16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee , He saw Simon and Andrew , the brother of Simon , casting a net in the sea ; for they were fishermen . 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow e Me, and I will make you become fishers of men ." 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther , He saw [1]James the son of Zebedee , and John his brother , who were also in the boat mending the nets . 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants , and went away [2]to follow Him.
21 They went into Capernaum ; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach . 22 They were amazed at His teaching ; for He was teaching them as one having authority , and not as the scribes .
23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit ; and he cried out, 24 saying , " What [3]business do we have with each other, Jesus [4]of Nazareth ? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are- the Holy One of God !" 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying , "Be quiet , and come out of him!" 26 Throwing him into convulsions , the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. 27 They were all amazed , so that they debated among themselves , saying , "What is this ? A new teaching with authority ! He commands even the unclean spirits , and they obey Him." 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee .
29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue , they came into the house of Simon and Andrew , with [5]James and John . 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever ; and immediately they spoke to [6]Jesus about her. 31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand , and the fever left her, and she [7]waited on them.
32 When evening came , after the sun had set , they began bringing to Him all who were ill e and those who were demon-possessed . 33 And the whole city had gathered at the door . 34 And He healed many who were ill e with various diseases , and cast out many demons ; and He was not permitting the demons to speak , because they knew who He was.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 1:16-34
Commentary on Mark 1:14-22
(Read Mark 1:14-22)
Jesus began to preach in Galilee, after that John was put in prison. If some be laid aside, others shall be raised up, to carry on the same work. Observe the great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins. Christ has joined these two together, and let no man think to put them asunder. Christ puts honour upon those who, though mean in this world, are diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ calls, must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to do so. Not that we must needs go out of the world, but we must sit loose to the world; forsake every thing that is against our duty to Christ, and that cannot be kept without hurt to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the sabbath day, by applying himself unto, and abounding in the sabbath work, in order to which the sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.
Commentary on Mark 1:23-28
(Read Mark 1:23-28)
The devil is an unclean spirit, because he has lost all the purity of his nature, because he acts in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit of God, and by his suggestions defiles the spirits of men. There are many in our assemblies who quietly attend under merely formal teachers; but if the Lord come with faithful ministers and holy doctrine, and by his convincing Spirit, they are ready to say, like this man, What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth! No disorder could enable a man to know Jesus to be the Holy One of God. He desires to have nothing to do with Jesus, for he despairs of being saved by him, and dreads being destroyed by him. See whose language those speak, that say to the Almighty, Depart from us. This unclean spirit hated and dreaded Christ, because he knew him to be a Holy One; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, especially against his holiness. When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul; for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy. This put all who saw it upon considering, What is this new doctrine? A work as great often is wrought now, yet men treat it with contempt and neglect. If this were not so, the conversion of a notorious wicked man to a sober, righteous, and godly life, by the preaching of a crucified Saviour, would cause many to ask, What doctrine is this?
Commentary on Mark 1:29-39
(Read Mark 1:29-39)
Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hinderances, may expect the Saviour's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows, and abate their pains. Observe how numerous the patients were. When others speed well with Christ, it should quicken us in seeking after him. Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired. Those who have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must yet sometimes be alone with God.