Mark — Chapter 1

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1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

2As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

6And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

7And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

12And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

13And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

16Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

18And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

19And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

21And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

23And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

24Saying, 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.

25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

26And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

28And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

30But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

33And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

40And 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.

41And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

42And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

43And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

44And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way.

3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight;

4John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.

5And there went out unto him all the country of Judaea, and all they of Jerusalem; And they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6And John was clothed with camel`s hair, and [had] a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey.

7And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

8I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him:

11And a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.

12And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth into the wilderness.

13And he was in the wilderness forty days tempted of Satan; And he was with the wild beasts; And the angels ministered unto him.

14Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

15and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

16And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

18And straightway they left the nets, and followed him.

19And going on a little further, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets.

20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

21And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

22And they were astonished at his teaching: For he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

23And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

24saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

26And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.

28And the report of him went out straightway everywhere into all the region of Galilee round about.

29And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

30Now Simon`s wife`s mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell him of her:

31and he came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with demons.

33And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him;

37and they found him, and say unto him, All are seeking thee.

38And he saith unto them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for to this end came I forth.

39And he went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

40And there cometh to him a leper, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

41And being moved with compassion, he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou made clean.

42And straightway the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

43And he strictly charged him, and straightway sent him out,

44and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to spread abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way,

3the voice of one shouting in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord,make his paths straight.’”

4In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5People from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem were going out to him, and he was baptizing them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

6John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals.

8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9Now in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

10And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.”

12The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness.

13He was in the wilderness 40 days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.

14Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.

15He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!”

16As he went along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).

17Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!”

18They left their nets immediately and followed him.

19Going on a little farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother in their boat mending nets.

20Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

21Then they went to Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22The people there were amazed by his teaching because he taught them like one who had authority, not like the experts in the law.

23Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

24“Leave us alone, Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25But Jesus rebuked him: “Silence! Come out of him!”

26After throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

27They were all amazed so that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

28So the news about him spread quickly throughout all the region around Galilee.

29Now as soon as they left the synagogue, they entered Simon and Andrew’s house, with James and John.

30Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down, sick with a fever, so they spoke to Jesus at once about her.

31He came and raised her up by gently taking her hand. Then the fever left her and she began to serve them.

32When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and demon-possessed.

33The whole town gathered by the door.

34So he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him.

35Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

36Simon and his companions searched for him.

37When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

38He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.”

39So he went into all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

40Now a leper came to him and fell to his knees, asking for help. “If you are willing, you can make me clean,” he said.

41Moved with indignation, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!”

42The leprosy left him at once, and he was clean.

43Immediately Jesus sent the man away with a very strong warning.

44He told him, “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go, show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

45But as the man went out he began to announce it publicly and spread the story widely, so that Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly but stayed outside in remote places. Still they kept coming to him from everywhere.

1The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you:

3the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’”

4John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

5All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

6John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

7He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.

8I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”

9In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

12Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness.

13He was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.

14Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom,

15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

16Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

17Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.”

18Immediately they left their nets, and followed him.

19Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

20Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

21They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

22They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

23Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

24saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”

25Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

26The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”

28The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.

29Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

30Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.

31He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.

32At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons.

33All the city was gathered together at the door.

34He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.

36Simon and those who were with him followed after him;

37and they found him, and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

38He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”

39He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

40A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”

41Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.”

42When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

43He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out,

44and said to him, “See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”

45But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.

Summary
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
Commentary
Videos
Reflection

Summary

Mark opens with rapid-fire action: John the Baptist prepares the way, Jesus is baptized and tempted, calls His first disciples, and launches His Galilean ministry with exorcisms, healings, and preaching — all driven by the word "immediately."

Authorship & Background

Author: John Mark, a companion of both Peter and Paul. Early church tradition (Papias, ~AD 130) says Mark wrote Peter's preaching — making this essentially Peter's eyewitness account recorded by Mark. Mark was not one of the twelve apostles but was closely connected to the early church (Acts 12:12, his mother's house was a meeting place).
Date Written: Approximately AD 55-65, likely the earliest of the four Gospels.
Audience: Written primarily for a Roman/Gentile audience. Mark explains Jewish customs, translates Aramaic words, and emphasizes action over teaching. His Gospel is the shortest, fastest-paced, and most action-oriented.
Purpose: To present Jesus as the powerful, authoritative Son of God who came to serve and give His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45). Mark's key word is "immediately" (Greek: euthus) — used over 40 times, creating a sense of urgency and relentless forward motion.
Chapter 1 Content: Mark wastes no time — no genealogy, no birth narrative. He begins with John the Baptist, moves immediately to Jesus' baptism, temptation, calling of disciples, and a day of ministry in Capernaum packed with teaching, exorcism, healing, and prayer. It's the most compressed opening of any Gospel.

Map & Geography

  • The Jordan River: John baptized in the wilderness near the Jordan, likely in the lower Jordan Valley near Jericho. People came from Jerusalem and all Judea.
  • The Wilderness: Jesus was tempted for 40 days in the Judean wilderness (the barren region between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea).
  • Capernaum (v.21): Jesus went to Capernaum on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and began teaching in the synagogue. This becomes His home base.
  • Galilee (v.39): Jesus preached throughout Galilee's synagogues in the early days of His ministry.

Commentary

  • Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik examines Mark's fast-paced opening, the significance of "immediately," the baptism and temptation, the calling of the first disciples, and the day in Capernaum.
  • Charles Spurgeon: Sermon: "The Beginning of the Gospel" on v.1 (MTP Vol. 10, No. 585) "The beginning — not the whole, not the end — the beginning. Mark's Gospel is the beginning of good news that has no end. It began with Jesus and it continues through every life He transforms. You are part of the ongoing gospel." Sermon: "The Solitary Place" on v.35 (MTP Vol. 22, No. 1319) "Rising up a great while before day — before the demands came, before the crowds gathered, before the needs pressed in — He prayed. If the Son of God needed solitary prayer before a day of ministry, how much more do you?"

Reflection

  • 1. Mark's Gospel moves fast — "immediately" after "immediately." Jesus lived with urgency and purpose. How urgent is your faith? Are you moving with purpose or drifting through spiritual life?
  • 2. "The time is fulfilled... repent ye, and believe the gospel" (v.15). Jesus' first words are a call to action — repent and believe. Have you done both? Is there something you need to repent of today? Is there something you need to believe more fully?
  • 3. Jesus rose "a great while before day" to pray (v.35). His most powerful ministry flowed from His most private prayer. What does your prayer life look like before the demands of the day hit? What would change if you prioritized solitary prayer?
  • 4. Jesus touched the leper (v.41) — the untouchable. He crossed the barrier that everyone else maintained. Who in your life is "untouchable" — someone others avoid? What would it look like to reach out?
  • 5. Mark begins with no genealogy, no birth story — just "the beginning of the gospel." He gets straight to the point. What does this tell you about Mark's audience and purpose? How does the urgency of Mark's Gospel challenge a casual approach to faith?
  • 6. The disciples left their nets "straightway" (v.18) — immediately. No negotiation, no delay. When Jesus calls, He expects immediate response. What is He calling you to right now that you're delaying?
  • 7. The demons knew exactly who Jesus was (v.24) — "the Holy One of God." Knowledge of Jesus' identity is not the same as saving faith. What is the difference between knowing who Jesus is and surrendering to Him as Lord?
  • 8. After a packed day of ministry, Jesus withdrew to pray (v.35). When the disciples found Him, they said "Everyone is looking for you!" (v.37). Jesus didn't go back — He moved on to the next town (v.38). How do you handle the tension between people's demands and God's direction?
  • 9. The leper said "If thou wilt, thou canst" (v.40) — he didn't doubt Jesus' power, only His willingness. Jesus said "I will" (v.41). Do you doubt God's willingness to help you? What does His "I will" say to your uncertainty?