Mark 4

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:22

For there is nothing hid which shall not be manifested . The Greek of the latter part of this sentence, according to the best authorities, runs thus: ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ ; so the true rendering of the words is, there is nothing hid save that it should be manifested ; that is, there is nothing now hid, but in order that it may be made known. There is a great principle of the Divine operations here announced by our Lord. Much, very much, is now hidden from us, in nature, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:24

Take heed what ye hear . Attend, that is, to these words which ye hear from me, that ye may understand them, and commit them to memory, and so be able to communicate them effectually to others. Let none of my words escape you. Our Lord bids us to pay the greatest attention to his words, and so to digest them that we may be able to teach them to others. With what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you: and more shall be given unto you. Our Lord's meaning is clearly this: If you... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:24-25

"Measure for measure;" or, the law of equity in its relation to Divine knowledge. A wider law ( Matthew 7:2 ) with special application to spiritual learning. One of the phases of the exactitude of relation between God and man, which yet admits of grace and blessing. I. THE WORD OF GOD MUST BE RIGHTLY ATTENDED TO IN ORDER TO ITS BEING UNDERSTOOD . There is no process of mere mechanical transfer of truth into the nature of man. Experience and progress in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:25

For he that hath, to him shall be given . He that uses his gifts, whether of intellect or of goodness, bestowed upon him by God, to him shall be granted an increase of those gifts. But from him who uses them not, God will gradually take them away. Christ here encourages his apostles and disciples to diligent and earnest preaching of his gospel, by promising them in return yet greater influxes of his wisdom and grace. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-28

This parable is recorded by St. Mark alone . It differs greatly from the parable of the sower, although both of them are founded upon the imagery of the seed cast into the ground. In both cases the seed represents the doctrine of the gospel; the field represents the hearers; the harvest the end of the world, or perhaps the death of each individual hearer. So is the kingdom of God, in its progress from its establishment to its completion. The sower casts seed upon the earth, not without... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

Spiritual growth. There are common truths and a common interpretation underlying this and several other parables. In all this group the seed is the Word of God, the soil is the heart of man, the life is the spiritual history and development, the fruit is Christian character, and the harvest is eternal result and retribution. But the peculiar lesson of this parable is the nature of spiritual growth. It this case it is presumed that the seed is sown in good soil. I. IT IS HIDDEN , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The seed cast upon the earth; or, the self-development of truth in the heart of man. I. THERE IS A PRE - ESTABLISHED HARMONY BETWEEN THE TRUTH AND HUMAN NATURE . The seed left in the soil germinates because of the mutual adaptation; so the Word of God. II. THE WORD OF THE KINGDOM HAS AN INNATE POWER OF DEVELOPMENT . Under the appointed conditions it is bound to grow. III. GOD DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH IT OR REMOVE IT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

Man used and then dispensed with. I. WHAT GOD DOES BY AND THROUGH HIS SERVANTS . The mere sowing of the seed. 1 . Receiving the seed for one's self. 2 . Imparting it vitally to other minds. II. WHAT GOD DOES WITHOUT HIS SERVANTS . The pre-existence and independent growth of the seed a great mystery. Its hidden processes provocative of spiritual discipline to the sower. In God's hand and the womb of time ( Psalms 65:1-13 .). Committing it thereto,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The progress of Divine life in the soul. Mark alone records this parable. It occupies the position of the parable of the tares in Matthew 13:1-58 , following "the sower," preceding "the mustard seed," but is not to be identified with it. It teaches us that Divine life, like ordinary seed, requires time for its development, that its growth is unnoticed and but little dependent upon human interference, and that it will have a glorious consummation. I. THE GROWTH OF THE DIVINE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The beauty of growth. I. THE SMALL BEGINNING . What smaller or more seemingly feeble than the seed—the thought—the word—the volition? Yet in the beginning lies the end, in the acorn the oak. II. THE IMMENSE DIVINE POWER . We lie on the bosom of nature as the seed lies in the earth. For as winds blow and waters move and earth rests, God in his might and love bears up and onward the living soul. All things are ours to work our good. III. THE SECRECY AND ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:24-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:25

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-28

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-29

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