Mark 2:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Don Courville
Shane Idleman
Charles E. Cowman
Richard E. Bieber
Smith Wigglesworth
Erlo StegenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the house - The house of Peter, with whom Christ lodged when at Capernaum. See the notes on Mat 4:13; Mat 8:13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Christ, having been for some time preaching about in the country, here returns to Capernaum his head-quarters, and makes his appearance there, in hopes that by this time the talk and crowd would be somewhat abated. Now observe, I. The great resort there was to him. Though he was in the house, wither Peter's house, or some lodgings of his own which he had taken, yet people came to him as soon as it was noised that he was in town; they did not stay till he appeared in the synagogue, which they might be sure he would do on the sabbath day, but straightway many were gathered together to him. Where the king is, there is the court; where Shiloh is, there shall the gathering of the people be. In improving opportunities for our souls, we must take care not to lose time. One invited another (Come, let us go see Jesus), so that his house could not contain his visitants. There was no room to receive them, they were so numerous, no not so much as about the door. A blessed sight, to see people thus flying like a cloud to Christ's house, though it was but a poor one, and as the doves to their windows! II. The good entertainment Christ gave them, the best his house would afford, and better than any other could; he preached the word unto them, Mar 2:2. Many of them perhaps came only for cures, and many perhaps only for curiosity, to get a sight of him; but when he had them together he preached to them. Though the synagogue-door was open to him at proper times, he thought it not at all amiss to preach in a house, on a week day; though some might reckon it both an improper place and an improper time. Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, Isa 32:20. III. The presenting of a poor cripple to him, to be helped by him. The patient was one sick of the palsy, it should seem not as that, Mat 8:6, grievously tormented, but perfectly disabled, so that he was borne of four, was carried upon a bed, as if he had been upon a bier, by four persons. It was his misery, that he needed to be so carried, and bespeaks the calamitous state of human life; it was their charity, who did so carry him, and bespeaks the compassion that it is justly expected should be in the children of men toward their fellow-creatures in distress, because we know not how soon the distress may be our own. These kind relations or neighbours thought, if they could but carry this poor man once to Christ, they should not need to carry him any more; and therefore made hard shift to get him to him; and when they could not otherwise get to him, they uncovered the roof where he was, Mar 2:4. I see no necessity to conclude that Christ was preaching in an upper room, though in such the Jews that had stately houses, had their oratories; for then to what purpose should the crowd stand before the door, as wisdom's clients used to do? Pro 8:34. But I rather conjecture that the house he was in, was so little and mean (agreeable to his present state), that it had no upper room, but the ground-floor was open to the roof: and these petitioners for the poor paralytic, resolving not to be disappointed, when they could not get through the crowd at the door, got their friend by some means or other to the roof of the house, took off some of the tiles, and so let him down upon his bed with cords into the house where Christ was preaching. This bespoke both their faith and their fervency in this address to Christ. Hereby it appeared that they were in earnest, and would not go away, nor let Christ go without a blessing. Gen 32:26. IV. The kind word Christ said to this poor patient; He saw their faith; perhaps not so much his, for his distemper hindered him from the exercise of faith, but theirs that brought him. In curing the centurion's servant, Christ took notice of it as an instance of his faith, that he did not bring him to Christ, but believed he could cure him at a distance; here he commended their faith, because they did bring their friend through so much difficulty. Note, True faith and strong faith may work variously, conquering sometimes the objections of reason, sometimes those of sense; but, however manifested, it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Christ said, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. The compellation is very tender-Son; intimating a fatherly care of him and concern for him. Christ owns true believers as his sons: a son, and yet sick of the palsy. Herein God deals with you as with sons. The cordial is very rich; Thy sins are forgiven thee. Note, 1. Sin is the procuring cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The word of Christ was to take his thoughts off from the disease, which was the effect, and to lead them to the sin, the cause, that he might be more concerned about that, to get that pardoned. 2. God doth then graciously take away the sting and malignity of sickness, when he forgives sin; recovery from sickness is then a mercy indeed, when way is made for it by the pardon of sin. See Isa 38:17; Psa 103:3. The way to remove the effect, is, to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases, and either cures them, or alters their property. V. The cavil of the scribes at that which Christ said, and a demonstration of the unreasonableness of their cavil. They were expositors of the law, and their doctrine was true - that it is blasphemy for any creature to undertake the pardon of sin, and that it is God's prerogative, Isa 43:25. But, as is usual with such teachers, their application was false, and was the effect of their ignorance and enmity to Christ. It is true, None can forgive sins but God only; but it is false that therefore Christ cannot, who had abundantly proved himself to have a divine power. But Christ perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves; this proves him to be God, and therefore confirmed what was to be proved, that he had authority to forgive sins; for he searched the heart, and knew what was in man, Rev 2:23. God's royalties are inseparable, and he that could know thoughts, could forgive sins. This magnifies the grace of Christ, in pardoning sin, that he knew men's thoughts, and therefore knows more than any other can know, both of the sinfulness of their sins and the particulars of them, and yet is ready to pardon. Now he proves his power to forgive sin, by demonstrating his power to cure the man sick of the palsy, Mar 2:9-11. He would not have pretended to do the one, if he could not have done the other; that ye may know that the Son of man, the Messiah, has power on earth to forgive sin, that I have that power, Thou that art sick of the palsy, arise, take up thy bed. Now, 1. This was a suitable argument in itself. He could not have cured the disease, which was the effect, if he could not have taken away the sin, which was the cause. And besides, his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. He that could by a word accomplish the sign, could doubtless perform the thing signified, 2. It was suited to them. These carnal scribes would be more affected with such a suitable effect of a pardon as the cure of the disease, and be sooner convinced by it, than by any other more spiritual consequences; therefore it was proper enough to appeal, whether it is easier to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Arise, and walk? The removing of the punishment as such, was the remitting of the sin; he that could go so far in the cure, no doubt could perfect it. See Isa 33:24. VI. The cure of the sick man, and the impression it made upon the people, Mar 2:12. He not only arise out of his bed, perfectly well, but, to show that he had perfect strength restored to him, he took up his bed, because it lay in the way, and went forth before them all; and they were all amazed, as well they might, and glorified God, as indeed they ought; saying, "We never saw it on this fashion; never were such wonders as these done before in our time." Note, Christ's works were without precedent. When we see what he does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1–3:6 Five controversy stories (2:1-12, 13-17, 18-22, 23-28; 3:1-6), grouped by their common theme, reveal Jesus’ great authority and the leaders’ hostility toward him. 2:1-12 This controversy story is also a miracle story, which links it to the previous collection (1:21-45). 2:1 back home: See Matt 4:13. The crowd’s size shows Jesus’ popularity.
Mark 2:1
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home,2they gathered in such large numbers that there was no more room, not even outside the door, as Jesus spoke the word to them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 2
By Don Courville52552:05MRK 2:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of inviting Christ into our homes and hearts, highlighting the need for surrender, obedience, consistency, and influence. It challenges listeners to make their homes a place where Christ is welcome to work and bless, urging them to prioritize faith, availability, obedience, and the preaching of God's word. The story of the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2 is used to illustrate the power of Christ's presence and the need for faith and surrender.
7 Things You May Be Missing
By Shane Idleman2044:29Spiritual PowerIntercessionMRK 2:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the seven critical elements that believers may be missing in their spiritual lives, based on Mark chapter two. He highlights the importance of spiritual power, the power of God's Word, desperation for Jesus, the gift of faith, the incredible gift of intercession, humility, and the joy of being set free. Idleman passionately calls for a return to fervent prayer and a deeper relationship with God, urging the congregation to seek a vibrant faith that transforms lives. He encourages believers to remove distractions and prioritize their relationship with Christ, ultimately leading to a powerful experience of God's presence.
Placed for a Purpose
By Charles E. Cowman0MAT 6:4MRK 2:11CO 12:18COL 3:231PE 5:6Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of embracing one's hidden and secluded place in God's ranks, drawing parallels to the unseen work of polyps in building coral reefs. He emphasizes the significance of being willing to serve as 'spiritual polyps,' working in obscurity but sustained by the Holy Spirit, for God's greater purpose. Cowman encourages believers to trust that Jesus will reward their faithful service, even if it goes unnoticed by others, and to remain steadfast in their assigned roles, knowing that God's way is always best.
The Cleansing of the Body
By Richard E. Bieber0MRK 2:1Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of intercessory weeping for the sins of the church, drawing parallels to the saints who wept for Israel in the past. He emphasizes the need for believers to care deeply for the body of Christ, weeping and praying for her cleansing and restoration. The sermon highlights the role of believers in bringing the broken and paralyzed church before Jesus for healing, stressing the urgency of unity, love, and fervent prayer within the body of Christ.
Our Lord Teaching the Ignorant, Forgiving the Sinner, and Healing the Sick Mark 2:1-12
By R.A. Torrey0FaithHealingMRK 2:1R.A. Torrey emphasizes Jesus' multifaceted ministry in Mark 2:1-12, where He teaches the ignorant, forgives the sinner, and heals the sick. The sermon highlights how Jesus prioritized teaching over mere healing, demonstrating that spiritual needs often take precedence. The faith of the four friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus is showcased as a model of determination and belief, leading to both forgiveness and physical healing. Torrey also addresses the opposition Jesus faced from the scribes, illustrating His authority to forgive sins through miraculous healing. Ultimately, the message underscores the importance of faith in Jesus and His ability to transform lives.
Pressing Through
By Smith Wigglesworth0FaithHealingMRK 2:1Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the power of faith and the necessity of pressing through obstacles to experience God's healing and miracles, as illustrated by the story of the palsied man who was lowered through the roof to reach Jesus. He encourages believers to not settle for a stagnant faith but to seek the fullness of life in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Wigglesworth highlights that sin is often at the root of physical ailments and that true healing comes from both forgiveness and faith in Jesus. He calls for a renewed vision of God's power and an active pursuit of His promises, urging believers to carry others to Christ and to believe in His ability to transform lives. Ultimately, he reassures that God desires to bless and heal those who earnestly seek Him.
Compassion
By Erlo Stegen0Bringing Others to ChristCompassionMRK 2:1Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound compassion of Jesus as He heals the sick and forgives sins, illustrating that true healing begins in the heart. He recounts the story of a paralytic man whose friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus, highlighting the importance of community in leading others to Christ. Stegen points out that while physical healing is significant, spiritual healing is paramount, as many seek only the former without addressing their deeper spiritual needs. He challenges listeners to reflect on their role in bringing others to Jesus, especially their own families, and to recognize the value of every soul over material concerns. The sermon calls for action, urging believers to be instruments of compassion and support for those in need of Christ's love.
Family, Sickness and Caring
By Valsan Thampu0PSA 41:3PRO 17:17MRK 2:1LUK 19:9JHN 13:2JHN 15:41CO 12:26GAL 6:2EPH 4:321PE 4:8Valsan Thampu preaches on the importance of developing a positive and spiritually sound attitude towards sickness and caring within the family. He emphasizes how sickness, though often viewed negatively in secular culture, can deepen relationships, sharpen appreciation, and activate the logic of reciprocity within families. Thampu highlights the significance of illness in prompting a re-examination of life, fostering inter-dependence, and deepening compassion and love. He underscores the spiritual aspect of sickness, linking healing with faith and the ministry of caring for the sick as a sacred task within the family.
Only Jesus Can Fix Us!
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 7:3MRK 2:1JHN 13:14GAL 6:2HEB 12:2Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the story of the paralytic man brought to Jesus by his friends, emphasizing the importance of bringing our loved ones to Jesus for healing and restoration instead of trying to fix them ourselves. He highlights the need for a humble and faith-filled approach in guiding others to the feet of Jesus, who alone can fix our broken and ailing hearts. The sermon stresses the significance of recognizing our own brokenness and need for Jesus' healing touch before helping others, encouraging a spirit of meekness and love in our interactions. Ultimately, the message centers on the transformative power of God's love to mend our brokenness and lead us to reflect His moral character.
Mark 2
By John Nelson Darby0Grace and ForgivenessFaithMRK 2:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of faith and the power of Jesus to forgive sins and heal, as illustrated by the story of the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof to reach Jesus. He highlights that true faith overcomes obstacles and recognizes the need for a Savior, while also pointing out that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, demonstrating God's grace and love. The sermon underscores the transition from the law to grace, emphasizing that Christ's presence brings forgiveness and healing, and that the new covenant established through His sacrifice is a source of true rest and righteousness for believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the house - The house of Peter, with whom Christ lodged when at Capernaum. See the notes on Mat 4:13; Mat 8:13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Christ, having been for some time preaching about in the country, here returns to Capernaum his head-quarters, and makes his appearance there, in hopes that by this time the talk and crowd would be somewhat abated. Now observe, I. The great resort there was to him. Though he was in the house, wither Peter's house, or some lodgings of his own which he had taken, yet people came to him as soon as it was noised that he was in town; they did not stay till he appeared in the synagogue, which they might be sure he would do on the sabbath day, but straightway many were gathered together to him. Where the king is, there is the court; where Shiloh is, there shall the gathering of the people be. In improving opportunities for our souls, we must take care not to lose time. One invited another (Come, let us go see Jesus), so that his house could not contain his visitants. There was no room to receive them, they were so numerous, no not so much as about the door. A blessed sight, to see people thus flying like a cloud to Christ's house, though it was but a poor one, and as the doves to their windows! II. The good entertainment Christ gave them, the best his house would afford, and better than any other could; he preached the word unto them, Mar 2:2. Many of them perhaps came only for cures, and many perhaps only for curiosity, to get a sight of him; but when he had them together he preached to them. Though the synagogue-door was open to him at proper times, he thought it not at all amiss to preach in a house, on a week day; though some might reckon it both an improper place and an improper time. Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, Isa 32:20. III. The presenting of a poor cripple to him, to be helped by him. The patient was one sick of the palsy, it should seem not as that, Mat 8:6, grievously tormented, but perfectly disabled, so that he was borne of four, was carried upon a bed, as if he had been upon a bier, by four persons. It was his misery, that he needed to be so carried, and bespeaks the calamitous state of human life; it was their charity, who did so carry him, and bespeaks the compassion that it is justly expected should be in the children of men toward their fellow-creatures in distress, because we know not how soon the distress may be our own. These kind relations or neighbours thought, if they could but carry this poor man once to Christ, they should not need to carry him any more; and therefore made hard shift to get him to him; and when they could not otherwise get to him, they uncovered the roof where he was, Mar 2:4. I see no necessity to conclude that Christ was preaching in an upper room, though in such the Jews that had stately houses, had their oratories; for then to what purpose should the crowd stand before the door, as wisdom's clients used to do? Pro 8:34. But I rather conjecture that the house he was in, was so little and mean (agreeable to his present state), that it had no upper room, but the ground-floor was open to the roof: and these petitioners for the poor paralytic, resolving not to be disappointed, when they could not get through the crowd at the door, got their friend by some means or other to the roof of the house, took off some of the tiles, and so let him down upon his bed with cords into the house where Christ was preaching. This bespoke both their faith and their fervency in this address to Christ. Hereby it appeared that they were in earnest, and would not go away, nor let Christ go without a blessing. Gen 32:26. IV. The kind word Christ said to this poor patient; He saw their faith; perhaps not so much his, for his distemper hindered him from the exercise of faith, but theirs that brought him. In curing the centurion's servant, Christ took notice of it as an instance of his faith, that he did not bring him to Christ, but believed he could cure him at a distance; here he commended their faith, because they did bring their friend through so much difficulty. Note, True faith and strong faith may work variously, conquering sometimes the objections of reason, sometimes those of sense; but, however manifested, it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Christ said, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. The compellation is very tender-Son; intimating a fatherly care of him and concern for him. Christ owns true believers as his sons: a son, and yet sick of the palsy. Herein God deals with you as with sons. The cordial is very rich; Thy sins are forgiven thee. Note, 1. Sin is the procuring cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The word of Christ was to take his thoughts off from the disease, which was the effect, and to lead them to the sin, the cause, that he might be more concerned about that, to get that pardoned. 2. God doth then graciously take away the sting and malignity of sickness, when he forgives sin; recovery from sickness is then a mercy indeed, when way is made for it by the pardon of sin. See Isa 38:17; Psa 103:3. The way to remove the effect, is, to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases, and either cures them, or alters their property. V. The cavil of the scribes at that which Christ said, and a demonstration of the unreasonableness of their cavil. They were expositors of the law, and their doctrine was true - that it is blasphemy for any creature to undertake the pardon of sin, and that it is God's prerogative, Isa 43:25. But, as is usual with such teachers, their application was false, and was the effect of their ignorance and enmity to Christ. It is true, None can forgive sins but God only; but it is false that therefore Christ cannot, who had abundantly proved himself to have a divine power. But Christ perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves; this proves him to be God, and therefore confirmed what was to be proved, that he had authority to forgive sins; for he searched the heart, and knew what was in man, Rev 2:23. God's royalties are inseparable, and he that could know thoughts, could forgive sins. This magnifies the grace of Christ, in pardoning sin, that he knew men's thoughts, and therefore knows more than any other can know, both of the sinfulness of their sins and the particulars of them, and yet is ready to pardon. Now he proves his power to forgive sin, by demonstrating his power to cure the man sick of the palsy, Mar 2:9-11. He would not have pretended to do the one, if he could not have done the other; that ye may know that the Son of man, the Messiah, has power on earth to forgive sin, that I have that power, Thou that art sick of the palsy, arise, take up thy bed. Now, 1. This was a suitable argument in itself. He could not have cured the disease, which was the effect, if he could not have taken away the sin, which was the cause. And besides, his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. He that could by a word accomplish the sign, could doubtless perform the thing signified, 2. It was suited to them. These carnal scribes would be more affected with such a suitable effect of a pardon as the cure of the disease, and be sooner convinced by it, than by any other more spiritual consequences; therefore it was proper enough to appeal, whether it is easier to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Arise, and walk? The removing of the punishment as such, was the remitting of the sin; he that could go so far in the cure, no doubt could perfect it. See Isa 33:24. VI. The cure of the sick man, and the impression it made upon the people, Mar 2:12. He not only arise out of his bed, perfectly well, but, to show that he had perfect strength restored to him, he took up his bed, because it lay in the way, and went forth before them all; and they were all amazed, as well they might, and glorified God, as indeed they ought; saying, "We never saw it on this fashion; never were such wonders as these done before in our time." Note, Christ's works were without precedent. When we see what he does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1–3:6 Five controversy stories (2:1-12, 13-17, 18-22, 23-28; 3:1-6), grouped by their common theme, reveal Jesus’ great authority and the leaders’ hostility toward him. 2:1-12 This controversy story is also a miracle story, which links it to the previous collection (1:21-45). 2:1 back home: See Matt 4:13. The crowd’s size shows Jesus’ popularity.