Nazarene Commentary Mark 1:1-8 – The Beginning of the Good News

The Beginning of the Evangel, by Mark

Chapter One:

Preparations for the Appointed time

Mark 1:1-8 – The Beginning of the Good News

Matthew 3:13-17[1]

MK1:1 This is the origin of the Good News about Jesus Christ the Son of the God.[2] MK1:2 Just as it is written in Isaiah the Prophet,[3] “See, I am sending My messenger before you and he will prepare your way … [Malachi 3:1] MK1:3 The voice of one crying aloud: ‘In the desert prepare a road for the Lord:[4] Make His highways straight.’” [Isaiah 40:3] MK1:4 So John the Baptizer came from the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. MK1:5 People of all kinds when out to meet him in the wilderness as well as the inhabitants of Jerusalem of all classes. These were baptized by him in the Jordan river, openly confessing their sins [against the Law of Moses]. MK1:6 John dressed in a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt. His food was locusts and wild honey. MK1:7 This was his message: “There is One coming after me who is greater than me. One whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop and loosen. MK1:8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the holy Pneuma.”[5]

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[1] Matthew 3:13-17: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] The Son of God: Now recognized as not adequately supported.

[3] Isaiah the Prophet: Two verses are quoted. [Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3]

[4] The Lord: Or, “the Lord’s way” or “YHWH’s way.” The Hebrew source of the quotation has the noma sagrada, YHWH [Yehowah; Jehovah]

[5] Baptize you with the holy Pneuma: On the holy Pneuma see notes on 1 Corinthians 2:16 and 1 Corinthians 12:13.

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Connecting articles:

Nazarene Commentary Luke 3:1, 2 – Factual Data

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 3:1-6 – A Wilderness Baptist Prepares the Way

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 3:7-12 – Opposition and Two Baptisms

Next: Nazarene Commentary Luke 3:3-6 – John Preaches Baptism of Repentance

The supposed location where John baptized Jesus Christ East of the River Jordan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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1. He has given us the Pneuma, the force, from Him
2. Isaiah’s Book of the Messenger of Glad Tidings
3. Baptism
4. Were Apostles baptised
5. True Hope

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