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Scott's Reference Library
Mark 1:21 through Mark 1:28 (NIV)
21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the
synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, because
he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23Just
then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,
24“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I
know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the
man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new
teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey
him.” 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 14-22
Jesus began to preach in Galilee, after that John was put in prison. If some be
laid aside, others shall be raised up, to carry on the same work. Observe the
great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we
have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from
our sins. Christ has joined these two together, and let no man think to put them
asunder. Christ puts honour upon those who, though mean in this world, are
diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good
and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ
calls, must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to
do so. Not that we must needs go out of the world, but we must sit loose to the
world; forsake every thing that is against our duty to Christ, and that cannot
be kept without hurt to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the sabbath day, by
applying himself unto, and abounding in the sabbath work, in order to which the
sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is
astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.
VERSES 23-28
The devil is an unclean spirit, because he has lost all the purity of his
nature, because he acts in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit of God, and by
his suggestions defiles the spirits of men. There are many in our assemblies who
quietly attend under merely formal teachers; but if the Lord come with faithful
ministers and holy doctrine, and by his convincing Spirit, they are ready to
say, like this man, What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth! No disorder
could enable a man to know Jesus to be the Holy One of God. He desires to have
nothing to do with Jesus, for he despairs of being saved by him, and dreads
being destroyed by him. See whose language those speak, that say to the
Almighty, Depart from us. This unclean spirit hated and dreaded Christ, because
he knew him to be a Holy One; for the carnal mind is enmity against God,
especially against his holiness. When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of
the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul; for that spiteful
enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy. This put all who saw it upon
considering, What is this new doctrine? A work as great often is wrought now,
yet men treat it with contempt and neglect. If this were not so, the conversion
of a notorious wicked man to a sober, righteous, and godly life, by the
preaching of a crucified Saviour, would cause many to ask, What doctrine is
this?