_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 4:1. For a description of the surrounding scenery, which doubtless furnished many of the illustrations used in the following parables, see Stanley’s _Sinai and Palestine_, pp. 425–427; Thomson’s _Land and the Book_, p. 402; Tristram’s _Land of Israel_, p. 431.... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 4:21. “We lose much of the significance, if we think of the modern candle and candlestick carried about in the hand. On the contrary, it is _the_ lamp of the house put upon the lampstand, or candelabrum, which is so elevated that any lamp upon it can lighten up... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 4:29. BUT AS SOON AS THE FRUIT IS MATURE, STRAIGHTWAY HE PUTTETH FORTH THE SICKLE, etc. Cp. Joel 4:13 (LXX.). See also 1 Peter 1:23; Revelation 14:14. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Mark 4:26_ The parable of the growing corn.—It is remarkable that St. Mark... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Mark 4:30_ (PARALLELS: Matthew 13:31; Luke 13:18.) _The rise and progress of Christianity_.— I. CHRISTIANITY IS INSIGNIFICANT IN ITS BEGINNING.— 1. Its Founder assumed a humble form. 2. Its first advocates were obscure. 3. Its sphere of action was confined. 4.... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ Mark 4:39. AROSE.—_Awoke_. PEACE, BE STILL.—_Be silent! Be muzzled!_ Mark alone preserves these words, which were doubtless addressed to “the prince of the power of the air,” by whose agency the storm had arisen. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Mark 4:35_ (PARA... [ Continue Reading ]