Mark 2:19

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 19. _CAN THE CHILDREN OF THE BRIDE - CHAMBER FAST WHILE THE_ _BRIDEGROOM IS WITH THEM?_] Among the _Hindoos_, large parties of friends, belonging both to the bride and bridegroom, attend on both during the wedding day; on the following day, when the bridegroom leaves the house of his father-in-law, the attendants are _filled with sorrow_, especially the near relations. - WARD'S _Customs_....

See the notes at Matthew 9:15....

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 JESUS SAID UNTO THEM,.... Both to John's disciples and the Pharisees, CAN THE CHILDREN OF THE BRIDE CHAMBER FAST, WHILE THE BRIDEGROOM IS WITH THEM? Suggesting that he was the bridegroom, as John their master had called him, John 3:29, and that his disciples were the children of the bride chamber; and that it was very unsuitable for them, and very unreasonable to desire them to fast at such a time, and under such a character: wherefore the answer returned by Christ himself to the question is, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE BRIDEGROOM WITH THEM, THEY CANNOT FAST: all which the Syriac version expresses by לא, "no": SEE GILL "MT 9:15"....

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)...