Mark 4:34

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 4:21-34

The lessons which our Saviour designs to teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are these:? I. That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good; that is, as in the parable before, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of his gifts in us; for (Mark 4:21), Isa. a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? No, but that it may be set on a candlestick. The apostles were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:33-34

4:33-34 It was with many such parables that he kept speaking the word to them, suiting his instruction to their ability to hear it. It was his custom not to speak to them without a parable; and when they were by themselves, he unfolded the meaning of everything to his own disciples. Here we have a short but perfect definition of both the wise teacher and the wise learner. Jesus suited his instruction to the ability of those who were listening to him. That is the first essential in wise... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them ,.... For the above reason, as well as for the accomplishment of Scripture; See Gill on Matthew 13:34 , Matthew 13:35 . And when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples : after they returned with him from the sea side, to the house in Capernaum, where he usually was when there; see Matthew 13:36 . The multitude being dismissed, he unfolded and explained all these parables to his disciples, and led them into a large... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:34

He expounded all things to his disciples - That they might be capable of instructing others. Outside hearers, those who do not come into close fellowship with the true disciples of Christ, have seldom more than a superficial knowledge of Divine things. In the fellowship of the saints, where Jesus the teacher is always to be found, every thing is made plain, - for the secret of the Lord is with them who fear him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-34

The kingdom of God further illustrated by parables. No single parable holds the entire truth in itself; therefore, by "many such parables" Jesus "spake the Word unto the multitude." Of those spoken at this time, St. Mark selects only two others besides that of the sower, and both of them, as was the first, are drawn from seeds. How suitable a simile of that kingdom, whose inherent, vital, self-expanding force is one of its most distinguishing features! These two parables stand related: the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

The power of ideas. I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE KINGDOM OF IDEAS . All forms of the true, holy, and good are included in this kingdom. Life would be intolerable, amidst the greatest physical comfort, without ideas. Our spirit is born to love and live among them. Novelty of ideas is the condition of change for the better in every life-department. II. IDEAS ARE SELF - MULTIPLYING . Start a beautiful pattern in trade; it gives birth to a whole creation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

Parallel passage: Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 .— The mustard seed. I. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE LEAVEN . The latter parable refers rather to the growth of grace in the heart, the former to the extension of the Church in the world; the latter to the assimilating power of Divine grace in the human heart, the former to progressive development and final establishment of the Church on earth. II. THE SMALLNESS OF THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:33-34

With many such parables; such, that is, as he had just been delivering—plain and simple illustrations which all might understand; not abstruse and difficult similitudes, but sufficiently plain for them to perceive that there was heavenly and Divine truth lying hidden beneath them, so that they might be drawn onwards through that which they did understand, to search into something hidden beneath it, which at present they did not know. But privately to his own disciples he expounded ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:33-34

The parable an instrument of mercy and judgment. I. AN INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT . 1 . As concealing more than it revealed to the popular mind. 2 . As convicting men of sinful ignorance and spiritual incapacity. II. AN INSTRUMENT OF MERCY . 1 . The Word of God was not wholly withdrawn. 2 . This , the only practicable form of teaching that remained to Christ , was used with constant regard to the benefit of the hearers. 3 . The desire for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:34

"Without a parable spake he not unto them." To be understood of Christ's general habit or manner of teaching. It was specially characteristic of him after it became evident that the Pharisees were seeking an occasion for his destruction. This practice proved— I. THE VASTNESS OF HIS SPIRITUAL RESOURCES . 1 . When prevented from using direct statements , he adopted an indirect mode of expression. The truth was not stifled, it only assumed another form. There was not... read more

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