Mark 2

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:8-11

It does not clearly appear whether these murmurers communicated their thoughts audibly to one another. At all events, their words were evidently not heard beyond themselves. But Jesus perceived in his spirit their reasonings. He knew their thoughts, not by communication from another, as the prophets of old had things made known to them by revelation, but by his own Spirit pervading and penetrating all things. From this the Christian Fathers, against the Arians, infer the divinity of Christ,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:12

The words are spoken, and the paralytic arose, and straightway took up the bed ( ἠγέρθή καὶ εὐθὺς ἄρας )—such is the most approved reading— and went forth before them all . There is a spiritual application of this miracle which it is well to notice. The paralytic lifting up himself is a figure of him who, in the strength of Christ, has lifted himself up from the lethargy of sin. He has first applied to Christ, perhaps by his own sense of his need, perhaps with the help of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-14

It is probable that our Lord remained some time at Capernaum before he went forth again . The word "again" refers to his former going forth. When he went forth on this occasion he appears to have traveled southwards along the sea-shore. There, not far from Capernaum , he saw Levi, the son of Alphseus, sitting at the receipt of custom ( ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον ); more literally, at the place of toll. This place would be in the direct line for traders from Damascus to Accho, and a convenient... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-17

Levi's discipleship and hospitality. The story of Matthew illustrates the part of improbabilities in human life. Some would see in it the irony of fate; we would recognize the mystery of Providence. The evangelists tell us of a man who occupied the humble and even despised position of collector of Roman dues or customs by the shores of the little Lake of Gennesaret, who was summoned to leave this lowly occupation, for what seemed the yet humbler office of attendant and scholar to a peasant... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Levi's feast: the moral questions it occasioned. 1. ( Mark 2:13-17 .) Eating with publicans and sinners. In calling Matthew (Levi) from the receipt of custom, our Saviour made him relinquish all his old pursuits and companions, and conferred upon him an unexpected honor. The feast given by him was, therefore, partly a farewell, partly a celebration. In overstepping the boundary line of Jewish religious and social etiquette, the Lord performed an act of great significance, which was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Levi's feast: the moral questions it occasioned. 2. ( Mark 2:18-22 .) The rationale of fasting. I. THE ORIGIN OF THE QUESTION . This seemed to be natural enough. A real perplexity was created which required to be removed. There is no malice or bitterness in the inquiry. Amongst spiritual associates all such difficulties ought to be frankly faced and kindly discussed. 1 . The feast of Levi was coincident with a traditional fast. The Pharisees and the disciples of John both... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Fasting. "By the sea side" the great Teacher is heard by a listening multitude. Then passing near "the place of toll, his eye fell upon Levi, son of Alphseus," whose service he imperatively claims. Levi, already called to be a disciple, now called to be an apostle, with much sacrifice arises to follow his Lord and Master to the end, so teaching for all future apostles and servants that the claims of the kingdom of Heaven stand first in importance, and must first be met. The simple, brief,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:13-22

Parallel passages: Matthew 9:9-17 ; Luke 5:27-39 .— Call of Levi, Feasting, and Fasting. I. THE CALL OF LEVI . 1 . Publicans , who were they ? The publicans proper, who paid a certain sum contracted for into the public treasury ( publicum ), were Roman knights, a wealthy class of citizens. These, again, had their agents who sublet, or acted as their owngents in subletting, the collection of the taxes, usually to natives of the country from which the taxes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:14-15

Levi's call from dishonor to discipleship. All the sacred Scriptures serve to show that God's redemption is meant for those who are conscious of their sin, however grievous have been their offenses. Promises prove this. Isaiah's description of a people whose head was faint and whose heart was sick is followed by the invitation, "Come now, and let us reason together," etc., and this is intensified by the gracious words of Christ, "Come unto me, all ye that labour," etc. Facts suggest... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 2:15

And it came to pass — ἐγένετο seems the best reading— as he was sitting at meat in his house . This was the house of Matthew. St. Matthew ( Matthew 9:10 ) modestly says, "in the house," keeping himself as much as possible in the background. St. Luke, with greater fullness, says ( Luke 5:29 ) that "Levi made him a great feast in his house." From this it appears that Matthew at once marked the occasion of his call by inviting his associates, publicans and sinners, that they too,... read more

Group of Brands