Gospel of Mark/Chapter 1:1-28/Commentary

1:19 “And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets” 1:20 “And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him” The name Zebedee (ZEBB uh dee), means “gift of Jehovah”. Of these two brothers, James would be the first apostle to be killed (Acts 12:1-2), and John was apparently the last apostle to die. Nothing in the text suggests that these brothers were idle, discontent with their former lot, or ambitious for worldly fame or glory. In the eyes of the world such brothers were undistinguished in practically every regard, but God sees differently than man sees. These brothers were accustomed to hardship, they were well-seasoned men. They were humble men, capable to being taught, and their heads were not filled with pride. They were diligent, workingmen, not ashamed of honest toil or seeking the easy life. Mark adds that they also left hired servants (1:20), which is an indication that these men and their father were successful in the fishing business.

Jesus had already said that the kingdom of God was “at hand”, so the situation is urgent! Therefore, there is a need to obey immediately.

1:20 “With the hired servants”: “James and John were not leaving him entirely alone to run his fishing business” (Gaebelein p. 625).

Jesus In Capernaum 1:21 “And they went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach” Again, note the urgency. Jesus comes to Capernaum and immediately seizes an opportunity to teach.

1:22 “And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching as one having authority, and not as the scribes” “Jesus did not have to quote the authorities (Rabbi-so-and-so says such and such).

His authority came straight from God” (Gaebelein p. 627). When the scribes 10