Mark 1:21
See the note on Capernaum at 2:1. The
synagogue was the center of Jewish life in the all communities except Jerusalem where the temple served that purpose.
One who had authority - Mark 1:22
Mark did not report what Jesus said on that day. Instead he emphasized the reaction of the people. They were
astonished. This is a major theme in the Gospel. Mark used many different words (
shock,
fear,
marvel, and
amaze and others) to communicate this same thought. In this case they were amazed at Jesus' teaching
authority. The scribes and the rabbis of Jesus day did not teach in their own authority. Their authority was the authority of the traditions they passed on. Jesus taught in his own authority and the people recognized the difference and were astonished.
Unclean spirit- Mark 1:23-28
An
unclean spirit recognized that Jesus had come to destroy the reign of Satan and challenged Jesus. Jesus quickly and easily overpowered him. This is the first of many times that Jesus defeated the hosts of Satan. Mark emphasized this theme more than the other gospel writers. (See 1:12, 13; 1:34, 39; 3:15, 22-30; 5:1-20, 6:13; 7:25-30; 8:33; 9:14-24; 38-42.) The enemies of the Messiah understood the threat to their rule. They tried to resist Jesus, but were unable to stand against him.
People were amazed - Mark 1:27-28
Again the people were
amazed. This time they were amazed not only by his authoritative teaching, but also by his power over the forces of Satan. It is not a surprise that word about Jesus quickly spread
everywhere, throughout the surrounding area. This display of the power of God could not be kept secret.
Simon's mother-in-law - Mark 1:30
The fact that Simon Peter had a
mother-in-law means that he was married. He left not only his fishing business, but also his family when he responded to Jesus' call to follow him. (But notice 1 Cor. 9:5 and Luke 8:1-3 which may indicate that Peter's wife traveled with him on some of his travels.)
Sick and demon-possessed - Mark 1:32-34
The people waited until the Sabbath was over at sunset. Then
they crowded around Peter's home seeking the healer who had power over the demons.
He healed many … and cast out many demons. Mark's choice of words indicates that not all sickness is caused by demon possession. The power of Jesus reversed the effects of sin in all of its forms. The many cases of demon possession in Galilee may have been the result of pagan religion that had long been practiced in those areas. Jesus did not allow these demons to speak. He did not want them identifying him, as the one had done in the synagogue. This is a theme that becomes more prominent in the next few chapters. The large crowd that
gathered was only the first such crowd. Jesus' ministry quickly attracted many followers for many different reasons.
Jesus' private prayer life - Mark 1:35
After a long night of healing Jesus rose up early and while alone, he
prayed. Jesus' private prayer life (6:46; 14:35-39) contrasted with the hypocritical public prayers of the scribes (12:38-40). The Greek word translated
solitary place here is the same word translated
wilderness in 1:4 and 13. Jesus sought out the fellowship of his heavenly Father in a place that was like the place of his baptism and temptation. The crowds tempted him to be a miracle working Messiah just like Satan already had done.
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