Mark 1:21
Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.
Then Jesus and His companions
This phrase marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark. The Greek word for "companions" (οἱ μαθηταὶ) refers to His disciples, those who have chosen to follow Him. This highlights the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and discipleship. Historically, Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, serving as a base for His operations in Galilee. The presence of His companions underscores the model of mentorship and community that Jesus established, which is foundational for the Church.

went to Capernaum
Capernaum, a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, was a bustling hub of commerce and trade. Archaeological findings reveal a well-developed town with a significant Jewish population, making it an ideal location for Jesus to begin His ministry. The choice of Capernaum reflects Jesus' strategic approach to ministry, reaching out to a diverse and populous area. This setting also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2, where the people living in darkness have seen a great light, symbolizing the arrival of the Messiah.

and right away
The phrase "right away" (εὐθὺς) is a characteristic of Mark's Gospel, conveying a sense of urgency and immediacy. This reflects the dynamic and active nature of Jesus' ministry. The use of this term emphasizes the promptness with which Jesus acts, underscoring His commitment to His mission. It serves as a reminder for believers to respond promptly to God's call and to be diligent in their spiritual pursuits.

Jesus entered the synagogue
The synagogue was the center of Jewish religious life, serving as a place for prayer, reading of the Scriptures, and teaching. By entering the synagogue, Jesus positions Himself within the heart of Jewish religious practice, engaging directly with the community. This act signifies His respect for Jewish traditions and His role as a teacher and rabbi. The synagogue setting also provides a platform for Jesus to reveal His authority and to challenge existing interpretations of the Law.

on the Sabbath
The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is central to Jewish identity and religious observance. By choosing the Sabbath to teach, Jesus aligns His ministry with the rhythm of Jewish life, while also redefining the understanding of rest and worship. His actions on the Sabbath often led to confrontations with religious leaders, highlighting the tension between legalistic interpretations and the spirit of the Law. For Christians, Jesus' activities on the Sabbath foreshadow the new covenant, where rest is found in Him.

and began to teach
Teaching was a primary aspect of Jesus' ministry, and His teachings were marked by authority and wisdom. The Greek word for "teach" (διδάσκειν) implies instruction and impartation of knowledge. Jesus' teaching in the synagogue would have included exposition of the Scriptures, offering new insights and challenging prevailing interpretations. His authoritative teaching style set Him apart from other rabbis and drew people to His message. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' words and the importance of sound doctrine in the life of believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, who enters the synagogue to teach. His authority and teaching are pivotal in this context.

2. His Companions
Likely refers to the disciples who were with Jesus, indicating the beginning of their journey and ministry with Him.

3. Capernaum
A town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a significant base for Jesus' ministry.

4. Synagogue
A Jewish place of worship and teaching, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles.

5. Sabbath
The Jewish day of rest and worship, highlighting the importance of Jesus' actions and teachings on this day.
Teaching Points
The Authority of Jesus' Teaching
Jesus' teaching in the synagogue demonstrates His authority and knowledge of the Scriptures. As believers, we should seek to understand and submit to His teachings in our lives.

The Importance of the Sabbath
Jesus' actions on the Sabbath highlight the importance of setting aside time for worship and reflection. We should prioritize regular worship and rest in our weekly routines.

The Role of the Synagogue
The synagogue served as a place of learning and community. Similarly, the church today should be a place where believers gather to learn, grow, and support one another.

Jesus' Ministry in Capernaum
Capernaum was a strategic location for Jesus' ministry. We should consider how God might be calling us to serve in specific places or communities.

The Call to Discipleship
Jesus' companions followed Him to Capernaum, illustrating the call to discipleship. We are called to follow Jesus and participate in His mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Jesus' choice to teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath reveal about His priorities and mission?

2. How can we apply the principle of Sabbath rest and worship in our modern lives?

3. In what ways can our local church serve as a place of learning and community, similar to the synagogue in Jesus' time?

4. How does Jesus' ministry in Capernaum challenge us to consider where God might be calling us to serve?

5. What steps can we take to deepen our discipleship and follow Jesus more closely in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:13
This verse mentions Jesus leaving Nazareth and settling in Capernaum, establishing it as a central location for His ministry.

Luke 4:31-32
Provides a parallel account of Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, emphasizing His authority and the amazement of the people.

John 6:59
Refers to Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, further illustrating His role as a teacher and the significance of this location.

Acts 13:14-15
Describes Paul and Barnabas entering a synagogue on the Sabbath to teach, showing the continued tradition of teaching in synagogues.
CapernaumQuesnel.Mark 1:21
CapernaumD. C. Hughes, M. A.Mark 1:21
Christ in the Synagogue of CapernaumExpository Discourses.Mark 1:21
Mighty in Word and DeedAlexander MaclarenMark 1:21
The SynagogueH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 1:21
Soul-EmancipationE. Johnson Mark 1:21-28
The Authority of JesusA.F. Muir Mark 1:21-28
The Healing of a Demoniac the Synagogue of CapernaumJ.J. Given Mark 1:21-28
The Illustrative Example of Christ's WorkR. Green Mark 1:21-39
People
Andrew, Ephah, Isaiah, James, Jesus, John, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Wilderness of Judea
Topics
Capernaum, Caper'na-um, Entered, Immediately, Sabbath, Sabbaths, Straightway, Synagogue, Taught, Teach, Teaching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 1:21

     2354   Christ, mission
     7456   synagogue

Mark 1:21-22

     7757   preaching, effects
     8235   doctrine, nature of

Mark 1:21-25

     7430   Sabbath, in NT

Mark 1:21-28

     5381   law, letter and spirit

Library
What 'the Gospel' Is
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.--Mark i. 1 My purpose now is to point out some of the various connections in which the New Testament uses that familiar phrase, 'the gospel,' and briefly to gather some of the important thoughts which these suggest. Possibly the process may help to restore freshness to a word so well worn that it slips over our tongues almost unnoticed and excites little thought. The history of the word in the New Testament books is worth notice. It seldom occurs in those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Touch
'Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him.'--Mark i. 41. Behold the servant of the Lord' might be the motto of this Gospel, and 'He went about doing good and healing' the summing up of its facts. We have in it comparatively few of our Lord's discourses, none of His longer, and not very many of His briefer ones. It contains but four parables. This Evangelist gives no miraculous birth as in Matthew, no angels adoring there as in Luke, no gazing into the secrets of Eternity, where the Word who afterwards
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. 3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mighty in Word and Deed
'And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24. 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. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Healing and Service
'Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell Him of her: 31. And He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.'--Mark i. 30, 31, R. V. This miracle is told us by three of the four Evangelists, and the comparison of their brief narratives is very interesting and instructive. We all know, I suppose, that the common tradition is that Mark was, in some sense, Peter's mouthpiece in this Gospel. The truthfulness of that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Parable in a Miracle
'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. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; he thou clean. 42. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.'--Mark i. 40-42. Christ's miracles are called wonders--that is, deeds which, by their exceptional character, arrest attention and excite surprise. Further,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Composite Picture.
It may be helpful to make the following summary of these allusions. 1. His times of prayer: His regular habit seems plainly to have been to devote the early morning hour to communion with His Father, and to depend upon that for constant guidance and instruction. This is suggested especially by Mark 1:35; and also by Isaiah 50:4-6 coupled with John 7:16 l.c., 8:28, and 12:49. In addition to this regular appointment, He sought other opportunities for secret prayer as special need arose; late at night
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon—Quiet Talks on Prayer

The Way to the Kingdom
"The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15 These words naturally lead us to consider, First, the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God," which, saith he, "is at hand;" and, Secondly, the way thereto, which he points out in those words, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." I. 1. We are, First, to consider the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God." The same expression the great Apostle uses in his Epistle
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Repentance of Believers
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15. 1. It is generally supposed, that repentance and faith are only the gate of religion; that they are necessary only at the beginning of our Christian course, when we are setting out in the way to the kingdom. And this may seem to be confirmed by the great Apostle, where, exhorting the Hebrew Christians to "go on to perfection," he teaches them to leave these first "principles of the doctrine of Christ;" "not laying again the foundation of repentance
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Lord and the Leper
The Lord Jesus Christ at this day has all power in heaven and in earth. He is charged with a divine energy to bless all who come to him for healing. Oh, that we may see today some great wonder of his power and grace! Oh, for one of the days of the Son of Man here and now! To that end it is absolutely needful that we should find a case for his spiritual power to work upon. Is there not one here in whom his grace may prove its omnipotence? Not you, ye good, ye self-righteous! You yield him no space
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Faith and Repentance Inseparable
I. I shall commence my remarking that the gospel which Christ preached was, very plainly, a command. "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Our Lord does condescend to reason. Often his ministry graciously acted out the old text, "Come, now, and let us reason together; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as wool." He does persuade men by telling and forcible arguments, which should lead them to seek the salvation of their souls. He does invite men, and oh, how lovingly he woos them to be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Answer to Mr. W's First Objection.
I WILL first consider all Mr. W's objections to these literal stories. Mr. W. says in his preamble, before he comes to propose his objections in form: That these three miracles are not equally great, but differ in degree, is visible enough to every one that but cursorily reads, and compares their stories one with another.--The greatest of the three, and indeed the greatest miracle, that Jesus is supposed to have wrought, is that of Lazarus's resurrection; which, in truth, was a most prodigious miracle,
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

The Fellowship of Prayer
THE FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." -- Phil. 4:6 This timely exhortation stresses the fact that God's people should consult with Him in every matter pertaining to life. Unless they see the imperative necessity of prayer, and give it an important place in daily life, they cannot expect to be maintained by the ample resources of a generous Saviour. It is apparent that we cannot obtain
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue.
(at Capernaum.) ^B Mark I. 21-28; ^C Luke . IV. 31-37. ^b 21 And they [Jesus and the four fishermen whom he called] go into { ^c he came down to} Capernaum, a city of Galilee. [Luke has just spoken of Nazareth, and he uses the expression "down to Capernaum" because the latter was on the lake shore while Nazareth was up in the mountains.] And ^b straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. { ^c was teaching them} ^b 22 And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
We have learned that sin entered this world and that all mankind have sinned. We have also learned that Jesus came to save man from his sins. Now the question may arise in the mind of some, what must I do to be saved? We hope in this chapter to quote such scriptures as will plainly teach you the way of salvation, or how to be fully saved, and also the scriptures describing each experience. Repentance. The first step for the sinner is to repent. When on Pentecost men were pricked in their hearts
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Jesus' Conception of Himself
252. When Jesus called forth the confession of Peter at Caesarea Philippi he brought into prominence the question which during the earlier stages of the Galilean ministry he had studiously kept in the background. This is no indication, however, that he was late in reaching a conclusion for himself concerning his relation to the kingdom which he was preaching. From the time of his baptism and temptation every manifestation of the inner facts of his life shows unhesitating confidence in the reality
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

John the Baptist
Matt. iii. 1-17; iv. 12; xiv. 1-12; Mark i. 1-14; vi. 14-29; Luke i. 5-25, 57-80; iii. 1-22; ix. 7-9; John i. 19-37; iii. 22-30. 72. The first reappearance of Jesus in the gospel story, after the temple scene in his twelfth year, is on the banks of the Jordan seeking baptism from the new prophet. One of the silent evidences of the greatness of Jesus is the fact that so great a character as John the Baptist stands in our thought simply as accessory to his life. For that the prophet of the wilderness
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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