Mark 1:14

KJV

¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} after {G3326} that John {G2491} was put in prison {G3860}, Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, preaching {G2784} the gospel {G2098} of the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316},

Complete Jewish Bible

After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God:

Berean Standard Bible

After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.

American Standard Version

Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:14 marks the definitive commencement of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark, immediately following the imprisonment of John the Baptist. This pivotal verse establishes the geographical setting in Galilee and succinctly encapsulates the core message of Jesus' inaugural proclamation: the "gospel of the kingdom of God." It signals a divine transition in redemptive history, where the preparatory work of John gives way to the direct, authoritative declaration of God's active reign breaking into the world through Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:14 serves as a crucial turning point in Mark's fast-paced narrative. The preceding verses (Mark 1:1-13) establish John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, Jesus' baptism by John, and His temptation in the wilderness. John's imprisonment, mentioned here, acts as a narrative trigger, signifying the completion of his prophetic role and the immediate commencement of Jesus' public ministry. This abrupt transition underscores Mark's emphasis on Jesus as the active, authoritative Son of God whose mission begins without delay. The subsequent verse, [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Call to Repentance and Belief"), immediately expands on the content of Jesus' preaching, calling for repentance and belief in the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's imprisonment by Herod Antipas (as detailed later in [Mark 6:17-29](/mark/6-17-29 "Mark 6:17-29 - John the Baptist's Imprisonment and Death")) was a significant political and religious event. It removed the prominent prophetic voice that had been preparing Israel for the Messiah, creating a vacuum that Jesus immediately filled. Jesus' move into Galilee was also significant. Galilee, particularly the region around the Sea of Galilee, was a diverse area, populated by both Jews and Gentiles, and often viewed with some disdain by the religious elite in Judea (cf. [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question about Nazareth")). By beginning His ministry there, Jesus demonstrated the universal scope of His message, reaching beyond the traditional religious centers and engaging ordinary people in their daily lives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes central to Mark's Gospel and the broader New Testament. The primary theme is the **inauguration of Jesus' public ministry**, marking the shift from preparation to proclamation. Closely related is the **transition of divine authority** from John to Jesus, signaling the arrival of the Messiah. The geographical shift to [Galilee](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus Moves to Capernaum in Galilee") highlights the **universal reach of the gospel**, extending beyond Judea. Most importantly, the verse introduces the **"gospel of the kingdom of God"** as the core content of Jesus' message. This phrase encapsulates God's active, sovereign rule breaking into human history through Jesus, demanding a response of repentance and faith (as seen in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Galilee (Hebrew, _Galilaía'_):** A region of Palestine, literally "the heathen circle." This geographical designation is significant as it highlights Jesus' ministry beginning in a diverse, often less esteemed region compared to Judea. It underscores the broad scope of His mission, reaching beyond the perceived religious heartland.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** A good message, i.e., the gospel. This term signifies a proclamation of good news, often associated with a joyous announcement of victory or a royal decree. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it is the supreme good news of God's redemptive work.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** Royalty, i.e., rule, or a realm. This term refers not merely to a geographical territory but primarily to the active reign, kingship, or sovereign rule of God. Jesus' preaching of the "kingdom of God" signifies the present breaking in of God's authoritative rule into human history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now after that John was put in prison,"**: This opening clause establishes the chronological and theological context for Jesus' ministry. John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-29) marks the conclusion of his preparatory work and serves as the divine signal for Jesus to step forward. It signifies a passing of the torch, from the forerunner to the Messiah, indicating God's precise timing in redemptive history.
* **"Jesus came into Galilee,"**: This clause specifies the geographical location where Jesus' public ministry formally begins. His move to Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and distance from the religious establishment in Jerusalem, highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of His mission. It suggests a strategic choice to reach a broader audience and to demonstrate that God's kingdom is not confined to a single religious or political center.
* **"preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,"**: This is the core declaration of the verse, summarizing the essence of Jesus' inaugural message. "Preaching" (kērýssō) implies a public, authoritative proclamation, like a herald announcing a royal decree. The content of this proclamation is the "gospel" (good news) of "the kingdom of God." This signifies that God's sovereign rule, His active kingship, is not a distant future hope but is actively breaking into the present reality through Jesus' person, words, and deeds. It is a message of divine intervention, calling for a response from humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise style is evident here, employing **Conciseness** to convey a profound theological shift in a single sentence. The phrase "after that John was put in prison" functions as a **Narrative Trigger**, signaling the immediate commencement of Jesus' ministry and highlighting divine timing. The mention of "Galilee" serves as **Geographical Symbolism**, indicating the universal scope of Jesus' mission beyond the traditional Jewish heartland. The entire verse acts as a **Thematic Introduction**, succinctly presenting the central message of Jesus' ministry: the "gospel of the kingdom of God," which will be unpacked throughout the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:14 is profoundly theological, marking the decisive shift from prophetic anticipation to messianic fulfillment. The "gospel of the kingdom of God" is not merely a moral code or a set of teachings, but the announcement of God's active, sovereign reign breaking into human history through Jesus. This "good news" implies that God is reclaiming His rightful authority over creation, confronting the powers of sin and darkness, and offering humanity a way to enter into His benevolent rule. It calls for a radical reorientation of life, characterized by repentance and belief, and promises the transformative power of God's presence. This foundational declaration sets the stage for all of Jesus' subsequent miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His atoning work on the cross and triumphant resurrection, all of which demonstrate the reality and power of this invading kingdom.

* [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins to Preach Repentance")
* [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Must Preach the Kingdom of God")
* [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus Teaches About the Kingdom of God After Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:14 serves as a powerful reminder that the good news of God's kingdom is not a static concept but a dynamic, active reality. Just as Jesus stepped into a specific time and place to proclaim God's active reign, so too are believers called to live and proclaim this kingdom in their contemporary contexts. This means recognizing God's sovereignty in all areas of life, submitting to His will, and participating in His redemptive work in the world. It compels us to embody the values of the kingdom—justice, mercy, righteousness, and peace—in our daily interactions and to share the transformative message of salvation through Christ. Our lives should be a living testament to the truth that God's kingdom has drawn near, inviting others to repent and believe in the good news that God is indeed King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "gospel of the kingdom of God" challenge or expand your understanding of what the gospel is?**
* **In what ways can you actively live out the values of God's kingdom in your daily life and community?**
* **What does Jesus' immediate commencement of ministry after John's imprisonment teach us about divine timing and readiness for God's call?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of John the Baptist's imprisonment in this verse?**

Answer: John the Baptist's imprisonment (G3860, *paradídōmi*, "put in prison") is highly significant as it marks a divinely orchestrated transition. John's ministry was preparatory, clearing the way for the Messiah. His removal from the public scene signaled the completion of his prophetic role and served as the direct catalyst for Jesus (G2424, *Iēsoûs*) to step into the spotlight and formally begin His public ministry. It underscores God's precise timing and the continuity of His redemptive plan, moving from anticipation to fulfillment.

**Why did Jesus begin His ministry in Galilee, rather than Jerusalem or Judea?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to begin His ministry in Galilee (G1056, *Galilaía*) was strategic and theologically significant. Galilee was a diverse region, often viewed as less religiously pure than Judea, and populated by both Jews and Gentiles. By starting there, Jesus demonstrated the universal scope of the "gospel" (G2098, *euangélion*) of the "kingdom of God" (G932, *basileía*), indicating that His message was not exclusively for the religious elite or confined to the traditional centers of power. It allowed Him to reach a broader audience and establish a base away from the immediate scrutiny of the Jerusalem authorities, fulfilling prophetic expectations (cf. [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1-2 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - Light in Galilee")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:14, with its declaration of Jesus "preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. He is not merely the messenger of the kingdom; He is the embodiment and inaugurator of the kingdom. The "good news" (G2098, *euangélion*) is that God's "kingdom" (G932, *basileía*) has drawn near precisely because the King, Jesus Christ, has arrived (cf. [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")). His life, teachings, miracles, and ultimately His death and resurrection are all demonstrations of God's active reign breaking into a fallen world. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus defeated the powers of sin and death, establishing the spiritual reality of the kingdom and opening the way for all who believe to enter into it (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). His ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God signify His present reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (cf. [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Authority Over All Things")), and His promised return will bring the kingdom to its glorious, consummated state (cf. [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Jesus is the gospel of the kingdom, the one through whom God's sovereign rule is made manifest and accessible to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 4:12

¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Luke 8:1

¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [were] with him,

Matthew 9:35

¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Acts 28:23

¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;