Mark

From: Testimony of The Ages: Confirmations of the Scriptures

• 18 min. read • grade level: 8

BISHOP WILLIAM THOMSON, D. D.—All ancient testimony makes Mark the author of the Gospel which has come down to us bearing his name. Eusebius says, on the authority of Clement of Alexandria, that the hearers of Peter at Rome desired Mark, the follower of Peter, to leave with them a record of his teachings, upon which Mark wrote his Gospel, which the apostle afterward sanctioned with his authority, and directed that it should be read in the churches (Euseb. H. E., II., 15). Tertullian also speaks of the Gospel of Mark as being connected with Peter, and as having his authority (Cont. Marc. IV., 5). Both Justin Martyr and Irenmus quote from this Gospel.—Smith's Dict. of Bible, art. " Gospel of Mark."

PAPIAS.—This also John the elder said:—Mark being the interpreter of Peter, wrote down exactly whatever things he remembered, but yet not in the order in which Christ either spoke or did them; for he was neither a hearer nor a follower of the Lord's, but he was afterward a follower of Peter.— Euseb. H. E., III., 39.

See Matt. 1:1¹The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1).

The Baptist's Ministry

Mark 1:4, 5⁴John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ⁵And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4‑5).—John did baptize in the wilderness, and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

JOSEPHUS. —John, who was called the Baptist, was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism. The people came in crowds about him, for they were greatly moved by hearing his words, and they seemed ready to do anything he should advise.—Antq, 18, 5, 2

Mark 1:6⁶And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; (Mark 1:6).—And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey. See Matt. 3:4⁴And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4).

Mark 1:7⁷And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. (Mark 1:7).—There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

See Matt. 3:11¹¹I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11).

Christ in the Wilderness

Mark 1:13¹³And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. (Mark 1:13).—And was with the wild beasts.

REV. F. W. FARRAR, D. D., F. R. S.—It is not a natural thing that the wild creatures should attack with ferocity, or fly in terror from, their master man. The terror or the fury of animals, though continued by hereditary instinct, was began by cruel and wanton aggression; and historical instances are not wanting in which both have been overcome by the sweetness, the majesty, the gentleness of man.-Life of Christ, Vol. I., p. 120.

Mark 1:16¹⁶Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Mark 1:16).—Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. See Matt. 4:18¹⁸And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Matthew 4:18).

Mark 1:19¹⁹And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (Mark 1:19).—And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

See Matt. 4:21²¹And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. (Matthew 4:21).

Mark 1:21²¹And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. (Mark 1:21).—And they went into Capernaum, etc.

See Matt. 4:13¹³And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: (Matthew 4:13).

Mark 1:22²²And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22).—And they were astonishes at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

See Matt. 7:28²⁸And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (Matthew 7:28).

Mark 1:23, 24²³And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. (Mark 1:23‑24).—And there was in the synagogue a man with an unclean spirit: and he cried out, saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? etc.

See Matt. 8:29-32²⁹And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? ³⁰And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. ³¹So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. ³²And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. (Matthew 8:29‑32).

Mark 1:30, 31³⁰But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. ³¹And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. (Mark 1:30‑31)—But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever: and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, etc.

See Matt. 8:14¹⁴And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. (Matthew 8:14).

Mark 1:40⁴⁰And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (Mark 1:40).—And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, etc.

See Matt. 8:2, 3²And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. ³And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:2‑3).

Mark 2:11¹¹I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. (Mark 2:11).—Arise and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thy house.

See Matt. 9:6⁶But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (Matthew 9:6).

Mark 2:14¹⁴And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. (Mark 2:14).—And as he passed by he saw Levi the son of Alpheus, sitting at the receipt of custom, etc.

See Matt. 9:9⁹And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9).

Mark 2:17¹⁷When 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. (Mark 2:17).—They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick. See Matt. 9:12¹²But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. (Matthew 9:12).

Mark 2:22²²And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. (Mark 2:22).—And no man putteth new wine into old bottles, etc. See Matt. 9:17¹⁷Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17).

Mark 2:23²³And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. (Mark 2:23).—And it came to pass, that he went through the corn-fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

See Matt. 12:1, 2¹At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. ²But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:1‑2)

Mark 3:6⁶And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. (Mark 3:6).—And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

See Matt. 22:16¹⁶And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. (Matthew 22:16).

Boanerges

Mark 3:17¹⁷And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: (Mark 3:17).—And he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.

PLUTARCH. —We are told that Pericles, in his harangues, thundered and lightened; and that his tongue was armed with thunder.—Percl., c. 8.

PLINY. —With what glowing language do you thunder forth the praises of your father?—Hist. Nat. Dedic.

Christ Suspected of Insanity

Mark 3:21²¹And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. (Mark 3:21).—For they said, He is beside himself.

DR. F. W. FARRAR.—To the world there has been ever a tendency to confuse the fervor of enthusiasm with the eccentricity of a disordered genius. " Paul, thou art mad! " was the only comment which the Apostle's passion of exalted eloquence produced on the cynical and blasé intellect of the Roman Procurator. " Brother Martin has a fine genius! " was the sneering allusion of Pope Leo X. to Luther. " What crackbrained fanatics," observed the fine gentlemen of the eighteenth century when they spoke of Wesley and Whitefield.—Life of Christ, Vol. I., p. 282.

Mark 3:23, 24²³And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3:23‑24).—How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

See Matt. 12:25²⁵And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: (Matthew 12:25).

Mark 4:3-8³Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: ⁴And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. ⁵And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: ⁶But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. ⁷And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. ⁸And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. (Mark 4:3‑8).—Behold there went out a sower to sow: and it came to pass as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, etc.

See Matt. 13:3-9³And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; ⁴And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: ⁵Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: ⁶And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. ⁷And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: ⁸But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. ⁹Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:3‑9).

Mark 4:30, 31³⁰And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? ³¹It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: (Mark 4:30‑31).—And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, etc.

See Matt. 13:31³¹Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: (Matthew 13:31).

The Great Storm

Mark 4:38³⁸And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:38).—And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow.

DR. HENRY J. VAN-LENNEP.—At the extreme end of the stern is often seen a small low bench, upon which the steersman sits for a change. Here the captain often rests his head when, as is his custom, he sleeps upon the quarterdeck. This little bench may generally be seen in the fishing crafts, particularly those which ply on the Sea of Galilee, a circumstance which explains the nature of the pillow upon which rested the head of our Lord during the sudden storm narrated in Mark. Passengers of distinction alone are allowed a place upon the quarter-deck.—Bible Lands, p. 62.

Demoniac from the Tombs

Mark 5:1, 2¹And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. ²And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, (Mark 5:1‑2).—And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.

See Matt. 8:28-32²⁸And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. ²⁹And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? ³⁰And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. ³¹So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. ³²And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. (Matthew 8:28‑32).

The Diseased Woman

Mark 5:25, 26²⁵And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, ²⁶And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, (Mark 5:25‑26).—And a certain woman which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind and touched his garment.

DR. F. W. FARRAR.—Legend has assigned to this woman Veronica as a name, and Paneas (Cæsarea Philippi) as a residence. An ancient statue of bronze at this place was believed to represent her in the act of touching the fringe of Christ's robe; and Eusebius and Sozomen both mention this statue, which is believed to have been so curious a testimony to the reality of Christ's miracle, that Julian the Apostate is charged with having destroyed it.—Life of Christ, I., 356.

The Damsel Restored

Mark 5:39³⁹And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. (Mark 5:39).—Why make ye this ado and weep? the damsel is not dead but sleepeth.

JAHN. —The grief of the Orientals formerly, on an occasion of death, was, and it is to this day in the East, very extreme. As soon as a person dies, the females of the family with a loud voice set up a sorrowful cry. They continue it as long as they can without taking breath, and the first shriek of wailing dies away in a low sob. After a short space of time, they repeat the same cry, and so continue for eight days. Many other indications of grief are often given, such as tearing the hair and clothes, smiting the breast, lying down in ashes, putting dust upon the head, etc.—Bib. Archœol., sect. 211.

Mark 6:4⁴But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. (Mark 6:4).—A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

See Matt. 13:57⁵⁷And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house. (Matthew 13:57)

Mark 6:14-29¹⁴And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. ¹⁵Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. ¹⁶But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. ¹⁷For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. ¹⁸For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. ¹⁹Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: ²⁰For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. ²¹And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; ²²And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. ²³And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. ²⁴And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. ²⁵And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. ²⁶And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. ²⁷And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, ²⁸And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. ²⁹And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. (Mark 6:14‑29).—And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad;) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him, etc.

See Matt. 14:1-12¹At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, ²And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. ³For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. ⁴For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. ⁵And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. ⁶But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. ⁷Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. ⁸And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. ⁹And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. ¹⁰And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. ¹¹And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. ¹²And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. (Matthew 14:1‑12).

Mark 6:35-44³⁵And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: ³⁶Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. ³⁷He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? ³⁸He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. ³⁹And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. ⁴⁰And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. ⁴¹And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. ⁴²And they did all eat, and were filled. ⁴³And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. ⁴⁴And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. (Mark 6:35‑44).—And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, etc.

See Matt. 14:15-21¹⁵And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. ¹⁶But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. ¹⁷And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. ¹⁸He said, Bring them hither to me. ¹⁹And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. ²⁰And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. ²¹And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:15‑21).

Mark 6:53⁵³And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. (Mark 6:53).—And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

See Matt. 14:34³⁴And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. (Matthew 14:34).

Mark 7:1, 2¹Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. ²And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. (Mark 7:1‑2).—Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say with unwashen hands, they found fault.

See Matt. 15:1, 2¹Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, ²Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. (Matthew 15:1‑2).

Mark 7:14,15¹⁴And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: ¹⁵There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. (Mark 7:14‑15).—And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, these are they that defile a man.

See Matt. 15:11¹¹Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (Matthew 15:11).

Mark 7:24,²⁴And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. (Mark 7:24) etc.—And from thence he arose and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, etc.

See Matt. 15:21²¹Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. (Matthew 15:21).

Mark 8:1-9¹In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, ²I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: ³And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. ⁴And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? ⁵And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. ⁶And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. ⁷And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. ⁸So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. ⁹And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away. (Mark 8:1‑9).—In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, etc.

See Matt. 15:32³²Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. (Matthew 15:32).

Mark 8:27²⁷And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? (Mark 8:27).—And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi; etc. See Matt. 16:13¹³When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (Matthew 16:13).

Mark 9:42⁴²And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. (Mark 9:42).—And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

See Matt. 18:6⁶But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6).

Mark 9:50⁵⁰Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. (Mark 9:50).—Salt is good, but if the salt have lost his saltiness, etc. See Matt. 5:13¹³Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matthew 5:13).

Mark 10:2-52²And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. ³And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? ⁴And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. ⁵And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. ⁶But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. ⁷For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; ⁸And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. ⁹What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. ¹⁰And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. ¹¹And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. ¹²And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. ¹³And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. ¹⁴But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. ¹⁶And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. ¹⁷And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? ¹⁸And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. ¹⁹Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother. ²⁰And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. ²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. ²²And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. ²³And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? ²⁷And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. ²⁸Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. ²⁹And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, ³⁰But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. ³¹But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. ³²And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, ³³Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: ³⁴And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. ³⁵And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. ³⁶And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? ³⁷They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. ³⁸But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? ³⁹And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: ⁴⁰But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. ⁴¹And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. ⁴²But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. ⁴³But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: ⁴⁴And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ⁴⁶And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. ⁴⁷And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁸And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁹And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. ⁵⁰And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. ⁵¹And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. ⁵²And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Mark 10:2‑52).—And the Pharisees came. to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him, etc. See Matt. 19:3-6³The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? ⁴And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, ⁵And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? ⁶Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:3‑6).

Mark 10:13¹³And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. (Mark 10:13).—And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

See Matt. 19:13¹³Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 19:13).

Mark 10:20²⁰And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. (Mark 10:20).—And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

See Matt. 19:20²⁰The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matthew 19:20).

Mark 10:23-27²³And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? ²⁷And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:23‑27).—How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

See Matt. 19:23-26²³Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁵When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? ²⁶But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:23‑26).

Mark 10:32³²And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, (Mark 10:32).—And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem. and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed, etc. See Matt. 20:17,18¹⁷And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, ¹⁸Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, (Matthew 20:17‑18).

Mark 10:39³⁹And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: (Mark 10:39).—And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of: etc. See Matt. 20:23²³And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. (Matthew 20:23).

Mark 10:46⁴⁶And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. (Mark 10:46).—And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, etc.

See Matt. 20:29²⁹And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. (Matthew 20:29).

Mark 11:1¹And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, (Mark 11:1).—And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, etc. See Matt. 21:1¹And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, (Matthew 21:1).

Mark 11:8⁸And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. (Mark 11:8).—And many spread their garments in the way; and others cut down branches of the trees and strewed them in the way. See Matt. 21:8⁸And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. (Matthew 21:8).

Mark 11:12-14¹²And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: ¹³And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. ¹⁴And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12‑14).—And on the morrow when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry; and seeing a fig-tree afar off, etc. See Matt. 21:19¹⁹And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. (Matthew 21:19).

Mark 11:25²⁵And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25).—And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; etc. See Matt. 6:15¹⁵But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15).

Mark 11:27²⁷And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, (Mark 11:27).—And they come again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, there came to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, and say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things?

See Matt. 21:23²³And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? (Matthew 21:23).

Mark 12:1¹And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. (Mark 12:1).—And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, etc. See Matt. 21:33³³Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: (Matthew 21:33).

Mark 12:13-17¹³And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. ¹⁴And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? ¹⁵Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. ¹⁶And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. ¹⁷And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:13‑17).—Is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar or not?

See Matt. 22:15¹⁵Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. (Matthew 22:15).

Mark 12:18¹⁸Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, (Mark 12:18).—Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection. And they asked him, saying, Master, Moses, etc.

See Matt. 22:23²³The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, (Matthew 22:23).

Mark 12:28²⁸And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? (Mark 12:28).—And one of the scribes came... and asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

See Matt. 22:35³⁵Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, (Matthew 22:35).

Mark 12:38³⁸And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, (Mark 12:38).—And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, etc.

See Matt. 23:1¹Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, (Matthew 23:1).

The Poor Widow

Mark 12:43⁴³And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: (Mark 12:43).-Verily, I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury, etc.

XENOPHON.—Socrates, when he sacrificed, feared not that his offering would fail of acceptance because he was poor; but, giving according to his ability, he doubted not but in the sight of the. gods he equaled those men whose gifts and sacrifices overspread the whole altar.—Mem., lib. i., c. 3.

PLATO.—It would be a dreadful thing if the gods looked to the value of gifts and sacrifices, and not to the souls of those who offer them.-Alcib., II., 13.

ARISTOTLE.—Liberality is denominated according to the property which is possessed; for the liberal does not consist in the multitude of the gifts, but in the habit of the giver; and this habit gives according to the means of giving. Nothing hinders that he may be a more liberal man who gives fewer things, if he gives them from less means.—Eth., lib. iv., c. a.

OVID.—Although the power be wanting, yet the inclination is to be commended; with this I trust the gods are content. This is the reason why even the poor approach the altars acceptably; and why a lamb pleases not less than a slaughtered ox.—De Pont., lib. iii., eleg. 4.

Mark 13:1¹And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! (Mark 13:1).—And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

See Matt. 24 a, etc.

Mark 13:9⁹But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. (Mark 13:9).—But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils: and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: etc.

See Matt. 10:17,18,¹⁷But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; ¹⁸And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. (Matthew 10:17‑18) and 24:9.

Mark 13:10¹⁰And the gospel must first be published among all nations. (Mark 13:10).—And the gospel must first be published among all nations. See Matt. 24:14¹⁴And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14).

Mark 13:12¹²Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. (Mark 13:12).—Now the brother shall betray the brother, etc.

See Matt. 10:21,²¹And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. (Matthew 10:21) and 24:10.

Mark 13:13¹³And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mark 13:13).—And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

See Matt. 24:9⁹Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:9).

Mark 13:14¹⁴But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains: (Mark 13:14).—But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, etc.

See Matt. 24:15¹⁵When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15).

Mark 13:19¹⁹For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. (Mark 13:19).—For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation, etc.

See Matt. 24:21²¹For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21).

Mark 13:25²⁵And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. (Mark 13:25).—And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or lo, he is there; etc. See Matt. 24:23²³Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. (Matthew 24:23).

Mark 13:24, 25²⁴But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, ²⁵And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. (Mark 13:24‑25).—But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, etc. See Matt. 24:29²⁹Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (Matthew 24:29).

Mark 13:26²⁶And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13:26).—And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

See Matt. 24:30³⁰And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30).

Mark 14:1¹After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. (Mark 14:1).—After two days was the feast of the Passover, etc.

See Matt. 26:3³Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, (Matthew 26:3).

Mark 14:3³And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3).—And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box, etc.

See Matt. 26:7⁷There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. (Matthew 26:7).

Mack 14:9.—Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of as a memorial of her.

See Matt. 26:12,13¹²For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. ¹³Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26:12‑13).

Mark 14:22-24²²And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. ²³And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. ²⁴And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:22‑24).—And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed and brake it, and gave to them, etc.

See Matt. 26:26-28²⁶And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. ²⁷And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; ²⁸For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26‑28).

The Cock-Crowing

Mark 14:30³⁰And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Mark 14:30).—And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

ARUNDELL. —It has often been remarked, in illustration of Scripture, that in the Eastern countries the cocks crow in the night, but the regularity with which they keep what may be called the watches has not been perhaps sufficiently noticed. I will, however, confine myself to one, and that is between eleven and twelve o'clock. I have often heard the cocks of Smyrna crowing in full chorus at that time, and with scarcely the variation of a minute. The second cockcrowing is between one and two o'clock. Therefore when our Lord says, "In this night, before the cock crow twice," the allusion was clearly to these seasons.—Discoveries in Asia Minor.

Mark 14:32³²And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. (Mark 14:32).—And they came to the place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

See Matt. 26:36³⁶Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (Matthew 26:36).

Mark 15:1¹And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. (Mark 15:1)—And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the or elders and scribes, and the whole council, etc. See Matt. 27:1¹When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: (Matthew 27:1).

Mark 15:15¹⁵And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. (Mark 15:15).—And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

See Matt. 27:26²⁶Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26).

The Pretorium

Mark 15:16¹⁶And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. (Mark 15:16).—And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Pretorium; and they call together the whole band.

DR. F. W. FARRAR.—At Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate occupied one of the two gorgeous palaces which had been erected there by the lavish architectural extravagance of the first Herod. It was situated in the Upper City, to the southwest of the Temple Hill, and like the similar building at Cæsarea, having passed from the use of the provincial king to that of the Roman governor, was called Herod's Prætorium. It was one of those luxurious abodes, "surpassing all description," which were in accordance with the tendencies of the age, and on which Josephus dwells with ecstasies of admiration. Between its colossal wings of white marble was an open space commanding a noble view of Jerusalem, adorned with sculptured porticos and columns of many-colored marble, paved with rich mosaics, varied with fountains and reservoirs, and green promenades.

Externally, it was a mass of lofty walls, and towers, and gleaming roofs, mingled in exquisite varieties of splendors; within, its superb rooms, large enough to accommodate a hundred guests, were adorned with gorgeous furniture and vessels of gold and silver.... In that kingly palace—such as in His days of freedom He had never trod—began, in three distinct acts, the fourth stage of that agitating scene which preceded the final agonies of Christ.—Life of Christ, II., 364.

See Matt. 27:27²⁷Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. (Matthew 27:27).

Mark 15:21²¹And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (Mark 15:21).—And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, etc. See Matt. 27:32³²And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32).

Mark 15:23²³And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. (Mark 15:23).—And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. See Matt. 27:34³⁴They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. (Matthew 27:34).

Mark 15:24²⁴And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. (Mark 15:24)—And when they had crucified him, etc.

See Matt. 27:35³⁵And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. (Matthew 27:35).

The Superscription

Mark 15:26²⁶And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Mark 15:26).—And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

BURDER.—Thus Attalus the martyr was led round the amphitheater, with a tablet before him, inscribed, "This is Attalus the Christian." The same custom prevailed in crucifixions.-In loco.

See Matt. 27:37³⁷And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Matthew 27:37).

Mark 15:39³⁹And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39).—The centurion said, Truly this man was the Son of God. See Matt. 27:54⁵⁴Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54).

The Women at the Tomb

Mark 16:1¹And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. (Mark 16:1).—And when the Sabbath was past Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

PLINY.—Take into account the vast number of funerals that are celebrated throughout the whole world each year, and the heaps of odors that are piled up in honor of the dead.—Hist. Nat., XII., 18.

PLUTARCH.—On the death of Sylla, so great a quantity of spices was brought by the women, that, exclusive of those carried in 210 great baskets, a figure of Sylla, at full length, and of a lictor besides, was made of cinnamon and the choicest frankincense.—Sylla, c. 38.

Mark 16:20²⁰And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:20).—And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. See Matt. 24:14¹⁴And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14).

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