Mark 3:21

His friends; his relations.

Lay hold on him; constrain him to retire from the multitude and take rest.

Beside himself; deranged, because, in their view, he in his labors exceeded all reasonable bounds. That earnestness in the service of God, and that activity and perseverance in doing good which true religion inspires, appear to many to be indications of insanity, and awaken in them solicitude; while equal earnestness in the pursuit of worldly things awakens no such apprehensions, but is viewed with approbation.