Mark 9

Mark 9:1

WJth power,] gloriously accompanied with the divine power of the H. Ghost to gaine the world, and convert their hearts.

Mark 9:12

Be set at nought,] this terme, taken, as it should seeme from Daniel 9:26. signifieth the lowest degree of Christs humiliation, Philippians 2:7.

Mark 9:13

As it is written,] this hath a relation to Saint Iohn Batists comming, which was foretold by the Prophets; and not to his persecutions, whereof we read nothing in them.

Mark 9:16

With them,] meaning his Disciples who were in the same company.

Mark 9:17

A dumbe spirit,] that is to say, a spirit by whose meaes my sonne is become dumbe.

Mark 9:18

Teareth him,] he torments, draweth awry, & stretcheth him, as if he would tear him to peeces.

Mark 9:20

Tare him,] See upon Mark 1:26.

Mark 9:22

If thou canst,] as much as to say, doubt not thou of my power which is infinite, but see whether for thine own part thou beest disposed in faith as thou shouldest be. Which faith the Lord so long as he was in the world, did never let passe without effect and for defect of it he did oftentimes forbeare doing of his miracles. See Make 6. 5.

Mark 9:24

Vnbeleefe,] that is to say, the smalnesse and weaknesse of my faith, joyned with much doubt, and mistrust.

Mark 9:31

For he taught,] it seems that the meaning was, that Christ did begin to withdrew himselfe from the frequent company of men, and from the other parts of his office, and actions of his life, to prepare himselfe for his approaching death, and to dispose his Disciples to it.

Mark 9:37

Receiveth not,] seeing that Christ as he was mediator, referred all to his fathers glory and service. See Iohn 5. 30. and 6. 38.

Mark 9:38

Saw one,] it might be some one who having imbraced Christs doctrin and faith was mved by Gods secret inspiration to do miracles, though he was not one of Christs ordinary followers. The Disciples were moved with jealousie or rashnesse of judgement: and Christ without penetrating any further into the action, plainly saith, that by this means his truth and his glory might be promoted, and that therefore the Disciples should forbeare to forbid him, as if that power did belong only to them In thy name,] calling upon thee, and interposing thine authority.

Mark 9:40

Is on our part,] that is to say, may be a profitable instrument in Gods work, or in this furious hatred which the world beareth me and my Gospell, you ought to hold it as a favour and gaine, if any one be not against us. And if God himselfe rewardeth small benefits done to his, you likewise ought to except of and love those, who make profession of my name, though they be not ordinarily in our company

Mark 9:43

Into Hell,] the Italian, Into Gehenna,] see upon Matthew 5:22.

Mark 9:49

For every,] he gives a reason of the precedent exhortations, of cutting off all occasion of sin: for as every offering under the law was to be salted, Leviticus 2:13. so every Christian, to present himselfe uto God in a living Sacrifice, ought to be purged from all corruption by the holy Ghost, who hath the operation of fire, Matthew 3:11. 1 Corinthians 3:13 and by the same ought to be imprinted with holinesse, as the salt seasoneth meat & preserveth it frō putrefaction.

Mark 9:50

Is good,] namely, for the aforementioned uses. Christ directeth his speech to his Apostles and ministers of his word: as if he said, to you is committed the preaching of the Gospell, by which the holy Ghost fulfilleth his internall operation,Ioh. 17. 17. and if you corrupt this word, or corrupt your selves who are the vessels of it, so that the Spirit of God cooperate no more in it; from whom shall any amendment be looked for? Have salt,] imitate salt in what it is good, namely, in the wholesome, pure and pleasing, seasoning of your doctrine and actions, and not in its evill, in being too tart and austere; whereupon arise divisions and strifes; seeing there are some kinds of salt, that are too sharpe and corrosive. See Iames 3. 17.