Mark 2:17 NIV

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 2:13-17

The Divine Physician Has Come to Make Men Whole (2:13-17). The second great statement of this chapter is about the Great Physician, and is introduced by the call of Levi (Matthew). But we are not, of course, just to concentrate on the statement alone for the context is important, and indeed leads up to the statement. The call of four local fishermen to be disciples must have caused some surprise, but the call of a hated tax-collector and outcast must have been seen as staggering. It would have... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 2:17

‘And when Jesus heard it, he says to them, “Those who are whole do not need a medical doctor, only those who are ill. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners”.’ When Jesus heard the criticism He went right to the heart of the matter. He told them that He had come to reach sinners wherever they may be found and bring them to repentance. That He was like a doctor who seeks out the sick so as to help them. He was not saying that there actually were some who were so righteous that they... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 2:13-17

Mark 2:13-Esther : . The Call of Levi. Jesus Eats with Tax-Collectors.— These two incidents are only loosely connected with each other and with what precedes. The notes of time are of the vaguest. The call of Levi, who is collecting tolls for the Tetrarch of Galilee on the highroad (p. 615), closely resembles the call of the first four disciples. There is nothing to suggest that the meal is a thanksgiving feast. In the large company of guests, some Pharisees (pp. 624, 666f.) mingle. They... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Mark 2:14-17

We had this piece of history with some addition in Matthew 9:9-13, where he was called Matthew: Mark and Luke both call him Levi: it was ordinary with the Jews to have two names. See Poole on "Matthew 9:9". read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Mark 2:13-17

CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTESMark 2:14. Receipt of custom.—Toll-house. “Capernaum was the landing-place for the many ships which traversed the lake or coasted from town to town; and this not only for those who had business in Capernaum, but for those who would there strike the great road of eastern commerce from Damascus to the harbours of the West.”Mark 2:15. Publicans.—Tax-collectors, the local agents of the Roman “publicani” or revenue officers, who farmed the taxes from the government.... read more

Charles Simeon

Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae - Mark 2:17

DISCOURSE: 1419THE WHOLE AND THE SICK, THE RIGHTEOUS AND SINNERS, DESCRIBEDMark 2:17. They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.THERE is no action, however benevolent, which cavillers may not censure. Every part of our Lord’s conduct was worthy of his divine character; yet was he constantly “enduring the contradiction of sinners,” &c. He was now conversing familiarly with publicans for their good.... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Mark 2:1-28

Now,And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house ( Mark 2:1 ).So, word went around Jesus is in the house over there.And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them ( Mark 2:2 ).I like that. "He preached the word unto them." What else is there to preach? Well, all you have to do is listen to television and the radio, and you'll... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Mark 2:1-28

Mark 2:4 . They uncovered the roof. Houses in the east have mostly flat roofs on which they walk for the benefit of the air. They have but a narrow door, and seldom a window to the street. All their lower windows are toward the gardens. Mark 2:7 . Who can forgive sins but God only. When Nathan came to David he said, “The Lord hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die.” The pharisees on hearing Christ, being learned in the law, said, “this man blasphemeth.” What would they have said to... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Mark 2:17

Mark 2:17They that are whole have no need of the physician.For whom is the gospel meant?I. Even a superficial glance at our Lord’s mission suffices to show that His work was for the sinful. His descent into the world implied that men needed deliverance. The bearing of the gospel covenant is towards guilty men. His mission is described as one of mercy and grace. The gospel turns its face always towards sin. The gospel has always found its greatest trophies amongst the most sinful. To whom else... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Mark 2:17

17 When Jesus heard it , he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Ver. 17. He saith unto them ] Though not for their sakes (for he knew it was to no purpose) yet for his other hearers’ sakes, he makes apology, Jeremiah 3:14-15 . God often gives a pastor after his own heart, for a few that are to be converted. read more