his|strong="G1438"\w* brother \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*'s \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w married|strong="G1060"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*  
\v 18 —\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w kept|strong="G3756"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, “\w It|strong="G3754"\w* isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* brother'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:18 \ft A coward John was not.\f*  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w* nursed \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w grudge|strong="G1758"\w* \w against|strong="G1758"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 6:19 \ft I suppose that Herodias was ambitious and figured that Herod offered more than did Phillip, so it was probably she who took the initiative; but she hadn't counted on John being a persistent and vocal ‘conscience’.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* couldn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 20 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w feared|strong="G5399"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* protected \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* holy \w man|strong="G1342"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* consulting \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 6:20 \ft I here follow the best line of transmission, albeit representing only 20% of the Greek manuscripts, that has ‘consulting’ in the present tense; the rest, followed by all versions, have the verb in the past. But the immediately following ‘he would do many things’ is attested by over 99%—a mere handful (0.4%), of objectively inferior quality, have ‘greatly disturbed’ or ‘very perplexed’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). But why then did Herod hear John with pleasure, and why was he ‘very sorry’ (verse 26)? But what sorts of things would Herod take to John for his opinion? I suggest that Herod used John as a sounding board for administrative problems, and since he often followed his advice, he had an unusually good administration, there for a while. That is why he was genuinely sorry to lose John.\f* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* pleasure.   
\p
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* opportune \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w*\f + \fr 6:21 \ft Opportune for Herodias.\f* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w on|strong="G1096"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w birthday|strong="G1077"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w gave|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w banquet|strong="G1173"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* courtiers, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w military|strong="G5506"\w* \w commanders|strong="G5506"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w* \w men|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.  
\v 22 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w* herself \w came|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w danced|strong="G3738"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* pleased \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w reclining|strong="G4873"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w*, “\w Ask|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w swore|strong="G3660"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w*, “\w Whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* ask \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w up|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w half|strong="G2255"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* kingdom!”\f + \fr 6:23 \ft Herod had doubtless already drunk more than was good for him (he had probably started before the banquet), so his judgment was impaired. The girl's request sobered him up—too late.\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w ask|strong="G3004"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w she|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Baptist!”  
\v 25 Hurrying \w in|strong="G1909"\w* directly \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* requested, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w right|strong="G2117"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Baptist \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w platter|strong="G4094"\w*!”  
\v 26 \w Though|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w sorry|strong="G4036"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w oaths|strong="G3727"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* guests \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w refuse|strong="G3756"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2112"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w executioner|strong="G4688"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2004"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beheaded \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*,  
\v 28 \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w platter|strong="G4094"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.\f + \fr 6:28 \ft What effect do you suppose all that had on the party? The sight of that gory head would be enough to turn anyone's stomach. (And I wonder what she did with the head.)\f*  
\v 29 \w Upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w removed|strong="G5087"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w corpse|strong="G4430"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*.\f + \fr 6:29 \ft If I were one of those disciples, I probably would have been just a little dissatisfied with God—how could He permit His servant to suffer such a ridiculous and humiliating death? God is under no obligation to explain Himself. All accounts will be settled at the Judgment.\f*   
\s1 The Twelve return  
\p
\v 30 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w leisure|strong="G2119"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Come|strong="G2064"\w* \w aside|strong="G2596"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G1510"\w* awhile.”   
\s1 Bread for 5,000 men  
\p
\v 32 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 6:33 \ft There is an even split in the attestation; half the Greek manuscripts have ‘them’ and the other half ‘him’, but the best line of transmission has ‘them’. Consider: if the fishing boat were setting out to fish, there would not be 13 men in it; also, the boat was known and there was only one large group of men like that going around together; the people would not have to single out Jesus to know who they were. So ‘them’ is correct.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G4936"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w on|strong="G4281"\w* \w foot|strong="G3979"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* arrived \w before|strong="G4281"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w together|strong="G4936"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 6:33 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘and came together to Him’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 34 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* disembarking \w Jesus|strong="G1831"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*\f + \fr 6:34 \ft Let us try to get the picture. There is a large bay between Capernaum and Tiberias, the ‘mouth’ being some ten miles across. Just from the direction the boat took, many people would have a pretty good idea where they were headed. Unless there was a good tail wind, and especially if they had to row, people on the shore could easily outrun the boat, even covering a greater distance. Much like a modern marathon, the people would be scattered out along the shore for several miles, and any stragglers could follow the action. The front runners got ahead of the boat, and the followers were strung out, so wherever the boat put in, there would be people waiting; any who had gone too far would just double back. But people kept arriving and the crowd kept getting bigger (by the end of the day there were 5,000 men, plus women and children). The crowd frustrated the plan, but instead of being angry, Jesus felt compassion. [I'm afraid I often do just the opposite.]\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w moved|strong="G4697"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4166"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G4183"\w*.   
\p
\v 35 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w late|strong="G5610"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G5610"\w*, \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w late|strong="G5610"\w*.  
\v 36 Send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* away \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G2945"\w* farms \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* bread; \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:36 \ft This was an obvious cop-out; the surrounding area would not have enough extra bread to feed 10,000 people (or more).\f*  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w reply|strong="G3004"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w feed|strong="G2068"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 6:37 \ft They had no way of expecting such a response, since humanly speaking it was ridiculously impossible. In the end, the solution did pass through their hands, but unless Jesus was joking (which I doubt), He was telling \+nd them\+nd* to perform the miracle, before they had seen it done. Wow!\f* \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w two|strong="G1250"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1250"\w* \w denarii|strong="G1220"\w* worth \w of|strong="G2532"\w* bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w feed|strong="G2068"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*?”  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* loaves \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*? \w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*.” \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Five|strong="G4002"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*.”   
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* directed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* recline \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w groups|strong="G4849"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w green|strong="G5515"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w*.  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* reclined \w in|strong="G2596"\w* ‘plots’ \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundreds|strong="G1540"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fifties|strong="G4004"\w*.  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2622"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w serve|strong="G3908"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*;\f + \fr 6:41 \ft Let us pause and recall the scene. The Sacred Text affirms that there were about five thousand men, \ft \+bd without counting the women and children\+bd*. Now then, whenever you see a crowd of people, what is there usually the most of—isn't it women and children? In other words, I suppose that crowd was made up of at least 15,000 people. Okay, now try to imagine that you are one of those twelve disciples and you have just heard the Master say: “\+bd You\+bd* feed them!” Now what? Did the disciples have anything? As a matter of fact, no. They had neither money (which would not have helped much since they were a long way from town) nor food. Even the five loaves and two fish belonged to somebody else. 
\fp Can it be that Jesus was playing a joke on them, or was He serious? I don't know, but I prefer to think that He would not make a joke out of such a situation. But if He was serious, how could the disciples obey? Only with a miracle. In fact, they could not see a solution and gave the problem back to Jesus to solve; which He did. But did Jesus Himself hand the bread and fish to the crowd? No. Let us think about that scene a little more and we will see that the disciples still had to exercise faith. 
\fp The Record affirms that they all ate until they were “full” or “satisfied”. It was not just a little something to tide them over. Have you ever considered how much bread and fish it would take to “fill” 15,000 people (who had gone without lunch)? It seems to me certain that when Jesus blessed and broke those loaves and fish there was not an instant multiplication, such that there was enough for everybody; the tremendous pile would have buried Jesus, the disciples and the closest of the people! Really. Just stop and think about it. It must not have been instantaneous. When Jesus placed some bread and fish in the hands of each disciple that was all there was, up to that moment. 
\fp Now then, try to imagine that you are one of those disciples with a handful of bread and fish, and you have to feed at least a thousand people (12 disciples and 15,000 people). Can you picture it? Wouldn't you feel just a little ridiculous taking that first step toward the crowd? Somehow the disciples find the courage and approach the people. The first one helps himself and, wonder of wonders, the supply is undiminished! The second one helps himself and the supply is unchanged. It was never used up—as they went around distributing, the food kept multiplying (to have twelve bushels of leftovers, the people were also involved in passing it on). If they had tired and stopped in the middle, half the people would have stayed hungry. If the disciples had decided to eat first, I rather imagine that the miracle would have been frustrated and the crowd would have gone hungry. The disciples ate last, but they ate very well, thank you very much! (Have you ever tried eating a bushel of bread?)\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 42 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*.\f + \fr 6:42 \ft The Text is clear—they ate until they were full.\f*  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 6:43 \ft It probably was not the disciples who did the picking up, at least not by themselves. Also, those twelve baskets of pieces did not go with the disciples when they left.\f* picked \w up|strong="G4138"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w full|strong="G4138"\w* \w baskets|strong="G2894"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w broken|strong="G2801"\w* \w pieces|strong="G2801"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*.\f + \fr 6:43 \ft The large baskets were probably borrowed from fishing boats near by (see the parallel accounts). Maybe the owners got their baskets back with interest!\f*  
\v 44 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w five|strong="G4000"\w* \w thousand|strong="G4000"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* loaves.\f + \fr 6:44 \ft The term here refers exclusively to males, so with the women and children the crowd was doubtless over 10,000.\f*   
\s1 Jesus retires to pray  
\p
\v 45 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4254"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w get|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4254"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w ahead|strong="G4254"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethsaida,\f + \fr 6:45 \ft For a detailed discussion about the location, please see the Appendix: Bethsaida or Tiberias?\f* \w while|strong="G2193"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* taking leave \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*.   
\s1 A walk on water  
\p
\v 47 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 48 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w*\f + \fr 6:48 \ft It was night, and they were about eight miles away, so this was supernatural vision.\f* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* straining \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w rowing|strong="G1643"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wind \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fourth|strong="G5067"\w* \w watch|strong="G5438"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*\f + \fr 6:48 \ft That was 3 a.m.!\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* water, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G2309"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 6:48 \ft They had been rowing for about nine hours, and when Jesus sent them off He presumably knew what was going to happen. (We should not be surprised if God does similar things with us.) He obviously intended for them to see Him, otherwise He would not have come near enough. But He did not go straight at the boat, but was walking off to one side. Just why He did it that way, the Text does not say, but from the parallel accounts we know that it gave Peter a chance to try a walk. As soon as He got in the boat it was transported several miles to the shore, immediately (John 6:21).\f*  
\v 49 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* water, \w supposed|strong="G1380"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ghost|strong="G5326"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* yelled!  
\v 50 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w terrified|strong="G5399"\w*. \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w courage|strong="G2293"\w*! \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*; don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*!”  
\v 51 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* got \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wind \w ceased|strong="G2869"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* totally \w astounded|strong="G1839"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* marveling.  
\v 52 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w understood|strong="G4920"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* loaves—\w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w hardened|strong="G4456"\w*.\f + \fr 6:52 \ft By whom?\f*   
\s1 In Genesaret  
\p
\v 53 \w After|strong="G1909"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w crossed|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w*,\f + \fr 6:53 \ft For a fuller explanation of what went on here, see the footnotes with the parallel account in John 6:16-25.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Genesaret \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w anchored|strong="G4358"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 54 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*, \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 55 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w running|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* surrounding \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w carry|strong="G4064"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w pallets|strong="G2895"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 56 \w Wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1531"\w*—\w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w*, \w towns|strong="G4172"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* countryside—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* sick \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplaces, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w beg|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* touch \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hem|strong="G2899"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* touched \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*.\f + \fr 6:56 \ft Wow!\f*   
\c 7  
\s1 Jesus rebuts scribes and Pharisees  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w around|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.\f + \fr 7:1 \ft They were a long way from ‘home’. Doing something about Jesus had become a necessity.\f*  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G5495"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* bread \w with|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w unclean|strong="G2839"\w*’—\w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, ceremonially unwashed—\w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2532"\w* fault.  
\v 3 (\w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wash|strong="G3538"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* special \w way|strong="G3956"\w*, \w holding|strong="G2902"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*.  
\v 4 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* marketplace, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wash|strong="G3361"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w other|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G4183"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hold|strong="G2902"\w*—washings \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w cups|strong="G4221"\w*, \w pitchers|strong="G3582"\w*, \w copper|strong="G5473"\w* \w vessels|strong="G5473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* couches.)\f + \fr 7:4 \ft Mark was writing for a Roman audience, hence this explanation (which helps other non-Jews as well).\f*   
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*,\f + \fr 7:5 \ft They used tradition as an instrument of domination, to control the people. Jesus was challenging that control.\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* bread \w with|strong="G1223"\w* unwashed \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*?”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1125"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Well|strong="G2573"\w* \w did|strong="G2573"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*,\f + \fr 7:6 \ft Jesus knows what they are about, and makes no effort to conciliate them.\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* stands \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w honors|strong="G5091"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w with|strong="G4012"\w* \w their|strong="G4012"\w* \w lips|strong="G5491"\w*,  
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G4012"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w far|strong="G4206"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.   
\q1
\v 7 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w vain|strong="G3155"\w* do \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w worship|strong="G4576"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,  
\q2 \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w doctrines|strong="G1319"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1778"\w* \w of|strong="G1319"\w* men.’\f + \fr 7:7 \ft See Isaiah 29:13. Do none of our churches have doctrines that are mere ‘commandments of men’? All such ‘worship’ is in vain.\f*   
\m
\v 8 \w Because|strong="G2316"\w* \w having|strong="G2316"\w* left \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, you \w hold|strong="G2902"\w* \w to|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*—washings \w of|strong="G2316"\w* pitchers \w and|strong="G2316"\w* cups, \w and|strong="G2316"\w* many \w other|strong="G3588"\w* similar \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* you \w do|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 7:8 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘—washings of pitchers… that you do’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 9 \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2573"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* nullifying \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w*.  
\v 10 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaks|strong="G3004"\w* \w evil|strong="G2551"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5053"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.’\f + \fr 7:10 \ft See Exodus 20:12, 21:17.\f*  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, ‘\w Whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w profit|strong="G5623"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w might|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* received \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \it Korban\it*’ (\w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \it to God\it*),\f + \fr 7:11 \ft The inconvenient question begs to be asked, ‘Where did all the goods and money go?’ It went into the pockets of the leaders, presumably, so they were really stealing from the elderly.\f*  
\v 12 \w you|strong="G4160"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* even allow \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4160"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w anything|strong="G3762"\w* \w for|strong="G2228"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w* \w more|strong="G3765"\w*,  
\v 13 \w making|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w no|strong="G2532"\w* effect \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w down|strong="G3860"\w*. Yes, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*.”   
\s1 That which really defiles  
\p
\v 14 \w Upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* larger \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Hear \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*:  
\v 15 \w There|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 7:15 \ft As the following context makes clear, the Lord is talking only about food. People are constantly being contaminated by things they see and hear.\f* rather, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* ones \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”\f + \fr 7:16 \ft Just over 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit verse 16 entirely, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc.\f*   
\p
\v 17 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w question|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*.  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Can|strong="G1410"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* really \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* \w understanding|strong="G3539"\w*? Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3539"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w enters|strong="G1531"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 19 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* doesn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G1607"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w stomach|strong="G2836"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* expels \w the|strong="G2532"\w* impure aspects \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w food|strong="G1033"\w*?”\f + \fr 7:19 \ft A literal rendering would be, ‘then into the latrine, thus making all foods clean’. I take it that Jesus was referring to the process in the stomach having a ‘purifying’ effect, since the sewer does just the opposite. Perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts end the quote after ‘latrine’, and have Jesus declaring all foods clean.\f*  
\v 20 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G1607"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w That|strong="G3754"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w man|strong="G1565"\w*, \bd \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w*\bd* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w defiles|strong="G2840"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w within|strong="G2081"\w*, \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G2556"\w*'s \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*, \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* designs \w proceed|strong="G1607"\w*—adulteries, \w fornications|strong="G4202"\w*, \w murders|strong="G5408"\w*,  
\v 22 thefts, covetings, malignancies; \w deceit|strong="G1388"\w*, lewdness, \w an|strong="G3788"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*, blasphemy, arrogance, foolishness—  
\v 23 \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w proceed|strong="G1607"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w within|strong="G2081"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*.”   
\s1 A ‘crumb’ for a ‘little dog’\f + \fr 7:24 \ft This episode has puzzled me for quite some time. Consider:
\fp a) In explaining His lack of response to the woman's pleading, Jesus affirms that He was only sent to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24)—so what is He doing in Gentile territory? 
\fp b) The Text says He tried to get into a house without being seen; it follows that the group had kept a low profile, trying to avoid attention; and yet the woman intercepted Him well before He got there, and followed, crying out repeatedly (thereby blowing His ‘cover’)—so how did the woman learn of His presence, how did she know when and where to go, and how did she know to address Him as ‘Son of David’? 
\fp c) Although He may have done more than is recorded, and we do not know how long He stayed, expelling that demon is all that is recorded—so why did He undertake that journey, apparently the only side trip to that region? 
\fp I suspect that this was a special case, similar to Cornelius, or the Ethiopian treasurer—she had gotten God's attention, somehow. I imagine that an angel told her where to go, and when, and to call Him, ‘Son of David’ (Messiah). Of course she gave us an unusual example of faith, humility and perseverance, but I wonder if God is not telling us something more: it is possible to get a ‘crumb’ (a real need), even when it is not the proper time frame (καιρος).\f*  
\p
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* got \w ready|strong="G1410"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G3725"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sidon. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w escape|strong="G2990"\w* \w notice|strong="G2990"\w*.  
\v 25 \w In|strong="G1525"\w* fact, \w as|strong="G3739"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G3739"\w* \w she|strong="G3739"\w* heard \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w little|strong="G2365"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2365"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2064"\w* \w fell|strong="G4363"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G4012"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.\f + \fr 7:25 \ft The parallel account in Matthew makes clear that this happened before He reached the house.\f*  
\v 26 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Greek|strong="G1674"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* Syro-Phoenecian \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w birth|strong="G1085"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w asking|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w*.\f + \fr 7:26 \ft Matthew 15:21-28 gives more detail, which see.\f*  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*'s bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w dogs|strong="G2952"\w*.”\f + \fr 7:27 \ft Big dogs would not be in the house, so these would be little house pets, or perhaps puppies. This episode always moves me. In effect, Jesus called the woman a ‘dog’ (that is what Jews called Gentiles), and she accepted the classification. She was determined to get her ‘crumb’, and she did! And she left us a great example of humility and faith!\f*  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w dogs|strong="G2952"\w* \w under|strong="G5270"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w table|strong="G5132"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w crumbs|strong="G5589"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w*.”  
\v 30 \w She|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w away|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* daughter \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* placed \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bed|strong="G2825"\w*.\f + \fr 7:30 \ft The verb ‘place’ is perfect passive; evidently the child was too small, or too weak, to have gotten there by herself.\f*   
\s1 Jesus heals a deaf mute  
\p
\v 31 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w departing|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G3725"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G1831"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w way|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Decapolis|strong="G1179"\w* \w region|strong="G3725"\w*.\f + \fr 7:31 \ft He chose a round about way where He would not be known by sight, to avoid attention (presumably).\f*  
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deaf|strong="G2974"\w* \w man|strong="G2974"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* thick \w speech|strong="G3424"\w*\f + \fr 7:32 \ft We learn to speak by imitating what we hear, so a deaf person will not speak correctly, even if there is nothing wrong with the tongue. In this case, the following verses indicate that there was also a problem with the tongue. If the man had never learned to speak correctly, this would be a further miracle.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w begged|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w place|strong="G2007"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 33 \w After|strong="G2596"\w* taking \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w aside|strong="G2596"\w*, away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w fingers|strong="G1147"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w*; \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w spat|strong="G4429"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w*.\f + \fr 7:33 \ft The Lord seems to have varied His procedure on purpose: He could heal ears without using His fingers, and could heal tongues without spittle.\f*  
\v 34 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sighed|strong="G4727"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\it Ephphatha\it*!” \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, “\w Be|strong="G1510"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w*!”  
\v 35 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* ears \w were|strong="G3588"\w* opened, \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w released|strong="G3089"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* clearly.  
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1291"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3367"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w command|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w much|strong="G3745"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 7:36 \ft The news was so good they just could not contain it.\f*  
\v 37 \w People|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w beyond|strong="G1605"\w* \w measure|strong="G5249"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w makes|strong="G4160"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w deaf|strong="G2974"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*.”   
\c 8  
\s1 Food for 4,000 men  
\m
\v 1 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w anything|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 2 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* stayed \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.  
\v 3 \w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G3113"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3523"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w homes|strong="G3624"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* give \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w*, \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* long \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*.”  
\v 4 \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* answered \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w From|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w source|strong="G4159"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w satisfy|strong="G5526"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G3778"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* bread \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2047"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:4 \ft They had already forgotten the 5,000!\f*  
\v 5 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w How|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* loaves \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Seven|strong="G2033"\w*.”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* told \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* sit down \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w set|strong="G3908"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 7 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w small|strong="G3641"\w* \w fish|strong="G2485"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessing|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* distribute \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* hampers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w broken|strong="G2801"\w* \w pieces|strong="G2801"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G4051"\w* \w over|strong="G4051"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* eaten \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w four|strong="G5070"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5070"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* away.  
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w right|strong="G2117"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* region \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Dalmanutha|strong="G1148"\w*.\f + \fr 8:10 \ft This was on the western side of the lake, so the feeding of the 4,000 probably took place on the Decapolis side.\f*   
\s1 Bad leaven  
\p
\v 11 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w argue|strong="G4802"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, requesting \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w by|strong="G3844"\w* way \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w testing|strong="G3985"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* sighed deeply \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w*? \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* emphatically, \w no|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*!”  
\v 13 Turning \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w back|strong="G3825"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w back|strong="G3825"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* boat\f + \fr 8:13 \ft One gains the impression that the Pharisees had not let Him get very far from the boat. Was Satan concerned to ‘protect’ Dalmanutha?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 (\w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w forgotten|strong="G1950"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* bread; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* loaf \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*.)\f + \fr 8:14 \ft As with the 5,000, they did not keep the seven hampers of leftovers.\f*  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w charged|strong="G1291"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Watch|strong="G3708"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*; \w beware|strong="G3708"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaven|strong="G2219"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaven|strong="G2219"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:15 \ft These would be two different ‘leavens’. Matthew 16:12 explains that ‘leaven’ refers to doctrine.\f*  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* themselves, \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* bread.”  
\v 17 \w Being|strong="G2532"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* bread? \w Do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3539"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*? \w Do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w been|strong="G2192"\w* \w hardened|strong="G4456"\w*?\f + \fr 8:17 \ft The verb is in the passive voice, so one wonders who did the hardening.\f*  
\v 18 \w Having|strong="G2192"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* see, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* hear, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w remember|strong="G3421"\w*?  
\v 19 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w thousand|strong="G4000"\w*, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* \w baskets|strong="G2894"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w pieces|strong="G2801"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*?” \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Twelve|strong="G1427"\w*.”  
\v 20 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* broke \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5070"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5070"\w*, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* hampers \w full|strong="G4138"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w pieces|strong="G2801"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Seven|strong="G2033"\w*.”  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w How|strong="G4920"\w* \w is|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w still|strong="G3768"\w* don't \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:21 \ft It is easy to criticize those disciples as slow learners, and indeed the Lord was evidently unhappy with them, but I wonder if we would have done any better.\f*   
\s1 A blind man  
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethsaida; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5185"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w begged|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* touch \w him|strong="G3870"\w*.  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* led \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w spitting|strong="G4429"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3659"\w*\f + \fr 8:23 \ft Dear me, how unsanitary! Jesus used a variety of procedures to heal people, and here He used two stages.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laying|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* saw \w anything|strong="G5100"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G3708"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w trees|strong="G1186"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:24 \ft Evidently he was not born blind, because he knew what men and trees looked like.\f*  
\v 25 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2007"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* made \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w look|strong="G1689"\w* \w up|strong="G2007"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* restored \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G1689"\w* everyone \w clearly|strong="G5081"\w*.  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* away \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Neither|strong="G3366"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* anyone \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:26 \ft Evidently he did not live in that village. A small handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘nor tell anyone in the village’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus declares His death, and ministers on that basis  
\s1 Peter is inspired  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w towns|strong="G2968"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w Philippi|strong="G5376"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?”  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Baptist; \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*; still \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*!”  
\v 30 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w charged|strong="G2008"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3367"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\p
\v 31 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* rejected \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*, \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* killed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 32 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2980"\w* \w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* quite \w plainly|strong="G3954"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w took|strong="G4355"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w aside|strong="G4355"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuke|strong="G2008"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G1994"\w*, \w looked|strong="G3708"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G5217"\w* \w behind|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*!\f + \fr 8:33 \ft From the parallel passage in Luke 9:18-22, where we have three present participles—‘answering’, ‘warning’ and ‘saying’—it is clear that Peter's two efforts form part of a single conversation. Well that scares me; that sends shivers up my spine. Within three minutes, or five at the most (we can see in Luke that this was a single conversation), Peter spoke two times. The first time it was God who put the words in Peter's mouth. It was Jesus Christ, God the Son on earth, who explained the true nature of the transaction—Peter did not speak on his own but moved by the Father. So far so good; that God can do something like that comes as no surprise. It is the second time that is bothersome, because this time it was Satan who put the words in Peter's mouth! Again, it is Jesus Christ, God the Son on earth, who explains the true nature of the transaction. When He uses the enemy's proper name, Satan, His meaning is inescapable. It really was Satan. Once again we are face to face with the most terrible truth that there is in this life, at least as I see it. The enemy has access to our minds, he can put words in our mouths. I wish in the worst way that it was not true, but my wishes do not change reality.\f* \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G5426"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*'s values, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s values.”   
\s1 The cost of discipleship  
\p
\v 34 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G3694"\w* \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w behind|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 35 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* resolve \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w save|strong="G4982"\w*’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* waste \w it|strong="G2532"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* ‘waste’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*'s, \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 8:35 \ft What does the Lord mean when He speaks of saving or losing one's ‘life’? One does not lose one's soul for love of Christ. Nor is the reference to being killed. Rather, Jesus has in mind the life we live, the accumulated results of our living. All that I have done up to this moment plus all that I will yet do until overtaken by death or the rapture of the Church, whichever happens first—that is the ‘life’ that is at risk (in my own case). 
\fp Let us look at our Lord's words a little more closely. There seems to be a contradiction here—if you lose, you save; if you want to save, you lose. How can it work? The parallel passage, Matthew 16:27, gives more context. “For the Son of the Man is going to come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then he will repay each according to his deeds.” Christ was thinking of the day of reckoning. In other words, “we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10) and “each of us will give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive his due according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). I understand that 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 is referring to the same occasion, the day of reckoning. After declaring that Jesus Christ is the only foundation, Paul speaks of different materials that one might use in building on it: “gold, silver, precious stones” or “wood, hay, straw”. (Although the primary interpretation of this passage presumably has to do with the performance of teachers and leaders in the church, I believe it clearly applies to the daily life of each believer as well.) The point is, our deeds will be tested by fire. If fire has any effect upon gold or silver it is only to purify them, but its effect on hay and straw is devastating! Okay, so what? 
\fp Let us go back to the beginning. God created the human being for His glory; to reflect it and contribute to it. I suppose we may understand Psalm 19:1 and Isaiah 43:7 in this way, at least by extension. But Adam lost this capacity when he rebelled against God. For this reason the sentence that weighs against our race is that we “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But the Son came into the world to restore our lost potential. Ephesians 1:12 and 14 tell us that the object of the plan of salvation is “the praise of His glory” (see also 2 Corinthians 1:20). And 1 Corinthians 10:31 puts it into a \ft \+bd command\+bd*: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now then, the point of all this is not to ‘ruin’ our lives, to take all the ‘fun’ out of them (as many seem to think). God isn't being arrogant, unreasonable, too demanding. Quite the contrary—He is just trying to save us from throwing away our lives. Surely, because the glory of God is eternal (Psalm 104:31), and when I do something for His glory that something is transformed and acquires eternal value—it becomes ‘gold, silver, precious stones’. Works done for the glory of God will go through the fire without harm. On the other hand, what is done with a view to our own ambitions and ideas is ‘straw’. We all know what fire does to straw! To be a slave of Christ means to live with reference to the Kingdom; it means to do everything for the glory of God. In this way the slave ‘saves’ his life because he will be building it with ‘gold and silver’, which will pass through the fire at the judgment seat of Christ without loss. In contrast, the believer who refuses to be a slave of Jesus builds his life with ‘hay and straw’, which will be consumed by the fire—and so he ‘loses’ his life; he lived in vain; the potential that his life represented was wasted, thrown away. What a tragedy!\f*  
\v 36 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w profit|strong="G5623"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w gains|strong="G2770"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w forfeits|strong="G2210"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*?  
\v 37 \w Or|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G1325"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w in|strong="G1063"\w* exchange \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G1325"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*?  
\v 38 \w Yes|strong="G1063"\w*, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w ashamed|strong="G1870"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w adulterous|strong="G3428"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinful \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w ashamed|strong="G1870"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* holy Angels.”\f + \fr 8:38 \ft The world in which we live is no longer ‘postmodern’, it is becoming increasingly anti Christian. In North America and Europe people have already been put in prison for preaching what the Bible says. To spend eternity in the Lake of Fire is the price you will pay for being ‘politically correct’ in today's world.\f*   
\c 9  
\s1 A miniature of the Kingdom  
\m
\v 1 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly: \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3708"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w taste|strong="G1089"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w present|strong="G2476"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*.”  
\v 2 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G5308"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w transfigured|strong="G3339"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 3 \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w clothing|strong="G2440"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w shining|strong="G4744"\w*, \w exceedingly|strong="G3029"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w*, \w like|strong="G3779"\w* snow, \w such|strong="G3779"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w launderer|strong="G1102"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whiten|strong="G3021"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w along|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* conversing \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, “\w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*; \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w shelters|strong="G4633"\w*: \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*.”  
\v 6 (\w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1063"\w* \w were|strong="G1096"\w* \w terrified|strong="G1630"\w*, \w he|strong="G1063"\w* didn't \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w say|strong="G5101"\w*.)\f + \fr 9:6 \ft He threw away an excellent opportunity to say nothing.\f*  
\v 7 \w With|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* covering \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \bd \+w Voice|strong="G5456"\+w*\bd*\f + \fr 9:7 \ft Peter never forgot that Voice! See 2 Peter 1:17-18.\f* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beloved. Listen \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w looking|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* except \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.   
\p
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*,\f + \fr 9:9 \ft This was the next day; they spent the night on the mountain (Luke 9:37).\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G1291"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* recount \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w any|strong="G1487"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w until|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3367"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w risen|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2902"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w questioning|strong="G4802"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*’ \w meant|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G3754"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*?”  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G2064"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* restores \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w concerning|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w treated|strong="G1848"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w contempt|strong="G1848"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Still|strong="G2064"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* ‘\w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*’ \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wished|strong="G2309"\w*, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3748"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G4160"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:13 \ft The Lord stated plainly that the coming of the real Elijah was still future. Since the Baptizer was Messiah's herald at His first advent, Jesus refers to him as ‘Elijah’ (recall that John was already dead).\f*   
\s1 The nine couldn't do it  
\p
\v 14 \w Upon|strong="G2064"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w arguing|strong="G4802"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* excited \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G4370"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* greet \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* scribes, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w discussing|strong="G4802"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*?”  
\v 17 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* mute \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 9:17 \ft Here was a desperate father who considered that his problem was more important than a theological discussion. So he interrupts (although the discussion may have been about the demon and their failure).\f*  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w seizes|strong="G2638"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w throws|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G4486"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* foams \w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* mouth \w and|strong="G2532"\w* gnashes \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* becomes rigid. \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*.”  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G4314"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* unbelieving \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*,\f + \fr 9:19 \ft I suspect that He was looking at the nine, not the crowd.\f* \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w long|strong="G2193"\w* \w shall|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w long|strong="G2193"\w* \w shall|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* put up \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* convulsed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w falling|strong="G4098"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started wallowing, foaming \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* mouth.  
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, “\w How|strong="G5613"\w* \w long|strong="G5550"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w happening|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w childhood|strong="G3812"\w*.  
\v 22 Really, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G5100"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w* thrown \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* destroy \w him|strong="G2532"\w*. \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* help \w us|strong="G1519"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w*'s ‘\w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*’;\f + \fr 9:23 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘believe’, which alters the meaning (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believes|strong="G4100"\w*.”  
\v 24 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w and|strong="G3962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, \w with|strong="G2896"\w* tears, “\w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 9:24 \ft Around 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘with tears’ and ‘Lord’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*; help \w my|strong="G1473"\w* unbelief!”\f + \fr 9:24 \ft I can sympathize with this father. When I consider all the things that the Lord Jesus said could be done with faith, and that I have yet to do, I too must say, “Help my unbelief!”\f*   
\p
\v 25 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w running|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deaf|strong="G2974"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 9:25 \ft The father had said it was a mute spirit; Jesus adds that it is also deaf—the two often go together.\f* \bd \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w*\bd* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* commanding \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3371"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3371"\w*!”\f + \fr 9:25 \ft Note that Jesus forbad any return. Demons will do anything to deceive, confuse or demoralize us. If you resist a spirit, he leaves, but another may immediately take the place of the first and produce the same effect, making you think that nothing happened, so that you feel demoralized. If you resist but do not forbid a return, he leaves but may come back, in an hour, a day or a week. If I have to rebuke the enemy I now rebuke not only the spirit actually at work but any and all others that might wish to attack the person in the same way. I used to forbid any repetition of the attack, but now I send them to the Abyss. 
\fp I believe Luke 8:31 give us basis for consigning demons to the Abyss, thereby reducing the number of the enemy's forces (against us). There we read that the demons begged Jesus “not to order them to go into the Abyss” (“the Abyss” is the same phrase that the AV renders as “the bottomless pit” in Revelation 20:1). That means that He could have—I conclude that He refrained from doing so because He had not yet won the victory, at that time. But now it is different. In John 14:12 the Lord Jesus said to His disciples: “Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes into me, the works that I do he will do also; even greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father.” What does “because I go to my Father” imply? I conclude that it must be His victory—could He have returned if He had failed, if He had not succeeded in destroying the devil (Hebrews 2:14)? That is why we are supposed to be doing “\ft \+bd greater\+bd*” works—like ordering demons into the Abyss, for instance. 
\fp C. Fred Dickason, who has personally ministered to over 400 demonized believers, says that his experience indicates that once a demon is ordered into the Abyss it does not come back (\+it Demon Possession & the Christian\+it*, Moody Press, 1987). Paul E. Billheimer says much the same in \+it Destined to Overcome\+it* (Bethany House Publishers, 1982, p. 46). Can you imagine if God's people really got a hold on this? We could continuously \+bd reduce\+bd* the number of demons opposing us! Hallelujah! So then, why not order all recalcitrant demons into the Abyss? In fact, why not do the same for any and all that intrude upon our notice?\f*  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* yelled, convulsed \w him|strong="G3588"\w* violently, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*. \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w*'s \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.”  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w took|strong="G2902"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lifted|strong="G1453"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* stayed \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* feet.  
\v 28 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G1519"\w* couldn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*?”  
\v 29 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w kind|strong="G1085"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* fasting.”\f + \fr 9:29 \ft Four Greek manuscripts (all inferior), against 1651, omit ‘and fasting’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*   
\s1 Jesus predicts His death again  
\p
\v 30 \w Having|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w passing|strong="G3899"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w*;  
\v 31 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* once killed\f + \fr 9:31 \ft This seems to us to be an awkward expression, but that is what the Text says.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* third \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.”  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* understanding \w this|strong="G3588"\w* information, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w ask|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 About humility  
\p
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* once \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* debating \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*?”  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w kept|strong="G4623"\w* \w silent|strong="G4623"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* debated \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1722"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w*.  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w*, \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.”  
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w him|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* embracing \w him|strong="G2476"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*,  
\v 37 “\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \it only\it* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w One|strong="G1520"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”   
\s1 Either for, or against  
\p
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w answered|strong="G5346"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* doesn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* follow \w us|strong="G2249"\w*;\f + \fr 9:38 \ft Around 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘one who doesn't follow us’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* forbade \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* doesn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* follow \w us|strong="G2249"\w*.”  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w miracle|strong="G1411"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w soon|strong="G5035"\w* \w afterward|strong="G5035"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w evil|strong="G2551"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 40 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*.\f + \fr 9:40 \ft Instead of ‘you’, some 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘us’ (both times) (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 41 Further, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w gives|strong="G4222"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*'s, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* certainty, \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w* lose \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.\f + \fr 9:41 \ft But how and where could an unbeliever be ‘rewarded’? I suppose with blessing in this life.\f*   
\s1 About offenses  
\p
\v 42 “\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w causes|strong="G4624"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*,\f + \fr 9:42 \ft It is clear from the context that the verb ‘fall’ throughout this paragraph refers to a spiritual fall with eternal consequences. I believe that the Lord was being perfectly serious and literal here. I suppose most deadly temptations come at us through the eye. Obviously it would be better to pluck out an eye, literally, if it would stop you in time, than to fall from the Faith and wind up in the Lake. In the first place, most people are not prepared to take such drastic measures, and in the second, by the time they wake up to what is happening, they have already crossed the line. That is why Hebrews 3:12-14 is precisely to the point: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”\f* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w millstone|strong="G3458"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w hung|strong="G4029"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.\f + \fr 9:42 \ft The implication is clear: anyone who deliberately destroys a child's faith in Jesus has bought himself a one-way ticket to the Lake of Fire. I suppose that ‘child’ could include high school and college students.\f*  
\v 43 Further, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* off; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w* \w maimed|strong="G2948"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* Gehenna,\f + \fr 9:43 \ft Strictly speaking, ‘Gehenna’ was the local dump outside Jerusalem—something was always being burned, and there would be plenty of worms. But Jesus here uses it as a figure for the Lake of Fire, the ‘second death’.\f* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unquenchable \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*—  
\v 44 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’\f + \fr 9:44 \ft See Isaiah 66:24. Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘into the unquenchable fire’ at the end of verses 43 and 45, and also omit verses 44 and 46 entire, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc., except that most keep ‘into the unquenchable fire’ in verse 43 (but not in verse 45). I find the figure of an immortal worm to be rather daunting—always chewing on you, but never finishing you off! (Evidently there were those who thought that saying it once was quite enough.)\f*  
\v 45 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* off; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* Gehenna, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unquenchable fire—  
\v 46 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’  
\v 47 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w pluck|strong="G1544"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w thrown|strong="G1544"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Gehenna \w of|strong="G2316"\w* fire—  
\v 48 \w where|strong="G3699"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 9:48 \ft I here follow the best line of transmission and 30% of the Greek manuscripts.\f* \w worm|strong="G4663"\w* does \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w die|strong="G5053"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w quenched|strong="G4570"\w*.’   
\p
\v 49 “Further, \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* seasoned \w with|strong="G3956"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*,\f + \fr 9:49 \ft Now what might this mean? Well, those who believe into Him Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire; those who don't, get a different fire.\f* \w and|strong="G3956"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* sacrifice \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* seasoned \w with|strong="G3956"\w* salt.\f + \fr 9:49 \ft Some 7% of the Greek manuscripts omit the second clause of this verse, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. But just what might \+nd this\+nd* mean? Well, Romans 12:1 speaks of a ‘living sacrifice’ and in Matthew 5:13 Jesus calls His followers ‘the salt of the earth’. If you present yourself as a living sacrifice to Jesus, He will make you salty.\f*  
\v 50 Salt \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* salt loses its saltiness, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* season \w it|strong="G2532"\w*? \w Have|strong="G2192"\w* salt \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1514"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:50 \ft For ‘salty’ people living and working together, ‘peace’ may not be easy.\f*   
\c 10  
\s1 Down with divorce!  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w borders|strong="G3725"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G5613"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*. \w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4848"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w custom|strong="G1486"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w once|strong="G3825"\w* \w more|strong="G3825"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w test|strong="G3985"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w to|strong="G2532"\w* divorce \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*?”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w command|strong="G1781"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?”  
\v 4 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w permitted|strong="G2010"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* certificate \w of|strong="G2532"\w* divorce \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* away.”\f + \fr 10:4 \ft See Deuteronomy 24:1, 3.\f*  
\v 5 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* due \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w hardness|strong="G4641"\w* \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w heart|strong="G4641"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w precept|strong="G1785"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w creation|strong="G2937"\w*, \w God|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* male \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w female|strong="G2338"\w*.\f + \fr 10:6 \ft See Genesis 1:27, 5:2.\f*  
\v 7 ‘\w For|strong="G4314"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G1752"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w leave|strong="G2641"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* joined \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*,  
\v 8 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* turned \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*.’\f + \fr 10:8 \ft See Genesis 2:24. The Text says ‘two’, not ‘three’, ‘four’, or whatever. The ‘two’ are a man and a woman; not two men, not a woman and a demon, or whatever.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3765"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w joined|strong="G4801"\w* \w together|strong="G4801"\w*, \w let|strong="G5563"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w separate|strong="G5563"\w*.”   
\p
\v 10 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* subject.  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* divorces \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w commits|strong="G3429"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3429"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*;  
\v 12 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* woman divorces \w her|strong="G1437"\w* husband \w and|strong="G2532"\w* gets \w married|strong="G1060"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w commits|strong="G3429"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3429"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:12 \ft Note that Jesus recognizes that the woman may take the initiative. Whoever takes the initiative commits adultery.\f*   
\s1 Jesus blesses little children  
\p
\v 13 \w People|strong="G4374"\w* started \w bringing|strong="G4374"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* touch \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* started \w rebuking|strong="G2008"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* doing \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bringing|strong="G4374"\w*.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* indignant \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w hinder|strong="G2967"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w made|strong="G2316"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w*.  
\v 15 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1209"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w does|strong="G1209"\w*\f + \fr 10:15 \ft Jesus did not say that only children can be saved; rather, one must believe the way a child believes, without question, and literally.\f* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G1723"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w arms|strong="G1723"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laying|strong="G5087"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 10:16 \ft Blessing children is an important thing to do.\f*   
\s1 A rich young man  
\p
\v 17 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2443"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w someone|strong="G1520"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w running|strong="G4370"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w knelt|strong="G1120"\w* \w before|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w*, “\w Good|strong="G5101"\w* \w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*?”  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* ‘\w good|strong="G3588"\w*’?\f + \fr 10:18 \ft Jesus was not denying that He was good; the trouble was that the man called him good without recognizing Him as God.\f* \w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*—\w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 19 \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w*: ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w commit|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*,’ ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w murder|strong="G5407"\w*,’ ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w*,’ ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w give|strong="G5576"\w* \w false|strong="G5576"\w* \w testimony|strong="G5576"\w*,’ ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* defraud,’ ‘\w Honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 10:19 \ft See Exodus 20:12-16, Deuteronomy 5:16-20.\f*  
\v 20 \w In|strong="G3956"\w* answer \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*,\f + \fr 10:20 \ft He did not repeat the ‘mistake’.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w kept|strong="G5442"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w since|strong="G1537"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* young.”  
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w looking|strong="G1689"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, loved \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 10:21 \ft The verb is \ft \+it αγαπαω\+it*; He was concerned for his well-being.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w One|strong="G1520"\w* \w thing|strong="G1520"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w lack|strong="G5302"\w*; \w go|strong="G5217"\w*, \w sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1204"\w*, \w take|strong="G2192"\w* \w up|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* cross,\f + \fr 10:21 \ft Scarcely 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘take up the cross’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* dismayed \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* suggestion \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G3588"\w* away sorrowing, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w possessions|strong="G2933"\w*.\f + \fr 10:22 \ft Jesus had put His finger on the one the man was not obeying—he was not loving his neighbor as himself.\f*   
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w looked|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w hard|strong="G1423"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w riches|strong="G5536"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w get|strong="G2192"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* astounded \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*. \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* tried \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w hard|strong="G1422"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* trust \w in|strong="G1519"\w* riches\f + \fr 10:24 \ft Five Greek manuscripts (all of objectively inferior quality), against 1650, omit ‘for those who trust in riches’, producing an obviously inferior text, but even so they are followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. NIV favors us with a footnote: “Some manuscripts \ft \+it is for those who trust in riches\+it*”. They use ‘some’ to refer to the 1,650, against only five. Is that not a dishonest use of the English language? (There are probably hundreds of such footnotes.)\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 25 \w It|strong="G1223"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* actually \w easier|strong="G2123"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w needle|strong="G4476"\w*'s \w eye|strong="G5168"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:25 \ft Ouch! In the Old Testament it was expected that godly living would be accompanied by material blessing. The trouble is that we tend to get more attached to the blessing than to the Blessor. Our Lord's words in Matthew 6:24 are to the point: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Anyone who serves ‘mammon’ is not serving God, and therefore is not in the Kingdom. As for the ‘camel’ and the ‘needle’, there have been attempts to explain this away, but since Jesus went on to say it was “impossible”, we may take them literally.\f*  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* totally \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*?”  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1063"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w looked|strong="G1689"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2316"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w With|strong="G3844"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w impossible|strong="G3756"\w*, \w but|strong="G1063"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”   
\s1 It pays to serve Jesus  
\p
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w So|strong="G2532"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* left \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* left \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* brothers \w or|strong="G2228"\w* sisters \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* wife\f + \fr 10:29 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘or wife’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* fields, \w for|strong="G1752"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1752"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*,  
\v 30 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1542"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 10:30 \ft Actually, the ‘hundredfold’ should presumably not be taken in a strictly literal sense. I take it that the Lord is saying that we will be abundantly recompensed, if not down here, certainly in heaven. In my own experience, in the absence of my real mother, whenever I needed one God provided one. If you only have one brother, that's all you can leave, obviously, so the plural nouns are also contingent on the facts in the case. ‘Eternal’ life is a quality of life, and it begins down here.\f* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*—\w houses|strong="G3614"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sisters \w and|strong="G2532"\w* father \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*\f + \fr 10:30 \ft I follow 40% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, in reading ‘father and mother’. 55% have ‘mothers’, as in most versions. Note that Jesus does not promise more wives!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* fields (\w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w persecutions|strong="G1375"\w*)—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w age|strong="G2540"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*, eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.  
\v 31 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:31 \ft This sounds like a pushdown stack—first one in, last one out.\f*   
\s1 Jesus predicts His death a third time  
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w going|strong="G3195"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G3195"\w* \w ahead|strong="G4254"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w this|strong="G3588"\w* surprised \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 10:32 \ft I gather that Jesus was going forward with a determined pace, which at first surprised them, but then something about His demeanor made them apprehensive.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w aside|strong="G3880"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w happen|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 33 “\w Take|strong="G2532"\w* note, \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*;  
\v 34 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w mock|strong="G1702"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scourge|strong="G3146"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spit|strong="G1716"\w* \w on|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* third \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:34 \ft Jesus knew perfectly well that this was His last trip to Jerusalem, and He had detailed knowledge of what would happen. (He had been given the word by Moses and Elijah—Luke 9:31.)\f*   
\s1 Selfish ambition rebuked  
\p
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*, approached \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w ask|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?”  
\v 37 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Grant|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* left, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:37 \ft Isn't this a strange request? Evidently visions of the Messianic Kingdom drove all other considerations from their minds, only they wanted to be top dogs!\f*  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w asking|strong="G3004"\w*. \w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* baptism \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3756"\w*?”  
\v 39 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:39 \ft How did they know?\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* baptism \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G2532"\w*;  
\v 40 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w mine|strong="G1699"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w grant|strong="G1325"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:40 \ft If Jesus Himself is at the Father's right, then it follows that the Father is on Jesus' left, so only one of the spots is ‘available’, except that the occupant is already known.\f*   
\p
\v 41 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* indignant \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*.\f + \fr 10:41 \ft Now just why, do you suppose, were they upset?\f*  
\v 42 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w regarded|strong="G1380"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G2634"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w exercise|strong="G2715"\w* \w authority|strong="G2715"\w* \w over|strong="G2634"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 43 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w*,  
\v 44 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w number|strong="G4771"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 45 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w served|strong="G1247"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ransom|strong="G3083"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:45 \ft The Lord Jesus is our example.\f*   
\s1 Blind Bartimaeus  
\p
\v 46 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w*,\f + \fr 10:46 \ft The parallel account in Luke has Jesus entering Jericho, not leaving it. At that time, there were two Jerichos, about a kilometer apart. What better place for an enterprising beggar than between the two towns? For a detailed discussion of the three accounts (also Matthew), please see the Appendix: Entering, or leaving Jericho?\f* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G2425"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* Bartimaeus\f + \fr 10:46 \ft Mark is the only account that gives the man's name—evidently he was known (or at least became known).\f* (\w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Timaeus|strong="G5090"\w*) \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* roadside \w begging|strong="G4319"\w*.  
\v 47 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Natsorean,\f + \fr 10:47 \ft The Text has ‘Natsorean’, not ‘Nazarene (Natsarene)’. Natsorean is presumably a reference to Isaiah 11:1, the Branch—Jesus was the Branch-man. Natsarene just means that He came from Natsareth.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, “O \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*,\f + \fr 10:47 \ft Bartimaeus addresses Jesus as the Messiah.\f* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 48 \w Many|strong="G4183"\w* started \w telling|strong="G2008"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w shut|strong="G1473"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started calling \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* louder, “\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 49 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w still|strong="G2476"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5185"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Courage|strong="G2293"\w*! \w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*! \w He|strong="G2532"\w*'s \w calling|strong="G5455"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”  
\v 50 Tossing off \w his|strong="G4314"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w*,\f + \fr 10:50 \ft Now why did he abandon his cloak? He expected to be healed—being able to see he could easily find it (and who else would want a beggar's cloak?).\f* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* got \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 51 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”\f + \fr 10:51 \ft Does God ever take anything for granted from us? He knows what we need before we ask, but we must ask.\f* \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5185"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Rabouni,\f + \fr 10:51 \ft Some 65% of the Greek manuscripts spell the word with two ‘b’s; I follow the best line of transmission, but there is no difference in meaning: ‘my teacher/master’.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* see \w again|strong="G2532"\w*!”  
\v 52 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w*; \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* see, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.   
\c 11  
\ms1 The last week  
\s1 The ‘triumphal’ entry—Sunday, 03/31/30 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w drawing|strong="G1448"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethphage \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bethany, \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*,  
\v 2 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w opposite|strong="G2713"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w enter|strong="G1531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* foal \w tied|strong="G1210"\w*, \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w*. \w Untie|strong="G3089"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?’ \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thereupon \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* send \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:3 \ft At first glance the rendering, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly”, looks inviting, but it doesn't quite fit. The animal would be gone for a number of hours, and one would expect a different verb. The seeming difficulty posed by the change from ‘he’ to ‘they’ (in verse 6) is easily answered: in verse 3 the ‘he’ agrees in number with the preceding ‘anyone’, and the owner of the animal may have been among the bystanders (verses 5 & 6). In any case, the owner evidently knew who ‘the Lord’ was, and had presumably been forewarned—why else was the foal already tied outside?\f*   
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* foal \w tied|strong="G1210"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w*, \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* street, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w loosed|strong="G3089"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*, \w untying|strong="G3089"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* foal?”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* instructed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* foal \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* placed \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w spread|strong="G4766"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w cutting|strong="G2875"\w* leafy \w branches|strong="G4746"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* trees\f + \fr 11:8 \ft Well under 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘fields’ instead of ‘trees’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spreading|strong="G4766"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Both|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w front|strong="G4254"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* followed started calling \w out|strong="G2896"\w*, saying:  
\q1 “\w Hosanna|strong="G5614"\w*!”  
\q1 “\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:9 \ft See Psalms 118:26.\f*   
\q1
\v 10 “\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w our|strong="G1722"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*  
\q2 \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* name \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:10 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘in the name of the Lord’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Different people were saying different things and Mark records some of the variety (he may well have been there; in fact I suspect that he probably was).\f*  
\q1 “\w Hosanna|strong="G5614"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w highest|strong="G5310"\w*!”   
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G1525"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*,\f + \fr 11:11 \ft He knew what He had to do the next day (clean out the commerce), but there wasn't enough time to do a proper job just then.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w late|strong="G5610"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethany \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*.   
\s1 A barren fig tree  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* Bethany, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*.  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w leaves|strong="G5444"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* perhaps \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*. \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaves|strong="G5444"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w season|strong="G2540"\w*.\f + \fr 11:13 \ft Even though it was no longer fig season, sometimes an occasional fig would dry on the tree, and of course a dried fig is edible. Had the leaves all fallen, He could have seen from a distance that there were not any figs (any fig that was visible would have been eaten long before).\f*  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w ever|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w again|strong="G3371"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:14 \ft Dear me; it would seem to be unreasonable to curse a tree out of season—it was not the tree's fault that it had no figs! First, being the Creator, Jesus had the right to do as He did; but second, it was probably a prophetic act wherein the fig tree represented Israel; and third, He wanted to teach His disciples about faith.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* listening.   
\s1 Jesus ‘purifies’ the temple (2\sup nd\sup* time)—Monday, 04/01/30 AD  
\p
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G1525"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w drive|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* bought \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w overturned|strong="G2690"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tables|strong="G5132"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w money|strong="G2855"\w* \w changers|strong="G2855"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seats|strong="G2515"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dove|strong="G4058"\w* sellers.  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* allow \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w carry|strong="G1308"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w container|strong="G4632"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="G3956"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*’?\f + \fr 11:17 \ft See Isaiah 56:7. Note that it has always been God's intention that the whole world know and worship Him.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w den|strong="G4693"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w robbers|strong="G3027"\w*’!”\f + \fr 11:17 \ft See Jeremiah 7:11. I get the impression that He kept repeating this as He went about His task.\f*   
\p
\v 18 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 11:18 \ft They had already determined that they had to kill Him, long before.\f* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w*.  
\v 19 \w When|strong="G3752"\w* \w evening|strong="G3796"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.   
\s1 How to drown a mountain  
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3899"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w dried|strong="G3583"\w* \w up|strong="G3583"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roots|strong="G4491"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, remembering, \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*, \w look|strong="G3708"\w*! \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w cursed|strong="G2672"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w dried|strong="G3583"\w* \w up|strong="G3583"\w*!”  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2192"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 11:22 \ft I wonder if the intended meaning might not be, ‘have the faith of a god’ (‘god’ is in the genitive case and without an article)—a god giving an order would expect to be obeyed.\f*  
\v 23 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, ‘\w Be|strong="G1096"\w* picked \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w doubt|strong="G1252"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w believes|strong="G4100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*.\f + \fr 11:23 \ft It is an ongoing source of frustration to me that I have not yet attained to this level of faith.\f*  
\v 24 \w That|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w why|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w ask|strong="G3004"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4336"\w*, \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w stand|strong="G4739"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*, forgive, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* forgive \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*.  
\v 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”\f + \fr 11:26 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit verse 26 entire, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc. The last three words of verses 25 and 26 are identical (in the Greek Text), giving rise to a common transcriptional error—after writing the first, the copyist's eye returns to the second and he continues, having omitted what was in between. Verse 26 reinforces and emphasizes the need for forgiveness—the reference is to things done against us personally.\f*   
\s1 Jesus' authority questioned—Tuesday, 04/02/30 AD  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w By|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*?” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*?”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w ask|strong="G1905"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w question|strong="G1905"\w*; \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 30 \w The|strong="G1537"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*: \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*?”\f + \fr 11:30 \ft Some 80% of the Greek manuscripts continue with ‘answer me’, as in most (if not all) versions; I follow the best line of transmission, albeit representing only 20% of the manuscripts. ‘Answer me’ is already in verse 29.\f*  
\v 31 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* considered \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w we|strong="G1437"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*,’ \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*?’  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1063"\w* \w if|strong="G3748"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*’…”—\w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w feared|strong="G5399"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3748"\w* \w held|strong="G2192"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w really|strong="G3689"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2532"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:33 \ft Of course they did know, and they also knew who Jesus was, and the source of His authority, but they had chosen to rebel.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.”   
\c 12  
\s1 Parable of wicked tenants  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* man \w planted|strong="G5452"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard—\w put|strong="G4060"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hedge \w around|strong="G4060"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w dug|strong="G3736"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G5276"\w* trough, \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tower|strong="G4444"\w*—\w rented|strong="G1554"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* farmers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* journey.  
\v 2 \w At|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w proper|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* farmers, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard.  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G2983"\w*, \w beat|strong="G1194"\w* \w him|strong="G2983"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2983"\w* away \w empty-handed|strong="G2756"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wounded|strong="G2775"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2775"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* stoning,\f + \fr 12:4 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘by stoning’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* away shamefully treated.  
\v 5 \w Again|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* killed; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w others|strong="G2548"\w*, \w beating|strong="G1194"\w* \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killing \w some|strong="G3739"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Finally|strong="G2078"\w*, \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* beloved \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w even|strong="G2089"\w* sent \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w respect|strong="G1788"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.’  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* farmers \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*: ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heir|strong="G2818"\w*. \w Come|strong="G1205"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w*'s kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w ours|strong="G1473"\w*.’  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, killed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard.\f + \fr 12:8 \ft The details of this particular parable strike me as improbable. Most owners would take punitive measures after the second slave, if not the first. But the parable was a picture of how Israel had treated God, over the centuries, culminating in the death of His Son.\f*   
\p
\v 9 “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w therefore|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w do|strong="G4160"\w*? \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w those|strong="G3588"\w* farmers, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Have|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* read \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w builders|strong="G3618"\w* rejected,  
\q2 \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w very|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w cornerstone|strong="G2776"\w*;   
\q1
\v 11 \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w doing|strong="G3844"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w marvelous|strong="G2298"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*’?”\f + \fr 12:11 \ft See Psalm 118:22-23.\f*   
\m
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* way \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w arrest|strong="G2902"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* left \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away.   
\s1 Render to Caesar  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 12:13 \ft The reference is presumably to the leaders mentioned in 11:27. They were hoping to be able to denounce Jesus to the Governor, who was Caesar's representative.\f* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herodians|strong="G2265"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* trap \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w question|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* honest—\w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* ‘protect’ \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consider|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* position \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w people|strong="G4383"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* truth\f + \fr 12:14 \ft They were really almost too obvious.\f*—\w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pay|strong="G1325"\w* \w taxes|strong="G2778"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*?  
\v 15 \w Should|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* pay, \w or|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G1473"\w*?” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* knowing \w their|strong="G3708"\w* \w hypocrisy|strong="G5272"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w testing|strong="G3985"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*? \w Bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w look|strong="G3708"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w image|strong="G1504"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w inscription|strong="G1923"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?” \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s.”  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Render \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s.”\f + \fr 12:17 \ft We are to do both: tithe and pay taxes. The Lord's answer left them empty-handed.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 A hypothetical situation\f + \fr 12:18 \ft If you ever have to deal with someone who wants to argue on the basis of a hypothetical situation—be careful! Like these Sadducees, they will have a hidden agenda.\f*  
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3748"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w*—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* resurrection—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 19 “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*'s brother dies \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaves|strong="G2641"\w* \w behind|strong="G2641"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* brother \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w raise|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1817"\w* offspring \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* brother.  
\v 20 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* brothers. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* dying left \w no|strong="G3756"\w* offspring.  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w leave|strong="G2641"\w* \w any|strong="G3361"\w* offspring. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w likewise|strong="G5615"\w*.  
\v 22 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* fact, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* left \w no|strong="G3756"\w* offspring. \w Last|strong="G2078"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 23 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2192"\w* rise, \w whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w she|strong="G1063"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*?—\w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*.”   
\p
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G2424"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3778"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 12:24 \ft What a sad commentary! But is it not true of most religious leaders today, as well?\f*—\w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3778"\w* \w err|strong="G4105"\w*?  
\v 25 \w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* rise \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*, \w but|strong="G1063"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* angels \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 12:25 \ft Jesus does not say that angels do not have gender. Angels are always treated as male, not female—without females there could never be baby angels. That may be why they are evidently fascinated by the female of our species (1 Corinthians 11:10). Because of death, on this planet we must reproduce, or the race will die out. Since there is no death in Heaven, there will be no need to reproduce; it follows that ‘marriage’ and ‘family’ will be irrelevant up there.\f*  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G1453"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* read \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Bush, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* Abraham, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*’?  
\v 27 \w He|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*, \w but|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* ones. \w You|strong="G1510"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* therefore \w badly|strong="G4183"\w* \w mistaken|strong="G4105"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:27 \ft The Sadducees were basically materialists, and like them any materialists today will also be badly mistaken in their whole world view.\f*   
\s1 The greatest commandment  
\p
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w on|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* scene, heard \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w arguing|strong="G4802"\w*, \w realized|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* answered \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*?”  
\v 29 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* answered \w him|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 12:29 \ft I take it that Jesus answered without hesitation—this one was easy.\f* “\w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* commandments \w is|strong="G1510"\w*: ‘Hear, O \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 12:29 \ft I follow the best line of transmission in reading ‘your’, albeit some 75% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘our’, as in all versions.\f* (pl) \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*;  
\v 30 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* (sg) \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* love \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* (sg) \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w mind|strong="G1271"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w strength|strong="G2479"\w*.’\f + \fr 12:30 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The ‘love’ here cannot be limited to emotion, obviously. We are to love God with our whole being, all we have. But how does that work? Love for God is demonstrated by obedience, so all we do is to be oriented by God's will.\f* \w This|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G3588"\w* commandment.\f + \fr 12:30 \ft Just over 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘this is the first commandment’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 31 \w And|strong="G3173"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w*, \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w*, \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G3778"\w* love \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*.’\f + \fr 12:31 \ft See Leviticus 19:18.\f* \w There|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w other|strong="G3756"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*.”   
\p
\v 32 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribe|strong="G1122"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Well|strong="G2573"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*; \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w truly|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w other|strong="G1520"\w* \w except|strong="G4133"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 33 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* love \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w understanding|strong="G4907"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* soul\f + \fr 12:33 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘and with all the soul’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strength|strong="G2479"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* love \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w oneself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w burnt|strong="G3646"\w* \w offerings|strong="G3646"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="G2378"\w*.”  
\v 34 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* wisely, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:34 \ft Quite right—all the man had to do was put it into practice.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w dared|strong="G5111"\w* \w ask|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w* \w question|strong="G1905"\w*.   
\s1 Is the Christ David's son?  
\p
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s \w son|strong="G5207"\w*?  
\v 36 \w Because|strong="G1537"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* himself \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,  
\q2 “\w Sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*  
\q2 \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w stool|strong="G5286"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.” ’\f + \fr 12:36 \ft See Psalm 110:1. Note that the Lord Jesus affirms that David wrote under divine inspiration!\f*   
\m
\v 37 \w Therefore|strong="G2532"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* himself \w calls|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*’; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4159"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*?” \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* listened \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* pleasure.   
\s1 Down with hypocrisy!  
\p
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w*: “Beware \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w long|strong="G4749"\w* \w robes|strong="G4749"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* greetings \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* market places,  
\v 39 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* best \w seats|strong="G4410"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* best \w places|strong="G4411"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w feasts|strong="G1173"\w*;  
\v 40 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w devour|strong="G2719"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w houses|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w*,\f + \fr 12:40 \ft Presumably, when the man died the widow no longer had the means to clear any debt; so they would just take over the house and put the widow out in the street.\f* \w while|strong="G2532"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w long|strong="G3117"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* loud \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G2983"\w*. \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* severe \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w*.”   
\s1 A widow's offering  
\p
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w opposite|strong="G2713"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w offering|strong="G2532"\w* chest \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w watching|strong="G2334"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* depositing \w money|strong="G5475"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* chest. \w Many|strong="G4183"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* amounts.  
\v 42 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* ‘lepta’, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* equal \w a|strong="G2532"\w* ‘quadrans’.\f + \fr 12:42 \ft The ‘lepta’ was a tiny coin used in Israel, but not in Rome; their smallest coin was a ‘quadrans’. Since Mark is writing for a Roman audience, he uses a value they can understand.\f*  
\v 43 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* chest \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* contributors;  
\v 44 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w gave|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G3956"\w* excess, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w*, \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w* lack, \w put|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w*, \w her|strong="G3956"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* livelihood.”\f + \fr 12:44 \ft Wow! I imagine she was appealing to God for help.\f*   
\c 13  
\s1 The temple will be destroyed  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G3708"\w*! \w Such|strong="G3588"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w*, \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w buildings|strong="G3619"\w*!”  
\v 2 \w In|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* see \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w buildings|strong="G3619"\w*? \w Here|strong="G5602"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* single \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* left \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w another|strong="G3037"\w*; each \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w down|strong="G2647"\w*.”\f + \fr 13:2 \ft This was literally fulfilled in 70 AD. The Jews used the temple buildings as their last bastion of defense. They themselves set fire to some buildings and the Roman soldiers finished the job. Apparently the gold on the dome melted and ran down the cracks between the stones. So the looters literally tore stone from stone to make sure they got all the gold.\f*   
\s1 The Olivet Discourse  
\s2 The end of the age  
\p
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w* \w opposite|strong="G2713"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*,\f + \fr 13:3 \ft I take the point to be that He could see the temple from where He was sitting.\f* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*:  
\v 4 “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*? \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4931"\w*?”\f + \fr 13:4 \ft There are two questions: “When these things?” and “What the sign?” The answer to the first is given in Luke 21:20-24. The answer to the second begins here in verse 5.\f*  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w way|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w an|strong="G1161"\w* answer \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Take|strong="G1161"\w* care \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w deceives|strong="G4105"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w deceive|strong="G4105"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* hear \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wars|strong="G4171"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* rumors \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wars|strong="G4171"\w*, \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* distress \w you|strong="G3752"\w*; \w because|strong="G1161"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*,\f + \fr 13:8 \ft The verb is in the passive voice, so the necessary question is, who does the raising?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w against|strong="G2596"\w* kingdom; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w earthquakes|strong="G4578"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w various|strong="G2596"\w* \w places|strong="G5117"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w famines|strong="G3042"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tumults.\f + \fr 13:8 \ft In our day we have seen violence and looting in the wake of earthquakes and food shortages. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘and tumults’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w These|strong="G2532"\w* things \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w birth|strong="G5604"\w* \w pains|strong="G5604"\w*.\f + \fr 13:8 \ft The Text has ‘birth pains’, so what is the ‘baby’? I suppose the ‘baby’ is the Messianic Kingdom.\f*   
\p
\v 9 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* watch \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w because|strong="G1909"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w councils|strong="G4892"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* flog \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w rulers|strong="G2232"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kings \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*.\f + \fr 13:10 \ft See the footnote at Matthew 24:14.\f*  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w lead|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* away \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w*, \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worry|strong="G4305"\w* \w beforehand|strong="G4305"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* premeditate \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w say|strong="G2980"\w*;\f + \fr 13:11 \ft In Seminary I was taught that this instruction is for martyrs, not preachers! But churches today would be better off if their pastors got their messages from the Holy Spirit.\f* \w rather|strong="G3756"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*, \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* doing \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.   
\p
\v 12 “\w Further|strong="G1909"\w*, brother \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* brother \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w child|strong="G5043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G1881"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cause|strong="G2289"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2289"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G1223"\w*,\f + \fr 13:13 \ft It is already the case in many places that anyone who takes a public stand in defense of biblical values is vituperated by the media—some have gone to prison in what once were ‘Christian’ countries.\f* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w endures|strong="G5278"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.\f + \fr 13:13 \ft We must endure persecution, without denying the Lord—if you deny Him, He will deny you.\f*   
\s2 The Great Tribulation  
\p
\v 14 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘abomination \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w desolation|strong="G2050"\w*’, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* spoken \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* Daniel \w the|strong="G1722"\w* prophet,\f + \fr 13:14 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘the one spoken of by Daniel the prophet’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G1163"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*”—\w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* reader \w understand|strong="G3539"\w*—“\w then|strong="G5119"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w housetop|strong="G1430"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w into|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w take|strong="G1161"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.\f + \fr 13:15 \ft I confess that I cannot imagine a situation where a few seconds would make any difference. Evidently the attack will be sudden.\f*  
\v 16 \w Let|strong="G1994"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* field \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w return|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w*.  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G1064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w nursing|strong="G2337"\w* \w babies|strong="G2337"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*!  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G1096"\w* flight \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w take|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1096"\w* \w winter|strong="G5494"\w*,\f + \fr 13:18 \ft I find this instruction to be curious. Is the Lord really saying that by praying we can influence the time of year when the ‘abomination’ will take place? I wonder.\f*  
\v 19 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w affliction|strong="G2347"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G5108"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w creation|strong="G2937"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*,\f + \fr 13:19 \ft The Lord Jesus Christ affirms that God created this world; anyone who embraces the evolutionary hypothesis of origins is calling Him a liar.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 13:19 \ft There has always been affliction and distress in the world, but not like what is coming.\f*  
\v 20 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w short|strong="G2856"\w*, \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w chose|strong="G1586"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* shorten \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.\f + \fr 13:20 \ft The tense of the verb is definitely past. The Lord is evidently referring to something that has already been determined.\f*   
\p
\v 21 “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Look|strong="G3708"\w*, \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*!’ ‘\w Look|strong="G3708"\w*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w*!’ \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*;  
\v 22 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w christs|strong="G5580"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w prophets|strong="G5578"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*,\f + \fr 13:22 \ft Again, the voice is passive; I suppose it is Satan that does the raising up.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G4160"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* mislead \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w*.  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* watch out! See, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G5210"\w* \w told|strong="G4302"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w advance|strong="G4302"\w*.   
\s2 The return of Christ  
\p
\v 24 “\w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w tribulation|strong="G2347"\w*, ‘\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkened|strong="G4654"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w moon|strong="G4582"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w its|strong="G1325"\w* \w light|strong="G5338"\w*;  
\v 25 \w the|strong="G1722"\w* stars \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w falling|strong="G4098"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:25 \ft See Isaiah 13:10, 34:4. The reference is presumably to angelic beings, not literal stars (just one would demolish the planet).\f*  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w clouds|strong="G3507"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.\f + \fr 13:26 \ft Note that this Return will be visible, in contrast to the Rapture (as I understand it).\f*  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w His|strong="G2532"\w* angels \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gather|strong="G1996"\w* \w together|strong="G1996"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* winds, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*'s extreme \w point|strong="G2193"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*'s extreme \w point|strong="G2193"\w*.\f + \fr 13:27 \ft I have difficulty understanding this statement, if it is to be taken literally. That the elect will be collected from all over the world, no problem, but from all over heaven? However, since resurrected saints will participate in the administration of the Messianic Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:2, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10, 20:6), perhaps they are included in this statement.\f*   
\s2 Example of the fig tree  
\p
\v 28 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* example \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w*: \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w its|strong="G3752"\w* \w branch|strong="G2798"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* tender \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sprouts \w leaves|strong="G5444"\w*, \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w knows|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w summer|strong="G2330"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*.  
\v 29 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w happening|strong="G1096"\w*, \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*—\w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w*!  
\v 30 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*\f + \fr 13:30 \ft “This generation” could refer to the Jewish race (render ‘this race’), but I think it more probable that it refers to the generation that “sees all these things”. To be more precise, I think that those who were alive on the planet in 1967 (when the city of Jerusalem returned to the political control of the nation Israel) are the generation in question.\f* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 31 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*.\f + \fr 13:31 \ft Jesus affirms that His words have eternal validity/authority.\f*   
\s2 Watch!  
\p
\v 32 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w knows|strong="G1492"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angels \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*,\f + \fr 13:32 \ft While He was walking this earth as Jesus, He didn't know, but presumably now He does.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w only|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*.  
\v 33 Watch! Keep alert! Pray!\f + \fr 13:33 \ft Since the Return draws ever closer, of necessity, we, of all people, should be doing this. A mere handful (0.6%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘pray’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w when|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 34 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w man|strong="G1538"\w* off \w on|strong="G1849"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* journey, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* left \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1781"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doorkeeper|strong="G2377"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w keep|strong="G1127"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w*.  
\v 35 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w watchful|strong="G1127"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w when|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*—\w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w evening|strong="G3796"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3317"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w at|strong="G3756"\w* cockcrow \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w*—  
\v 36 \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w suddenly|strong="G1810"\w* \w he|strong="G2064"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*.  
\v 37 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*: \w Watch|strong="G1127"\w*!”\f + \fr 13:37 \ft To whom does the ‘all’ refer? Those who are not followers of Christ will not pay attention in any case (presumably).\f*   
\c 14  
\s1 The Sanhedrin make plans  
\m
\v 1 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Unleavened Bread.\f + \fr 14:1 \ft I take it that this statement settles the question of the exact day of the crucifixion. It was late Tuesday afternoon, probably after 6:00 p.m.—adding two days takes us to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, but the proceedings in the upper room began after 6:00 p.m. on that Thursday, which to the Jews was already Friday. Therefore Jesus died on a Friday [not Thursday]. (See also Luke 23:54-24:1—Jesus was buried on Friday afternoon; then the women rested during the Sabbath [singular = just one day]; then early the first day of the week they went to the tomb.) For further discussion, please see the Appendix: “How long was Jesus in the tomb?”\f* \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* underhanded \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G3361"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Not|strong="G3361"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w*, \w or|strong="G3361"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w may|strong="G3004"\w* \w riot|strong="G2351"\w*.”   
\s1 An anointing in Simon's house  
\p
\v 3 \w Being|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Bethany \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w leper|strong="G3015"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w reclining|strong="G2621"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* meal, \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* alabaster vase \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w costly|strong="G4185"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w pure|strong="G4101"\w* \w nard|strong="G3487"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G4937"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* vase \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pour|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* expressing indignation \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* saying: “\w To|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w purpose|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w* wasted?  
\v 5 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w sold|strong="G4097"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5145"\w* \w hundred|strong="G5145"\w* \w denarii|strong="G1220"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started censuring \w her|strong="G1325"\w*.\f + \fr 14:5 \ft When Mary did it in her own house, only Judas complained. Now several others join in; it was getting to be too much of a good thing. See the footnote at verse 10 below.\f*  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Leave \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w alone|strong="G1438"\w*! \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w bothering|strong="G2873"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*? \w She|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w done|strong="G2038"\w* \w something|strong="G5101"\w* useful \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 7 \w You|strong="G3752"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2095"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 8 \w She|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w she|strong="G3739"\w* \w could|strong="G2192"\w*.\f + \fr 14:8 \ft She did what was in her power to do. I would be happy to have that epitaph on my tombstone (if I ever have one) —‘he did what he could’.\f* \w She|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* perfumed \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w burying|strong="G1780"\w* \w before|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* fact.  
\v 9 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w memorial|strong="G3422"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1437"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:9 \ft Yes indeed; we are still reading about it, some 2,000 years later.\f*   
\s1 Judas is hired  
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 14:10 \ft It was too much for Judas. On Saturday (03-30-30) Mary of Bethany had anointed His feet with 300 denarii worth of the same perfume, and now four days later (Wed., 04-03-30) another woman anoints His head with another 300 denarii worth of perfume (that was a \+nd lot\+nd* of money, and he liked money). In both cases Jesus affirms they are anointing Him for burial (and He had repeatedly told them He was going to be killed). Judas figured out that his expectation of an immediate kingdom was unfounded, and he rebelled. (He might even have convinced himself that Jesus had deceived him when He called him to be a disciple.)\f*  
\v 11 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w promised|strong="G1861"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* silver coins.\f + \fr 14:11 \ft I follow the best line of transmission and 40% of the manuscripts in reading ‘silver coins’ rather than ‘money’.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started figuring \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w conveniently|strong="G2122"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 The upper room is made ready  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* Unleavened Bread, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2380"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Paschal \w lamb|strong="G3004"\w*, \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w go|strong="G2309"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*?”  
\v 13 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w meet|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* carrying \w a|strong="G2532"\w* clay jar \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*; follow \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* goes \w in|strong="G1525"\w*, \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G1320"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3617"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G3699"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w guest|strong="G2646"\w* \w room|strong="G2646"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*?” ’  
\v 15 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G3173"\w* upper room, \w furnished|strong="G4766"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*; \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:15 \ft This had obviously been prearranged. I suppose that this was the upper room that the disciples continued to use.\f*  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*.   
\ms1 The last night—begins Thursday evening, 04/04/30, and ends the next morning  
\p
\v 17 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*.   
\s1 The traitor identified  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* reclining \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w sorrowful|strong="G3076"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*, “\w Surely|strong="G3385"\w* \w not|strong="G3385"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G2596"\w*, “\w Surely|strong="G3385"\w* \w not|strong="G3385"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*?”\f + \fr 14:19 \ft Some 8% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘and another, surely not I’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 20 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* dipping \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w bowl|strong="G5165"\w*.  
\v 21 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w*! \w It|strong="G3754"\w* \w would|strong="G3860"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:21 \ft Praying to His Father, Jesus said: “Those whom you gave me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). Judas was lost. But what are the implications of ‘better not to have been born’? I suppose it means that it is better to have never existed, than to spend eternity in the Lake. I find this line of reasoning to be uncomfortable.\f*   
\s1 Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper  
\p
\v 22 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* bread, \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Take|strong="G2983"\w*, \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*;\f + \fr 14:22 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘eat’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1325"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w drank|strong="G4095"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* blood, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* new\f + \fr 14:24 \ft A small handful (0.6%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘new’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. Hebrews 8:7-10:18 clearly links the new covenant in Jeremiah 31 to the shed blood of God's Lamb.\f* \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w shed|strong="G1632"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 25 \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w again|strong="G3765"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w fruit|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* vine \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:25 \ft Jesus affirms that He will drink it in the Kingdom. I imagine this will be during the Millennial Reign, not in Heaven.\f*  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* sung \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hymn|strong="G5214"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*.   
\s1 Peter will deny Him  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* caused \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4624"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* night,\f + \fr 14:27 \ft Some 30% of the Greek manuscripts omit ‘because of me this night’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w strike|strong="G3960"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4166"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w scattered|strong="G1287"\w*.’\f + \fr 14:27 \ft See Zechariah 13:7.\f*   
\m
\v 28 \w But|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* been \w raised|strong="G1453"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w go|strong="G4254"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* caused \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4624"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 30 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* assuredly \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G4771"\+w*\nd*, \w today|strong="G4594"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* rooster \w crows|strong="G5455"\w* \w twice|strong="G1364"\w*,\f + \fr 14:30 \ft For a full discussion of Peter's denials, harmonizing all four accounts, please see the Appendix: How often did Jesus say Peter would deny Him? I argue that this is the fourth warning, and since Peter became increasingly belligerent and disrespectful, Jesus added a second crowing preceded by another three denials.\f* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*.”  
\v 31 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w insisted|strong="G2980"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G4057"\w* vehemently, “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w die|strong="G4880"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* absolutely \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G5615"\w*.   
\s1 The agony in Gethsemane  
\p
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5564"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Gethsemane|strong="G1068"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w Sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w while|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*.”  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* greatly troubled \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w distressed|strong="G1568"\w*.  
\v 34 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* overwhelmed \w with|strong="G2532"\w* grief, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w point|strong="G2193"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*. \w Stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w keep|strong="G1127"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w*.”  
\v 35 \w Going|strong="G4281"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 36 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\it Abba\it* (\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*), \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w Please|strong="G2309"\w* \w remove|strong="G3911"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w*.”  
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*: “\w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*? Couldn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w keep|strong="G1127"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*?  
\v 38 \w Watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w enter|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w temptation|strong="G3986"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w willing|strong="G4289"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* weak.”  
\v 39 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w thing|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* weighed down;\f + \fr 14:40 \ft The verb is in the passive voice, so the necessary question is, by whom? I follow some 35% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, in reading ‘were being weighed down’, rather than ‘had been weighed down’, as in the rest.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w time|strong="G5610"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3708"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2064"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* resting! \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* enough, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w has|strong="G5610"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*; yes, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* sinners.  
\v 42 \w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, let's \w be|strong="G3588"\w* going. \w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w betrayer|strong="G3860"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:42 \ft There may have been pauses between the statements.\f*   
\s1 The betrayal and arrest  
\p
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w*, \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w arrived|strong="G3854"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* considerable \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clubs|strong="G3586"\w*, \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*.\f + \fr 14:43 \ft John 18:12 informs us that there was a ‘chiliarch’ present (a commander of 1,000 soldiers). An officer of such high rank could only be there by the Governor's order (Pilate). Subsequent events make clear that Pilate had been consulted, and had agreed to play along.\f*  
\v 44 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayer|strong="G3860"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w signal|strong="G4953"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w kiss|strong="G5368"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*; \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2902"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* away securely.”\f + \fr 14:44 \ft Why the ‘securely’? Judas had seen so many manifestations of Jesus' power that he should have known better, but of course he was under Satan's control at that time. However, it appears that they expected resistance.\f*  
\v 45 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G2064"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* directly \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*, \w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kissed|strong="G2705"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 46 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G1911"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* secured \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 47 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w stood|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G3936"\w* \w drew|strong="G4685"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w struck|strong="G3817"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* off \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w ear|strong="G5621"\w*.\f + \fr 14:47 \ft We know from Luke 22:51 that Jesus immediately healed the ear—otherwise things could have gotten nasty.\f*  
\v 48 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clubs|strong="G3586"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrest|strong="G4815"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w if|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* bandit.  
\v 49 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w must|strong="G1124"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.”  
\v 50 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* deserted \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5343"\w* \w away|strong="G5343"\w*.\f + \fr 14:50 \ft Mark's account is brief. The parallel accounts fill in the picture of what actually happened.\f*   
\s1 A curious case  
\p
\v 51 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w followed|strong="G4870"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w linen|strong="G4616"\w* \w cloth|strong="G4616"\w* thrown \w around|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* body. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w men|strong="G3495"\w* grabbed \w him|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 52 \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w leaving|strong="G2641"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w linen|strong="G4616"\w* \w cloth|strong="G4616"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w fled|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w*.\f + \fr 14:52 \ft Now why would Mark want to include an incident like this in his account? (None of the others do.) I rather imagine that he was that young man. Although not invited to the Passover, he probably waited outside and followed them to Gethsemane. In effect he is saying, “I was there.”\f*   
\s1 At Caiaphas' house  
\p
\v 53 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* away \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* priest; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4905"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*.  
\v 54 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, \w right|strong="G2193"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* courtyard \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sitting|strong="G4775"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* operatives \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w warming|strong="G2328"\w* \w himself|strong="G2328"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G5457"\w*.   
\s1 A farcical trial  
\p
\v 55 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3141"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w*.  
\v 56 \w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* sure, \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* testifying falsely \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* statements \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w agree|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 57 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w stood|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started testifying falsely \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 58 “\w We|strong="G2249"\w* heard \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w made|strong="G5499"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w hands|strong="G5499"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w another|strong="G2250"\w* \w made|strong="G5499"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5499"\w*.’ ”  
\v 59 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3141"\w* \w agree|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 14:59 \ft It was indeed false testimony, since that was not what Jesus said. But even if He had said that, it would just be stupid, not criminal. They were desperate.\f*   
\p
\v 60 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w center|strong="G3319"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* answer? \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w testifying|strong="G2649"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”  
\v 61 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w remained|strong="G1510"\w* \w silent|strong="G4623"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*.\f + \fr 14:61 \ft It was so obviously a farce that no answer was required.\f* \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Blessed|strong="G2128"\w*?”\f + \fr 14:61 \ft This was an illegal proceeding on the part of the priest: he was asking Jesus to testify against Himself. The priest was desperate.\f*  
\v 62 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Power|strong="G1411"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w clouds|strong="G3507"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:62 \ft Wow! Jesus gave him more than he asked for! But how and when will those men, certainly lost, “see the Son of the Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of the heaven”? They will still be in Hades when Christ returns. Will those in Hades be able to see what goes on outside? I don't have an answer.\f*  
\v 63 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* high priest \w tore|strong="G1284"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* \w clothes|strong="G5509"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w further|strong="G2089"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w of|strong="G5532"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*?  
\v 64 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* heard \w the|strong="G3956"\w* blasphemy!\f + \fr 14:64 \ft Wait a minute! How could the truth be blasphemy? They rejected the truth.\f* \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G5316"\w*?” \w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2632"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w deserving|strong="G1777"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.  
\v 65 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w began|strong="G2983"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w spit|strong="G1716"\w* \w on|strong="G4028"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w cover|strong="G4028"\w* \w His|strong="G2983"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w*, punch \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Prophesy|strong="G4395"\w*!”\f + \fr 14:65 \ft They wanted Him to say who had hit Him. What they were doing was really cowardly, but they were probably under demonic influence.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* operatives started slapping \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 Peter's denials  
\p
\v 66 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w below|strong="G2736"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* courtyard, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* girls \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w*.  
\v 67 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w warming|strong="G2328"\w* \w himself|strong="G2328"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G3708"\w* closely \w at|strong="G1689"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Natsarene!”  
\v 68 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G1831"\w* denied, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w understand|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* entryway, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* rooster \w crowed|strong="G5455"\w*.\f + \fr 14:68 \ft Nine Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, against 1,623 (according to \ft \+it TuT\+it*), omit “and a rooster crowed”, to be followed by NIV and NASB (with their usual misleading footnotes).\f*  
\v 69 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* girl \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* guy \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 70 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* denying \w it|strong="G2532"\w*. \w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w while|strong="G3398"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, “Surely \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* really \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilean|strong="G1057"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* accent agrees!”\f + \fr 14:70 \ft Around 2.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘and your accent agrees’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 71 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* curse \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w swear|strong="G3660"\w*, “\w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3004"\w*!”  
\v 72 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w time|strong="G1208"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* rooster \w crowed|strong="G5455"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* remembered\f + \fr 14:72 \ft But only after the Lord looked at him and broke the spell (Luke 22:61).\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Before|strong="G4250"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* rooster \w crows|strong="G5455"\w* \w twice|strong="G1364"\w*, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*.” \w He|strong="G2532"\w* broke \w down|strong="G1537"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G2532"\w* cry.   
\c 15  
\ms1 Crucifixion Day—Friday, 04/05/30 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w soon|strong="G2117"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* already \w formed|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* plan, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G3326"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*.\f + \fr 15:1 \ft And just why was Pilate dressed and waiting for them at 5:30 in the morning? Obviously this was a put up job. Pilate knew it was a farce, but he soon found himself in over his head. For a detailed analysis concerning Pilate, please see the Appendix: Poor Pilate—wrong place, wrong time.\f*   
\s1 Jesus before Pilate  
\p
\v 2 \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w stated|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* fact!”  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w accusing|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* going \w to|strong="G3004"\w* answer? \w See|strong="G3708"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* testifying \w against|strong="G2723"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* still \w gave|strong="G4091"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* answer, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*.\f + \fr 15:5 \ft Jesus simply did not look or act like a criminal.\f*   
\s1 Barabbas  
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* would release \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w them|strong="G3739"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w*, \w whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* would request.  
\v 7 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* Barabbas, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* fellow \w insurrectionists|strong="G4714"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w insurrection|strong="G4714"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w committed|strong="G4160"\w* \w murder|strong="G5408"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 15:8 \ft A mere handful [0.5%] of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘go up’ instead of ‘call out’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* request \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* always \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* release \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*?”  
\v 10 (\w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* chief priests \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w envy|strong="G5355"\w*.)  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* chief priests stirred up \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* release Barabbas \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w instead|strong="G3123"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*’?”  
\v 13 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w shouted|strong="G2896"\w*, “\w Crucify|strong="G4717"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?” \w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w just|strong="G3588"\w* yelled \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* louder, “\w Crucify|strong="G4717"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* gratify \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, released Barabbas \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* flogging, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*.\f + \fr 15:15 \ft By comparing the parallel accounts we know that a great deal more happened than is given here.\f*   
\s1 Soldiers have a little ‘fun’  
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* led \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* away \w into|strong="G2080"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* courtyard (\w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Praetorium|strong="G4232"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* assembled \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* garrison.  
\v 17 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* clothed \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w purple|strong="G4209"\w*, plaited \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crown|strong="G4735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* thorns \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G4060"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 18 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘acclaim’ \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* saying, “\w Hail|strong="G5463"\w*, \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*!”  
\v 19 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5087"\w* hitting \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w rod|strong="G2563"\w*\f + \fr 15:19 \ft This drove the thorns into His scalp, and since they were probably poisonous, His face began to swell.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spitting|strong="G1716"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G1119"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w worship|strong="G4352"\w*’ \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 20 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* ridiculed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1562"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w purple|strong="G4209"\w* \w off|strong="G1562"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w His|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1746"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G1806"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1806"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w crucify|strong="G4717"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 The crucifixion  
\p
\v 21 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w passer-by|strong="G3855"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cyrenian|strong="G2956"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alexander \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Rufus|strong="G4504"\w*),\f + \fr 15:21 \ft After carrying the cross, Simon doubtless stayed around to see what happened. In consequence he was no doubt converted, as were his two sons.\f* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* countryside, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* compelled \w to|strong="G2443"\w* carry \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*.\f + \fr 15:21 \ft A condemned person usually had to carry his cross, but this one was doubtless heavy, and evidently Jesus was having difficulty carrying it.\f*  
\v 22 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \it Golgotha\it*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w*, ‘\w Place|strong="G5117"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Skull|strong="G2898"\w*’.  
\v 23 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* offered \w Him|strong="G1325"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w mixed|strong="G4669"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w myrrh|strong="G4669"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 15:23 \ft This was a humanitarian gesture—myrrh is a crude analgesic and would deaden the pain. But Jesus refused it; He wanted nothing to cloud His senses or diminish the suffering.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 24 \w After|strong="G1909"\w* crucifying \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* casting \w lots|strong="G2819"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* see \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w*.  
\v 25 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*\f + \fr 15:25 \ft Using Jewish time, that was 9 a.m.\f* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 26 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* statement \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* ‘crime’ \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1924"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*:  
\pc \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w KING|strong="G3588"\w* \w OF|strong="G2532"\w* \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w JEWS|strong="G2453"\w*.   
\m
\v 27 \w With|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* bandits, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w*.  
\v 28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”\f + \fr 15:28 \ft See Isaiah 53:12. Around 11% of the Greek manuscripts omit verse 28 entire, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc.\f*   
\p
\v 29 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w passed|strong="G3899"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* ridiculing \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w wagging|strong="G2795"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w heads|strong="G2776"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Hey! \w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*,  
\v 30 \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w and|strong="G2597"\w* \w come|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*!”  
\v 31 \w Similarly|strong="G3668"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w mocking|strong="G1702"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w*'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*!\f + \fr 15:31 \ft This was precisely true, but not in the sense they intended. To save us, He could not save Himself.\f*  
\v 32 \w Let|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w descend|strong="G2597"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:32 \ft They were lying; they would not have submitted to Him even then.\f* \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4957"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* insulted \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 15:32 \ft But one of them changed his mind later.\f*   
\p
\v 33 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* [\w noon|strong="G5610"\w*], \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.\f + \fr 15:33 \ft The darkness could not have been a solar eclipse, as some have ignorantly argued. The Passover always occurs at full moon, and a solar eclipse only occurs at new moon. Further, even a total eclipse only lasts for a few minutes, not three hours.\f*  
\v 34 \w At|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w called|strong="G3739"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* strongly, \w saying|strong="G3173"\w*, “\it Eloi, Eloi, lima sabachthani\it*?” \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w*, “O \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w forsaken|strong="G1459"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”\f + \fr 15:34 \ft See Psalm 22:1.\f*  
\v 35 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bystanders|strong="G3936"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Listen, \w he|strong="G2532"\w*'s \w calling|strong="G5455"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*.”  
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w ran|strong="G5143"\w*, \w filled|strong="G1072"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sponge|strong="G4699"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G3690"\w* \w vinegar|strong="G3690"\w*, \w put|strong="G4060"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w offering|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G1487"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w*! ‘\w Let|strong="G1161"\w*'s \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w is|strong="G5100"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2507"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w down|strong="G2507"\w*’!”\f + \fr 15:36 \ft To understand Mark's turn of phrase, we need Matthew's account (27:47-49). “Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah!’ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, ‘Let him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save him’.” The ‘let him’ is 2\+sup nd\+sup* person singular. But in Mark's account, the ‘let him’ is 2\+sup nd\+sup* person plural! How do we reconcile the two accounts? I suggest the following: First, the man was quite possibly Mark himself; next, anyone who really understood the language would know that Jesus had not called Elijah; so, he responds sarcastically to their erroneous interpretation and therefore unreasonable demand that he stop; he retorts, “You stop!” and repeats their interpretation in disgust.\f*   
\p
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w gave|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* shout \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w breathed|strong="G1606"\w* \w out|strong="G5456"\w* \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 15:37 \ft Both Matthew 27:50 and John 19:30 plainly state that Jesus dismissed His spirit. It was not the cross that killed Him [see the third note down]. As He Himself said in John 10:18, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” He chose to die so that we might live. Thank you, Lord!\f*  
\v 38 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w veil|strong="G2665"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w torn|strong="G4977"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* top \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bottom|strong="G2736"\w*.\f + \fr 15:38 \ft That veil represented the barrier between sinful man and a Holy God. For it to be ripped in two \ft \+bd from top to bottom\+bd* was obviously a supernatural event, and it followed immediately upon Jesus' death—which means that the Father considered that Jesus had solved the problem. Hebrews 10:20 makes the connection. Because of Jesus' death we can now have access to the Father.\f*  
\v 39 Well \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w centurion|strong="G2760"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* opposite \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w breathed|strong="G1606"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* giving \w such|strong="G3779"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* loud shout,\f + \fr 15:39 \ft A mere handful (0.4%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘after giving a loud shout’, to be followed by NASB and LB.\f* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* really \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*!”\f + \fr 15:39 \ft Any centurion would be a hardened soldier, who had seen no end of crucifixions. He knew that a cross killed by asphyxiation. Hanging from the hands, with the arms stretched out, pushes the diaphragm against the lungs so you can't breathe. Nailing the feet was a sadistic procedure to prolong the agony—even though painful, the victim would push up so he could get a breath, until finally too worn out to do so. Breaking the legs would put an end to that expedient, and the person died within a few minutes, asphyxiated. Someone who is dying asphyxiated does not shout. Since Jesus gave a loud shout, but then immediately died, the centurion knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the cross had not killed Jesus (later, when Joseph asks for the body, Pilate is surprised that Jesus could already be dead). But who can just tell his spirit to leave? Putting two and two together, the centurion concluded that Jesus was a supernatural being. Just so!\f*   
\p
\v 40 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w looking|strong="G2334"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Less|strong="G3398"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joses|strong="G2500"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Salome|strong="G4539"\w*  
\v 41 —\w they|strong="G2532"\w* used \w to|strong="G1519"\w* follow \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w minister|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w other|strong="G4183"\w* women \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.   
\s1 The burial  
\p
\v 42 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w because|strong="G1893"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w Preparation|strong="G3904"\w* \w Day|strong="G3904"\w* (\w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G3904"\w* \w before|strong="G4315"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4315"\w*),  
\v 43 \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Arimathea, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prominent|strong="G2158"\w* \w council|strong="G1010"\w* \w member|strong="G1010"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* himself \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w boldly|strong="G5111"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 44 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w surprised|strong="G2296"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w dead|strong="G2348"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G2760"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G2348"\w*.\f + \fr 15:44 \ft As soon as Jesus died, the centurion most probably had left the scene, going back to headquarters. He probably felt he should inform Pilate about the unusual events, but somehow Joseph got ahead of him. Well, Joseph was evidently primed for action; watching from a distance, as soon as Jesus dismissed His spirit Joseph headed for Pilate.\f*  
\v 45 \w Upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G2760"\w*'s confirmation \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w granted|strong="G1433"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4430"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*.  
\v 46 \w Having|strong="G2532"\w* bought \w linen|strong="G4616"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2507"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w*, \w wrapped|strong="G1750"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w linen|strong="G4616"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w rock|strong="G4073"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w rolled|strong="G4351"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*.\f + \fr 15:46 \ft If he rolled it, it was in the form of a wheel; there would be a track in which it rolled, with a bit of incline, so that he and Nicodemus could roll it down into place, where it would stop; but it would take several men to roll it back up and away (16:3-4). Obviously all of this had been planned and prepared in advance—the donkey owner, the upper room owner, the sepulcher owner all knew in advance just what part they were to play.\f*  
\v 47 \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* mother \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joses|strong="G2500"\w* \w observed|strong="G2334"\w* \w where|strong="G4226"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w*.\f + \fr 15:47 \ft They had seen where Jesus was placed, but obviously had not looked in the tomb—there were 100 pounds of spices in there, with enough linen to tie it all in.\f*   
\c 16  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w past|strong="G1230"\w*,\f + \fr 16:1 \ft After 6 p.m. that Saturday, shops could do business.\f* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* mother \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Salome|strong="G4539"\w* bought spices, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w go|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* anoint \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 16:1 \ft I follow the best line of transmission and 30% of the manuscripts in reading ‘Jesus’, instead of ‘Him’.\f*   
\ms1 Resurrection Day—Sunday, 04/07/30 AD\f + \fr 16:2 \ft For a harmonization of the four Gospel accounts of events on Resurrection Day, please go to the Appendix: The Resurrection Accounts: a Harmonization.\f*  
\ms1 Women go to sepulcher  
\p
\v 2 \w Very|strong="G3029"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w risen|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* roll away \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*?”  
\v 4 (\w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G3173"\w*), \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2334"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w rolled|strong="G3037"\w* away!  
\v 5 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G3495"\w* \w dressed|strong="G4016"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w* \w robe|strong="G4749"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w side|strong="G1188"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* alarmed.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* alarmed. \w You|strong="G3708"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Natsarene, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*. \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w*! \w He|strong="G1161"\w* isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*! \w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*, \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*: ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*; \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.’ ”  
\v 8 \w Trembling|strong="G5156"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* bewildered \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fled|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*.\f + \fr 16:8 \ft That is, they said nothing to the guards or anyone else on the way, until Jesus appeared to them (Matthew 28:9-10). After that they weren't afraid any more. [See the final footnote, at 16:20.]\f*   
\s1 Jesus appears to the Magdalene, first  
\p
\v 9 \w Having|strong="G1140"\w* risen \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G1544"\w*\f + \fr 16:9 \ft I follow the best line of transmission and 30% of the manuscripts in reading ‘Jesus’, instead of ‘He’.\f* \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.  
\v 10 \w She|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w mourning|strong="G3996"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w*.  
\v 11 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G2300"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w her|strong="G5259"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* believe.   
\s1 Emmaus\f + \fr 16:12 \ft We have no objective way to know if this was before or after the appearance to Peter—the second was to the women (Matthew 28:9-10).\f*  
\p
\v 12 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5319"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w form|strong="G3444"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w*, \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* country.  
\v 13 So \w they|strong="G3588"\w* returned \w and|strong="G2548"\w* reported \w to|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*; \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w did|strong="G4100"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 16:13 \ft Mark is writing for a Roman audience, so he emphasizes that the disciples did not gullibly believe, just because they wanted to. Just the opposite.\f*   
\s1 Jesus appears to the ‘Eleven’, fifth  
\p
\v 14 \w Later|strong="G5305"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5319"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eleven|strong="G1733"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* reclining \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* table; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* rebuked \w their|strong="G2532"\w* unbelief \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hardness|strong="G4641"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G4641"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G2300"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w creation|strong="G2937"\w*.  
\v 16 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believes|strong="G4100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* baptized \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w does|strong="G4100"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2632"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w accompany|strong="G3877"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*: \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*; \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w languages|strong="G1100"\w*;  
\v 18 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* remove ‘\w snakes|strong="G3789"\w*’;\f + \fr 16:18 \ft The NIV renders ‘they will pick up snakes with their hands’, the ‘with their hands’ being based on just over 2% of the Greek manuscripts. I would say that this particular statement of the Lord's has been generally misunderstood. The verb in question covers a wide semantic area, one of the uses being to pick up the way a garbage man picks up a bag of trash—he does so to get rid of it (hence ‘remove’). I believe Luke 10:19 sheds light on this question. In Luke 10:19 the Lord Jesus said: “Behold, I \+nd give\+nd* [so 98% of the Greek manuscripts] you \+bd the\+bd* authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of \+nd the\+nd* enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The Lord is addressing the Seventy, not the Twelve, and others were doubtless present; further, this was said perhaps four months before His death and resurrection. It follows that this authority is not limited to the apostles, and there is no indication of a time limit. The Lord Jesus affirms that He gives us \+bd the\+bd* authority over all the power of the enemy. In Matthew 28:18 He declares that He holds “all authority… in heaven and earth”, and so He has the right and the competence to delegate a portion of that authority to us. We may have any number of enemies, but \+nd the\+nd* enemy is Satan. The phrase, “all the power”, presumably includes his works, followed by their consequences. 
\fp Returning to Luke 10:19, the Lord gives us the authority to “trample snakes and scorpions”. Well now, to smash the literal insect, a scorpion, you don't need power from on High, just a slipper (if you're fast you can do it barefoot). To trample a snake I prefer a boot, but we can kill literal snakes without supernatural help. It becomes obvious that Jesus was referring to something other than reptiles and insects. I understand Mark 16:18 to be referring to the same reality—Jesus declares that certain signs will accompany the believers (the turn of phrase virtually has the effect of commands): they will expel demons, they will speak strange languages, they will remove ‘snakes’, they will place hands on the sick. (“If they drink…” is not a command; it refers to an eventuality.) But what did the Lord Jesus mean by ‘snakes’? 
\fp In a list of distinct activities Jesus has already referred to demons, so the ‘snakes’ must be something else. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus called the Pharisees a ‘brood of vipers’, and in 23:33, ‘snakes, brood of vipers’. In John 8:44, after they claimed God as their father, Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil”. And 1 John 3:10 makes clear that Satan has many other ‘sons’. In Revelation 20:2 we read: “He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is a slanderer, even Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years.” If Satan is a snake, then his children are also snakes. So then, I take it that our ‘snakes’ are human beings who chose to serve Satan, who sold themselves to evil. I conclude that the ‘snakes’ in Luke 10:19 are the same as those in Mark 16:18, but what of the ‘scorpions’? Since they also are of the enemy, they may be demons, in which case the term may well include their offspring, the humanoids [see my paper, “In the Days of Noah”]. I am still working on the question of just how the removal is done.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G2579"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w deadly|strong="G2286"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* hurt \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w*;\f + \fr 16:18 \ft All the other ‘signs’ involve volitional participation on the part of a believer, but this one presumably refers to an enemy taking advantage of one's trust or good faith and putting poison in one's drink. I suggest that the Lord was enunciating a principle here that we can claim. Whenever we feel that someone has tried/is trying to harm us, taking advantage of our confidence, we can claim the nullifying of the attempt, based on this promise.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* sick \w people|strong="G5100"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2192"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*.”\f + \fr 16:18 \ft Jesus did not say that each believer will do all these things, but any Christian community should be able to do them all.\f*   
\ms1 The Ascension  
\p
\v 19 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* received \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preached|strong="G2784"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w working|strong="G4903"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* confirming \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* accompanying \w signs|strong="G4592"\w*. Amen.\f + \fr 16:20 \ft For well over a hundred years, there has been an ongoing campaign to discredit the last twelve verses of Mark (16:9-20). I wonder where people get the motivation to expend so much time and energy on such an enterprise. Only three known Greek manuscripts omit the verses, and one of them is a falsification at this point [there would be no point in a falsification unless the first hand in fact contained the verses]. For a full discussion of this variant, please see \+it The Identity of the New Testament Text IV\+it*, Appendix E.\f*