_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:1. A PLACE FOR THE WINEFAT.—Simply _a winepress_; or (more exactly) _winevat, i.e._ the receptacle under the winepress proper. Probably ὑπολήνιον is here used to denote the whole apparatus, which was often hollowed out of a sloping rock. A TOWER.—A stone buil... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:13. TO CATCH HIM IN HIS WORDS.—The chief priests and scribes and elders having signally failed in their last attempt (chap. Mark 11:27), now send a band of Pharisees and Herodians, in the hope that they may be able _to entangle and ensnare Him in an argument_... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:19. “The statute must be regarded as relative to some exceedingly offensive matrimonial condition which had prevailed, probably polyandry. When such a custom has unhappily got ingrained in the habits of a degraded people, it is not possible to induce them to... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:28. The scribe’s question was—_Of what nature is the first commandment of all?_ Has it to do, that is, with Sabbath observance, or with circumcision, or with sacrificial rites—or what? Mark 12:30. Note the prep. ἐξ, before “heart,” “soul,” “mind,” “strength.... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:35. JESUS ANSWERED.—For the earlier part of the conversation see Matthew 22:41. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Mark 12:35_ (PARALLELS: Matthew 22:41; Luke 20:41.) _Our Lord’s question concerning the Messiah_.— I. THE PLACE WHERE HE PROPOUNDED HIS QUES... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 12:39. UPPERMOST ROOMS AT FEASTS.—_Chief places in the suppers_—the most important meal of the day, and the most fashionable entertainment. Mark 12:40. GREATER DAMNATION.—_A heavier sentence_ or _doom_ than that awaiting other sinners. Christ always denounces t... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Mark 12:41_ (PARALLEL: Luke 21:1.) _A celebrated contribution_.—The “collection” is generally considered to be commonplace. Jesus, in this passage, clothed it with sublimity. He immortalised the famous farthing. The two mites are transformed into two angels, and... [ Continue Reading ]