Mark 6

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

Feeding the five thousand: a miracle. One of the most signally demonstrative and masterly of Christ's miracles, whether we consider the circumstances in which it was wrought, the details of its carrying out, or the dimensions and absoluteness of the result. How carefully the evidence was accumulated by Christ of the truly miraculous nature of this work! It was a grand display of— I. WISDOM . 1 . A practical ( and symbolical ) discipline of the Church in its great function... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

Feeding the five thousand: a parable. It is no less remarkable in this aspect; perhaps it was its suggestion of spiritual things which was its chief aim. It sets forth the physical and spiritual dependence of men upon God, and the Divine Father's willingness and power to provide for his children; or, the sufficiency of the kingdom of God for the sustenance of its subjects. The nature and principles of Divine mercy to mankind are also suggested. I. THE POVERTY OF THE CHURCH .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

The multitude fed. I. THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST . It is for the body as well as the soul. The foundation of work upon the soul is cure for the body. It is contrasted with the disciples' carelessness. Their spirit is that which leads men to get rid of irksome duty. "Send them away!" Let them shift for themselves. Christ's example teaches that where a want is seen, those who see it should be the first to seek to supply it. II. LOVE IS RICH IN RESOURCES . It seemed a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:37

Two hundred pennyworth of bread . The penny, or "denarius," was the chief Roman silver coin, worth about eight-pence halfpenny. Upon the breaking up of the Roman empire, the states which arose upon its ruins imitated the coinage of the old imperial mints, and in general called their principal silver coin the "denarius." Thus the denarius found its way into this country through the Anglo-Saxons, and it was for a long period the only coin. Hence the introduction of the word into the Authorized... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:38

Five (loaves), and two fishes . St. John tells us ( John 6:9 ) that the loaves were of barley, and that the fishes were small ( ὀψάρια ); St. Mark says δύο ἰχθύας . Barley bread was considered an inferior and homely kind of food, very inferior to bread made of wheat flour. The comparative value of the two kinds of bread is given in Revelation 6:6 . "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny." The psalmist alludes to the greater excellence of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:39

All were to sit down by companies ( συμπόσια συμπόσια )—St. Luke ( Luke 9:14 ) says that the companies were about fifty each ( ἀνὰ πεντήκοντα ) — upon the green grass . St. John says ( John 6:10 ) that "there was much grass in the place." This indicates the time of the year. The grass was growing, and it was green. It would not be green in that district after April. Thus St. Mark's account of the state of the grass at that time (an account evidently repeated from an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:40

And they sat down in ranks ( ἀνέπεσον πρασιαὶ πρασιαὶ ); literally, they reclined. The Greek word πρασια means "a garden plot" or "bed," literally, a bed of leeks. They were disposed symmetrically. Probably the English word "ranks" expresses the meaning as clearly as any could do. This arrangement was probably made, partly that the numbers might be better known, partly that all things might be done in an orderly manner, and that each might have his portion. St. Matthew's account... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:41

All the synoptists give our Lord's acts in the same words. The taking of the food into the hands would seem to have been a formal act before the" blessing," or "giving of thanks," for it. Probably our Lord used the ordinary form of benediction. This is one amongst other instances showing the fitness and propriety of" grace before meat." In considering the miraculous action which followed the benediction, our reason is baffled. It eludes our grasp. It is best simply to behold in this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:41

Christian care for the needy. Observe the contrast between this feast on the mountain and the festival just alluded to in the palace of Herod. There self-indulgence, folly, and guilt prevailed; here the necessities of the body were generously met, and hungry souls were satisfied and gladdened. Describe the scene. let us learn some of the lessons here inculcated by him who on all occasions was an example to his disciples. I. WE SHOULD DEVOUTLY RECOGNIZE GOD IN THE SUPPLY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:42-43

They did all eat, and were filled ( ἐχορτάσθησαν ). It might be rendered, were fulfilled , according to the old meaning of "fulfill." It is probable that the women and children were a considerable number; for they would be, if possible, even more eager then the men to see the great Prophet. When all had eaten and were satisfied, they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes. St. John tells us that this was done by the express command of Christ ( John 6:12... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:35-44

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:37

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:38

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:39

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:40

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:41

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:41

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:42-43

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