Mark 9:39 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 9:39

But Jesus said, Forbid him not. It is as though our Lord said, "Do not forbid him; do not hinder him from a good work—a work which does honor to me and to my cause; because, although he does not actually follow me as you do, he is nevertheless engaged in the same cause; he is celebrating my Name by the casting out of evil spirits. Therefore he is not opposing my Name; on the contrary, he is publishing and recommending it." Here is a warning against that exclusive spirit, which is eager for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 9:39

Forbid him not - Do not prevent his doing good. If he can work a miracle in my name, it is sufficient proof of attachment to me, and he should not be prevented.Can lightly speak evil of me - The word here rendered “lightly” means quickly or “immediately.” The meaning of the passage is, that he to whom God gave the power of working a miracle, by that gave evidence that he could not be found among the enemies of Jesus. He ought not, therefore, to be prevented from doing it. There is no reason to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 9:38-40

Mark 9:38-40. And John answered him As if he had said, But ought we to receive those who follow not us? Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name Probably this was one of John the Baptist’s disciples, who believed in Jesus, though he did not yet associate with our Lord’s disciples. And we forbade him, because he followeth not us How often is the same temper found in us! How readily do we also lust to envy! But how ill does that spirit become a disciple, much more a minister,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Mark 9:30-50

78. Lessons in humility (Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:44-50)Despite Jesus’ statement to his disciples that he was heading towards humiliating suffering and death (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45), they were arguing among themselves about who would have the important places in his kingdom. Jesus rebuked them, explaining that the way to spiritual greatness is through choosing the lowest place and serving others. To enter the kingdom of God, people must... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Mark 9:39

not. Greek me. App-105 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Mark 9:39

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us.There is no special approval here for the unknown exorcist, who, for all that is stated, might indeed have proved eventually to have been an enemy of the Lord; but rather there is a prohibition against the servants of God making it their business to monitor and pass judgment upon the works of others. The lesson here is the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Mark 9:39

Mark 9:39. Lightly— Readily. Campbell. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Mark 9:39

39. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me—soon, that is, readily "speak evil of me." read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 9:33-50

2. The pitfalls of discipleship 9:33-50Jesus next taught His disciples lessons dealing with the dangers that threatened their effectiveness as His disciples. These were the desire for greatness, the folly of a sectarian attitude, and failure in self-discipline. They would suffer as He would. Moreover their suffering would threaten their unity with Jesus and with one another."Jesus warned against the spirit of elitism that can exist within a ministry team and between ministry teams. The answer... read more