Mark 4

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:35-41

Storm and calm. I. STORMS BREAK UNEXPECTEDLY UPON US . The Lake of Galilee was peculiarly exposed to them from the north; the wind rushed as through a funnel down those gulleys and ravines. This was known to the sailors, yet the storm was unexpected. Life is the lake; change may come at any moment, we know; and yet it is the "unexpected which always happens." II. PRESENCE OF MIND IS NEEDED . To know that the mind is our real place, and all that happens elsewhere... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:37

And there arose a great storm of wind ; literally, there ariseth ( γίνεται λαίλαψ ). St. Mark often uses the historical present, which gives vigor and point to his narrative. And the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling ( ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι ). St. Matthew says ( Matthew 8:24 ), "the boat was covered with the waves." St. Luke ( Luke 8:23 ), "they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy." Bede and ethers have thought that the boat in which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:37-39

The Christian's extremity Christ's opportunity. I. THE CHRISTIAN FREQUENTLY SUFFERED TO ENTER INTO APPARENT PERIL . 1 . Outward losses troubles Persecution in its various phases and degrees. The major calamities of life. Everything seems against him, and he is continually disappointed; yet the objects sought are reasonable and proper. 2 . Inward griefs and fears. Self-questionings as to being in a state of grace; as to whether or not God's favor has been... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:38

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow ; more literally, he himself was in the stern ( ἦν αὐτὸς ἐπὶ τῇ πρύμνῃ ) asleep on the cushion ( ἐπὶ τὸ προσκεφάλαιον καθεύδων ) . He had changed his posture. He was weary with the labour of addressing the great multitude. He had sought the momentary rest which the crossing of the lake offered to him. He was resting his head upon the low bench which served both for a seat and for a pillow. But while he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:38-40

Human and Divine remonstrances. Christ and his disciples chide one another, yet gently and affectionately. Representative positions— I. AS SUGGESTING THE OPPOSITE STANDPOINTS FROM WHICH PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF THE RELIGIOUS LIFE MAY BE REGARDED . II. As FURNISHING THEIR SOLUTION .—M. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:39

And he arose —literally, he awoke ( διεγερθεὶς )— and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still ( σιώπα πεφίμωσο ); literally, Be silent ! be muzzled ! The Greek perfect implies that before the word was uttered, the thing was done by the simple fiat of his will preceding the word. The combined descriptions of the synoptists show that the storm was very violent, such as no human power could have composed or stilled. So that these words indicate the supreme... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:40

And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful! have ye not yet faith? Not πῶς οὐκ ἔχετε , but οὔπω ἔχετε . If they had faith, they would have known that , though asleep, he could preserve them. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:41

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? This would seem to have been said by the sailors, though it was doubtless assented to by all. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:1-9

See the parable of the sower explained in the notes at Matthew 13:1-9.See the parable of the sower explained in the notes at Matthew 13:1-9. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:10-13

See the notes at Matthew 13:10-17. On Mark 4:12, see the notes at John 12:39-40.When he was alone - That is, separate from the multitude. When he withdrew from the multitude a few followed him for the purpose of more instruction.Mark 4:13Know ye not this parable? - This which is so plain and obvious.How then will ye know all parables? - Those which are more difficult and obscure. As they were themselves to be “teachers,” it was important that they should be acquainted with the whole system of... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:35-41

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:37

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:37-39

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:38

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:38-40

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:39

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:40

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:41

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:1-9

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:10-13

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