Mark 1

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

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;

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

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.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

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.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their 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? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

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, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And 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.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

What does Mark 1:30 mean?

Explanation

Mark 1:30 refers to an incident in the New Testament where the mother-in-law of Simon Peter is sick with a fever. Jesus Christ has been told about her illness immediately.

This verse conveys both a literal event and a deeper spiritual message.

Literally, it describes the concern of the disciples for the wellbeing of their family members and their trust in Jesus to heal her.

On a deeper level, the verse showcases Jesus' healing power and compassion towards those who are suffering.

It also reflects the concept of intercessory prayer, where the disciples bring the needs of others to Jesus' attention, suggesting that He is approachable and willing to respond to such requests.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Galilee was a region with a mix of cultures including Jewish and Gentile populations.

Illnesses such as fevers were common and could be severe due to a lack of modern medical treatment.

The home of Simon Peter and his family would have been a modest structure, likely in Capernaum, a fishing village.

In this period, the extended family often lived together, which explains why Simon's mother-in-law was part of the household.

The mention of her immediate need reflects the urgency with which people sought Jesus’ healing.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varying insights into this verse.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the healing of Simon's mother-in-law is seen as a demonstration of Jesus' divinity and his authority over illness.

It could also be interpreted symbolically, with the fever representing sin or spiritual malaise and Jesus' healing touch bringing spiritual restoration.

Liberation theology might emphasize Jesus' action as an example of God's preferential option for the suffering and marginalized.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to bring their concerns, especially those involving the well-being of loved ones, into their prayer life with faith that God cares and responds. It also suggests that followers of Jesus should exhibit compassion and take action to help those who are sick or in need.

Moreover, the example of Jesus can inspire healthcare providers and caregivers in their dedication to serving others.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:14-15: "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them."

Luke 4:38-39: "And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house.

And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."

Language Study

Key words in this verse are "lay sick" and "fever" which in the original Greek are "κατέκειτο" (katekeito) meaning "was lying down" or "laid up," and "πυρέσσουσα" (pyressousa) indicating a burning fever.

This choice of words underscores the severity of the illness and the helplessness of the situation without Jesus' intervention.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including the Jewish culture of the period, illness was often associated with spiritual conditions.

The act of healing by Jesus can be contrasted with practices of other religions where incantations or sacrifices might be offered to appease deities for health.

The direct and compassionate healing by Jesus stands out against such backgrounds.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, fevers are typically a symptom of infection.

In an age without antibiotics or modern medical care, fevers could indicate life-threatening conditions. The immediate relief described in this and parallel passages points to a supernatural intervention, as spontaneous recovery from high fevers without medical treatment is uncommon.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators differ in their interpretation of this verse.

Some emphasize the simplicity and directness of the healing as a key aspect of Jesus' ministry.

Others focus on the personal nature of the miracle, as it involved a disciple's family member.

Still, others suggest the event sets a precedent for the practice of asking Jesus for intercession in times of personal need.

This account is often discussed in the context of the immediacy of Jesus' response, and how it fits into the larger narrative of His ministry of healing and teaching.

Mark 1

Mark 1

What does Mark 1:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 1:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?