Mark 2:17

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. For the exposition, see the notes at Matthew 9:9....

13-17 Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been...

Verse 17. _TO REPENTANCE._] This is omitted by ABDKL, twenty-seven others; both the _Syriac, Persic, Coptic, AEthiopic,_ _Armenian, Gothic, Vulgate_; six copies of the _Itala; Euthymius_ and _Augustin_. _Griesbach_ has left it out of the text; _Grotius, Mill_, and _Bengel_ approve of the omission. Matthew 9:13, Matthew 9:13. I leave it as in the parallel place above quoted. Properly speaking, the _righteous_ cannot be called to _repentance_. They have _already_ forsaken sin, mourned for it, and turned to God. In the other parallel place, Luke 5:32, all the MSS. and versions retain μετανοιαν, _repentance_....

See the notes at Matthew 9:12....

EXPOSITION MARK 2:1 The first sentence of this verse is better rendered thus: AND WHEN HE ENTERED again (εἰσελθῶν πάλιν) INTO CAPERNAUM AFTER SOME DAYS; literally, after days (δι ̓ ἡμερῶν). It is probable that a considerable interval had taken place since the events recorded in the former chapter. IT WAS NOISED THAT HE WAS IN THE HOUSE (ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστὶ); or, if the ὅτι be regarded as recitative, it was noised, _He is in the house_,_ at home_,_ _in his usual place of residence at Capernaum. MARK 2:2 MANY WERE GATHERED TOGETHER, so that there was no longer room for

WHEN JESUS HEARD IT, HE SAITH TO THEM,.... Christ either overheard what they said to his disciples, or he heard it from the relation of the disciples; and when he did, he turned to the Scribes and Pharisees, and spoke to them the following words: THEY THAT ARE WHOLE, HAVE NO NEED OF THE PHYSICIAN, BUT THEY THAT ARE SICK; which seems to be a proverbial expression, signifying that he was a physician; that these publicans and sinners were sick persons, and needed his company and assistance; but that they, the Scribes and Pharisees, were whole, and in good health, in their own esteem, and so wanted no relief; and therefore ought not to take it amiss, that he attended the one, and not the other. These words give a general view of mankind, in their different sentiments of themselves and of Christ; and of the usefulness of Christ to one sort, and not another. There are some that cry up the pow...

Mark 2:1. _And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightaway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them._ It is a very singular feat that, although man, in his natural state of heart, is opposed to the gospel, yet he is drawn to hear it. Even though he abhors it, yet oftentimes he cannot help listening to it. Wherever Jesus Christ is, whether he is present in person, or in the preaching of the Word, it will be certain to be noised abroad, and multitudes will come to hear. The grandest attraction either in or out of heaven, is still the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 2:3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the pals

CHAPTER 2 _ 1. The Servant again in Capernaum. The healing of the Paralytic. (Mark 2:1 .Matthew 9:1; Luke 5:17 .)_ 2. Levi called. With the Publicans and Sinners. (Mark 2:13. Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27 .) 3. The Question concerning Fasting. (Mark 2:18 .Matthew 9:14;...

THE CALL OF LEVI. JESUS EATS WITH TAX-COLLECTORS. These two incidents are only loosely connected with each other and with what precedes. The notes of time are of the vaguest. The call of Levi, who is collecting tolls for the Tetrarch of Galilee on the highroad (p. 615), closely resembles the call of the first four disciples. There is nothing to suggest that the meal is a thanksgiving feast. In the large company of guests, some Pharisees (pp. 624, 666f.) mingle. They appear here in the gospel for the first time. The idea of holiness through separation is involved in their very name. Tax-collectors had a bad reputation in ancient society. A passage in Lucian classes them with adulterers and sycophants. The sinners seem to be people who were careless of the Law and perhaps even loose livers. It is very strange that Jesus the prophet chooses such company. Jesus meets the Pharisaic suggestion...

A FAITH THAT WOULD NOT BE DENIED (Mark 2:1-6)...