The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:1-25
The duty of faithfully hearing the Word. H e who taught by every act of his life, and who had already given many most important lessons with his lips, now, after the interruptions just recorded, "began to teach" more formally. It was "by the seaside," the multitude standing "by the sea on the land," and he "entered into a boat, and sat in the sea." "He taught them many things in parables." The first of these and one of the chief of the parables and the chiefest of all on the subject of "... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:1-20
Parallel passages: Matthew 13:1-23 ; Luke 8:4-18 .— Parabolic teaching. I. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER . 1 . Benefit of acquaintance with Scripture topography. To the right comprehension of Scripture acquaintance with Scripture topography is indispensable. This is easily obtainable at the present day from several books of travels now accessible to all. Much may be gained in this way even by those who have not had any opportunity of visiting Bible lands. 2 . ... read more