Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 1:27-28
The people’s reaction to this exorcism was an important part of Mark’s narrative. The witnesses expressed alarm as well as amazement at this unique demonstration of authority by word and by deed. This was the typical result of the "fishing" that Jesus and His disciples did."One surprise following close on another provoked wondering inquiry as to the whole phenomenon." [Note: A. B. Bruce, "The Synoptic Gospels," in The Expositor’s Greek Testament, 1:346.] The result of this miracle was that... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 1:25-26
Jesus did not need a magical formula to exorcize this demon, as other exorcists of His day did. [Note: Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 8:2:5.] He simply ordered it to be quiet and to leave the man. Jesus probably commanded the demon to "be muzzled" (Gr. phimotheti) because He desired to maintain control as He revealed His identity. The Jews might have mobbed Jesus because He fed and healed them. The Romans might have concluded that He was mobilizing an insurrection to overthrow the... read more