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Scott's Reference Library
Mark 1:4 through Mark 1:11 (NIV)
4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all
the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were
baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair,
with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And
this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs
of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with
water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in
the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn
open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from
heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 1-5
Our Lord told the disciples the work they were to do. The apostles met together
at Jerusalem; Christ having ordered them not to depart thence, but to wait for
the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This would be a baptism by the Holy Ghost,
giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their
souls. This confirms the Divine promise, and encourages us to depend upon it,
that we have heard it from Christ; for in Him all the promises of God are yea
and amen.
VERSES 6-11
They were earnest in asking about that which their Master never had directed or
encouraged them to seek. Our Lord knew that his ascension and the teaching of
the Holy Spirit would soon end these expectations, and therefore only gave them
a rebuke; but it is a caution to his church in all ages, to take heed of a
desire of forbidden knowledge. He had given his disciples instructions for the
discharge of their duty, both before his death and since his resurrection, and
this knowledge is enough for a Christian. It is enough that He has engaged to
give believers strength equal to their trials and services; that under the
influence of the Holy Spirit they may, in one way or other, be witnesses for
Christ on earth, while in heaven he manages their concerns with perfect wisdom,
truth, and love. When we stand gazing and trifling, the thoughts of our Master’s
second coming should quicken and awaken us: when we stand gazing and trembling,
they should comfort and encourage us. May our expectation of it be stedfast and
joyful, giving diligence to be found of him blameless.