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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 4:21-34

The lessons which our Saviour designs to teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are these:? I. That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good; that is, as in the parable before, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of his gifts in us; for (Mark 4:21), Isa. a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? No, but that it may be set on a candlestick. The apostles were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:33-34

4:33-34 It was with many such parables that he kept speaking the word to them, suiting his instruction to their ability to hear it. It was his custom not to speak to them without a parable; and when they were by themselves, he unfolded the meaning of everything to his own disciples. Here we have a short but perfect definition of both the wise teacher and the wise learner. Jesus suited his instruction to the ability of those who were listening to him. That is the first essential in wise... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:33

And with many such parables ,.... As those of the tares, of the leaven in three measures of meal, of the treasure hid in the field, the pearl of great price, the net cast into the sea, and of the Scribe instructed unto the kingdom of God; which though not related at length here, are by the Evangelist Matthew, in Matthew 13:24 together with others elsewhere: spake he the word unto them ; preached the Gospel to the multitude, as they were able to hear it : meaning either that he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:33

With many such parables - Πολλαις , many, is omitted by L, sixteen others; the Syriac, both the Persic, one Arabic, Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, and two of the Itala. Mill approves of the omission, and Griesbach leaves it doubtful. It is probably an interpolation: the text reads better without it. As they were able to hear - Ακουειν , or to understand always suiting his teaching to the capacities of his hearers. I have always found that preacher most useful, who could adapt his phrase... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:26-34

The kingdom of God further illustrated by parables. No single parable holds the entire truth in itself; therefore, by "many such parables" Jesus "spake the Word unto the multitude." Of those spoken at this time, St. Mark selects only two others besides that of the sower, and both of them, as was the first, are drawn from seeds. How suitable a simile of that kingdom, whose inherent, vital, self-expanding force is one of its most distinguishing features! These two parables stand related: the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

The power of ideas. I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE KINGDOM OF IDEAS . All forms of the true, holy, and good are included in this kingdom. Life would be intolerable, amidst the greatest physical comfort, without ideas. Our spirit is born to love and live among them. Novelty of ideas is the condition of change for the better in every life-department. II. IDEAS ARE SELF - MULTIPLYING . Start a beautiful pattern in trade; it gives birth to a whole creation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

Parallel passage: Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 .— The mustard seed. I. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE LEAVEN . The latter parable refers rather to the growth of grace in the heart, the former to the extension of the Church in the world; the latter to the assimilating power of Divine grace in the human heart, the former to progressive development and final establishment of the Church on earth. II. THE SMALLNESS OF THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:33-34

With many such parables; such, that is, as he had just been delivering—plain and simple illustrations which all might understand; not abstruse and difficult similitudes, but sufficiently plain for them to perceive that there was heavenly and Divine truth lying hidden beneath them, so that they might be drawn onwards through that which they did understand, to search into something hidden beneath it, which at present they did not know. But privately to his own disciples he expounded ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:33-34

The parable an instrument of mercy and judgment. I. AN INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT . 1 . As concealing more than it revealed to the popular mind. 2 . As convicting men of sinful ignorance and spiritual incapacity. II. AN INSTRUMENT OF MERCY . 1 . The Word of God was not wholly withdrawn. 2 . This , the only practicable form of teaching that remained to Christ , was used with constant regard to the benefit of the hearers. 3 . The desire for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:33

Spake he the word - The word of God. The doctrines of his gospel.As they were able to hear it - As they could comprehend it. They were like children; and he was obliged to lead them along cautiously and by degrees to a full understanding of the plan of salvation. read more

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