Mark 2:18

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? For the exposition, see the notes at Luke 5:33....

18-22 Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season....

Verse 18. _WHY DO THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN AND OF THE PHARISEES_ _FAST_] See this largely explained on Matthew 9:14, c. The following vices are very common to _Pharisees_. 1. They are more busied in censuring the conduct of others than in rectifying their own. 2. They desire that every one should regulate his piety by theirs and embrace their particular customs and forms of devotion. 3. They speak of and compare themselves with other people, only that they may have an opportunity of distinguishing and exalting themselves. On the nature, times, and duration of fasting, see Matthew 6:16; Matthew 9:15....

AND THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN AND OF THE PHARISEES USED TO FAST - Were accustomed often to fast. Compare Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12. AND THEY COME AND SAY - The disciples of John come, Matthew 9:4....

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

AND THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN AND OF THE PHARISEES USED TO FAST,.... Or "were fasting"; perhaps that very day, and so were the more displeased at this entertainment, Matthew had made for Christ and his disciples, and at their being at it; or fasting was usual with them: they fasted often, both John's disciples, and the disciples of the Pharisees, or the Pharisees themselves; so the Vulgate Latin reads: of their frequent fasting, Matthew 9:14, AND THEY CAME: both the disciples of John, Matthew 9:14, and the Scribes and Pharisees, Luke 5:30, AND SAY UNTO HIM, WHY DO THE DISCIPLES OF JOHN AND OF THE PHARISEES FAST, BUT THY DISCIPLES FAST NOT?...

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 QUESTION OF FASTING. Both the followers of John and the Pharisees agree in the practice of fasting to express repentance. Jesus called men into an experience of joy, surely the joy of forgiveness. By His presence and call He made men feel as if they were taking part in a bridal feast while they waited for the kingdom. They were keeping festival in anticipation of yet intenser joy. This new life could not consort with the old traditional forms of religion. This is the broad sense of the section. In many details it is difficult. The union of disciples of John and the Pharisees seems unnatural. Mark 2:20 is clearly a prediction of the Master's death. But it is only after the great confession (Mark 8:29) that Jesus begins to speak of His death even to His disciples. If genuine, the saying belongs to a later period. Some

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