Bible Commentaries
Mark 9

Verse 1

Mark 9:1

KINGDOM

"At hand"- Matthew 3:2,

To come in first century with "Power"- Mark 9:1,

But "Power" to come with Holy Ghost- Acts 1:8,

This happened on the day of Pentecost- Acts 2:1-4.

The Kingdom was in existence in Paul’s day- Colossians 1:13.

It is the Church- Matthew 16:18-19.

Some Various Comings of Christ

*1 Emmanuel, Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; John 6:38; Galatians 4:4 This was the coming of the Lord in the flesh, his birth at Bethlehem.

2 Pentecost, Matthew 16:28 (Mark 9:1) Mark 14:62, Matthew 26:64 In some significant way it could be said that Christ also came on Pentecost representatively when he sent his promise of the Holy Spirit.

3 To Paul at His Conversion __ Acts 26:16, Acts 22:7-9 ; 1 Corinthians 15:8 The Lord came to Paul so he could see him alive after his crucifixion and thus qualify him to be an apostle.

4 In Visions -- To Paul at Jerusalem, Acts 22:17-18 (after conversion); At Corinth, Acts 18:9; again at Jerusalem, Acts 23:11

5 AD 70, His coming in judgment upon the Jews for their rejection. Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 24:39; Mark 13:26-30; Luke 21:20-27; Hebrews 10:37; James 5:8

This brought an end to their nation, the temple, the physical priesthood coming from Levi, the end of animal sacrifices, etc. ("Last days"[of the Jewish dispensation] plural)

*6 The Resurrection Day (His Second Coming, -- Cf. "Last Day" singular) 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ff to 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24 ff; John 14:1-3;

John 5:28; John 11:24; John 6:39; John 6:40; John 6:44;

Verse 5

Mark 9:5

(See note on John 7:2)

Master ... Mark presents Jesus as being addressed as Rabbi or Teacher whereas Matthew and Luke represent J esus as being addressed by the title "Lord." Some say Matthew and Luke reflect the post-resurrection practice of speaking of Jesus while Mark is faithful to the pre-resurrection way of addressing Jesus.

Verse 33

Mark 9:33

He asked them ... Jesus’ insight into the group. He was aware of their hearts.

Verse 34

Mark 9:34

disupted among themselves ... they had problem about who would be greatest; Matthew 20:26 ff; Matthew 23:11; Matthew 23:16; Mark 10:43-44; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14

Verse 35

Mark 9:35

called the twelve -- they had problem about who would be greatest; Matthew 20:26 ff; Matthew 23:11; Matthew 23:16; Mark 10:43-44; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14

Verse 36

Mark 9:36

took a little child ... Jesus used visual aids.

Verse 38

Mark 9:38

Lesson on tolerance

Mark 5:19-20;

Others casting out demons -- Acts 19:30 sons of Sceva

Verse 40

Mark 9:40

is on our part ... RSV "is for us"

Verse 41

Mark 9:41

cup of water ... Christ can be served in the smallest of ways.

Verse 43

Mark 9:43

cut it off ... literally or figuratively? It is hyperbole.

Verse 44

Mark 9:44

worm does not die ... first of three repetitions; cf Isaiah 66:24

Verse 46

Mark 9:46

worm does not die ... second of three repetitions; cf Isaiah 66:24

Verse 47

Mark 9:47

HELL

Revelation 20:14-15, lake of fire, (Matthew 18:9)

Matthew 25:30, outter darkness (Matthew 22:13)

Revelation 14:11, torment, (Luke 16:23)

Matthew 25:46, eternal punishment

Mark 9:47-48, Matthew 10:28

Who will be there?

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Revelation 21:8, 2 Peter 2:20-21, 1 Peter 4:18, Revelation 20:15, Matthew 5:22, 2 Peter 2:4

Verse 48

Mark 9:48

worm does not die ... third of three repetitions; cf Isaiah 66:24

Verse 49

Mark 9:49

sacrifice -- salt ... Salt was a part of Jewish sacrifice, Leviticus 2:13; Ezekiel 43:24; ( Mark 8:34-37)

Verse 50

Mark 9:50

saltness ... salt was also a preservative. (Sometime unscrupulous merchants would mix sand with the salt they sold or traded.)