Mark 1:15

KJV

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} saying {G3004},{G3754} The time {G2540} is fulfilled {G4137}, and {G2532} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is at hand {G1448}: repent ye {G3340}, and {G2532} believe {G4100}{G1722} the gospel {G2098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The time has come, God's Kingdom is near! Turn to God from your sins and believe the Good News!"

Berean Standard Bible

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

American Standard Version

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:15 stands as the inaugural and programmatic declaration of Jesus' public ministry, encapsulating the urgent and transformative message of the Gospel. It announces the arrival of God's long-awaited reign, signaling a pivotal moment in salvation history, and issues a dual imperative for humanity: to turn from sin (repentance) and to embrace with trust the good news of God's saving work (belief). This concise statement sets the theological and practical foundation for all of Jesus' subsequent teachings and actions in the Gospel of Mark.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal declaration immediately follows the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River ([Mark 1:9](/mark/1-9 "Mark 1:9 - Jesus' Baptism")), and His subsequent temptation in the wilderness ([Mark 1:12-13](/mark/1-12-13 "Mark 1:12-13 - Jesus' Temptation")). John's arrest ([Mark 1:14](/mark/1-14 "Mark 1:14 - John's Arrest")) serves as the narrative catalyst for Jesus to commence His public ministry. Thus, Mark 1:15 functions as the foundational statement, introducing the core message and mission that Jesus will embody and proclaim throughout the rest of the Gospel. It is Jesus' mission statement, setting the stage for His teachings, miracles, and ultimate redemptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' proclamation occurred in Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and often viewed with disdain by the religious establishment in Jerusalem. The Jewish people of this era lived under Roman occupation, fostering a deep longing for the Messiah who would deliver them and restore the Davidic kingdom. There was a widespread expectation, rooted in Old Testament prophecies, for a new divine intervention. The concept of the "kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew) was central to Jewish eschatological hopes, often envisioned as a political, earthly reign. Jesus' message, however, redefines this kingdom, emphasizing its spiritual and present reality, challenging prevailing expectations while simultaneously fulfilling ancient prophecies.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:15 is rich with foundational themes that permeate the entire Gospel and indeed, the New Testament. The theme of **divine timing** is paramount, as "the time is fulfilled" underscores God's sovereign plan unfolding precisely as purposed, echoing Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's advent, such as those found in [Daniel 9:24-27](/daniel/9-24-27 "Daniel 9:24-27 - Daniel's Prophecy of Seventy Weeks"). The central theme of the **Kingdom of God** is introduced as "at hand," signifying its imminent and present reality through Jesus' person and ministry, not merely a future hope. This kingdom is not of this world, yet it powerfully impacts it, as seen in Jesus' parables of the kingdom (e.g., [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom")). Furthermore, the dual imperatives of **repentance** and **belief** establish the necessary human response to God's initiative. Repentance signifies a radical turning from sin and self-reliance, a theme previously emphasized by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Call to Repentance"). Belief, on the other hand, is the active trust in the "gospel," the good news of God's redemptive work through Jesus, which is the gateway to entering and experiencing the benefits of this kingdom, as profoundly articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540, this word signifies not merely chronological time (chronos) but a decisive, opportune, or appointed time – a moment of divine significance. It implies a specific, divinely ordained period when God's purposes are brought to fruition. In Mark 1:15, it emphasizes that Jesus' arrival and the inauguration of the Kingdom are not random occurrences but the culmination of God's perfect, predetermined plan.
* **is at hand (Greek, _engízō'_):** From G1448, meaning "to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach." This verb conveys immediacy and proximity. The Kingdom of God is not distant or merely a future hope; it has drawn near, it is present, and accessible through Jesus' person and ministry. This signifies a new era where God's sovereign rule is actively breaking into human history.
* **repent ye (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** From G3340, meaning "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)." This is a profound call for a radical change of mind, heart, and direction. It involves a fundamental reorientation of one's life, turning away from sin and self-centeredness, and turning towards God in allegiance and obedience. It's not merely regret but a transformative shift in one's entire being.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This imperative calls for active trust and reliance. To believe the Gospel means to fully embrace its truth, to put one's confidence in Jesus and His message, and to commit one's life to Him as Lord and Savior.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From G2098, meaning "a good message, i.e. the gospel." In the Greco-Roman world, this term often referred to a proclamation of good news, such as a military victory or the birth of an emperor. Here, it refers to the supremely good news of God's saving action through Jesus Christ, specifically His life, death, and resurrection, which inaugurates the Kingdom of God and offers salvation to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saying, The time is fulfilled":** This opening clause announces a monumental shift in history. The "time" (kairós) refers to the divinely appointed moment, the culmination of Old Testament prophecies and God's redemptive plan. "Is fulfilled" (plēróō) indicates that God's long-anticipated promises regarding the Messiah's advent and the establishment of His reign have now come to pass. This is not a gradual unfolding but a decisive, completed act of God.
* **"and the kingdom of God is at hand":** This is the core message of Jesus' ministry. The "kingdom of God" (basileía theós) refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, not merely a geographical territory. "Is at hand" (engízō) emphasizes its immediate proximity and present reality through Jesus. It means that God's kingly authority, power, and blessings are now breaking into human experience in a new and tangible way through the person and works of Jesus Christ.
* **"repent ye":** This is the first of two imperatives, demanding a decisive human response. "Repent" (metanoéō) signifies a radical change of mind, heart, and life direction. It involves turning away from sin, self-sufficiency, and allegiance to anything other than God, and turning towards God in a posture of humility and obedience. It is a fundamental reorientation of one's entire being.
* **"and believe the gospel":** This is the second imperative, inextricably linked to repentance. "Believe" (pisteúō) means to place one's complete trust and confidence in the "gospel" (euangélion), the "good news." This good news is the message of God's saving work accomplished through Jesus Christ – His life, death, and resurrection – which inaugurates the Kingdom and offers forgiveness and new life. To believe is to accept this truth and commit oneself to Jesus as the Lord and Savior.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:15 is a masterclass in concise, impactful communication, employing several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Proclamation**, as Jesus delivers a definitive, authoritative statement that signals a new era. This is reinforced by the **Imperative Mood** ("repent ye, and believe"), which functions as a direct command, demanding an immediate and decisive response from the audience. The verse also exhibits a strong sense of **Urgency**, conveyed through phrases like "the time is fulfilled" and "is at hand," creating an atmosphere where delay is not an option. Furthermore, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the divine initiative (God's time fulfilled, His kingdom at hand) and the human responsibility (repentance and belief). This structural balance highlights the synergistic relationship between God's grace and humanity's required response. Finally, the use of **Conciseness** allows this single verse to serve as a powerful summary of Jesus' entire mission and the core message of Christianity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:15 is a theological cornerstone, asserting God's sovereign control over history and His active intervention in human affairs through Jesus Christ. It reveals that salvation is not merely a future hope but a present reality accessible through a radical transformation of one's life (repentance) and a trusting embrace of God's redemptive message (belief). This verse establishes the fundamental nature of the Christian life as one of ongoing response to God's gracious initiative, emphasizing that entry into God's kingdom is predicated on a changed heart and faith in the person and work of Jesus. It underscores the urgency of the Gospel, portraying God's kingdom as an immediate, breaking-in reality that demands an immediate, decisive response.

* [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins to Preach")
* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:15 serves as a timeless summons to every generation, echoing Jesus' inaugural call to a life transformed by the reality of God's kingdom. For us today, it is a powerful reminder that the "time" for responding to God is always "at hand." We are called to live with a perpetual posture of repentance, continually turning away from anything that distracts us from God's will and aligning our lives with His righteous standards. This isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process of spiritual realignment. Simultaneously, we are to deepen our belief in the Gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross and His victorious resurrection. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust that shapes our identity, informs our decisions, and fuels our hope. Living out Mark 1:15 means recognizing God's active reign in the world and in our lives, and responding with humble obedience and unwavering faith, making His kingdom priorities our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to genuinely repent and turn more fully towards God's kingdom principles?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my belief in the "good news" of Jesus Christ? Am I truly living as though the Kingdom of God is "at hand"?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to live out the urgency of Jesus' call to repent and believe the Gospel?**
* **How does understanding the "kairos" (opportune time) of God's kingdom influence my perspective on current events and my personal spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**What does "The time is fulfilled" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "The time is fulfilled" refers to the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the prophetic expectations concerning the Messiah's arrival. The Greek word used here, _kairos_, denotes a divinely appointed, opportune moment, not just chronological time. It signifies that God's long-anticipated promises and preparations, foretold in the Old Testament, have now reached their decisive point of realization with the advent of Jesus Christ. This declaration marks the dawn of a new era in salvation history, where God's ultimate intervention for humanity is actively unfolding through Jesus. This fulfillment is deeply rooted in prophecies like those found in [Daniel 9:24-27](/daniel/9-24-27 "Daniel 9:24-27 - Daniel's Prophecy of Seventy Weeks") concerning the timing of the Messiah.

**Is the "kingdom of God" a present reality or a future hope?**

Answer: The "kingdom of God" is presented in Mark 1:15 as both a present reality and a future hope. When Jesus declares it "is at hand," He signifies its immediate proximity and active presence through His own person, ministry, and works. In Jesus' teachings, healings, and exorcisms, the power and authority of God's kingdom were tangibly breaking into the world ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God")). It is a spiritual reign that transforms hearts and lives now. However, the kingdom also has a future, consummated dimension, which will be fully realized at Jesus' second coming, when God's reign will be perfectly established over all creation ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Therefore, believers live in the "already" of the kingdom's presence and the "not yet" of its full manifestation.

**Why are both "repent" and "believe" necessary?**

Answer: Repentance and belief are presented as two inseparable, complementary responses to the Gospel, both essential for entering and living within the Kingdom of God. "Repent" (metanoéō) signifies a turning _away_ from sin, self-reliance, and a life alienated from God. It's a change of mind that leads to a change of direction and behavior ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance and Times of Refreshing")). "Believe" (pisteúō) signifies a turning _towards_ God, specifically trusting in Jesus Christ and the good news He proclaims. It's an active reliance on His saving work and a commitment to Him as Lord ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). One cannot truly believe without turning from what contradicts that belief, nor can one truly repent without turning to the one who offers forgiveness and new life. They are two sides of the same coin, representing the complete reorientation of a person's life towards God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:15 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "time fulfilled," for His advent marks the culmination of all Old Testament prophecies and God's ultimate plan for salvation. The "kingdom of God" is not merely "at hand" but is inaugurated and made present in the world through Jesus Himself; He is the King who brings the Kingdom. His life, teachings, miracles, and ultimately His sacrificial death on the cross and glorious resurrection, are the very means by which God's reign breaks into human history with power and grace ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). The call to "repent" is a call to turn from sin and self-rule to the perfect righteousness and sovereign rule of Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life through His atoning work ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). And to "believe the gospel" is to place one's complete trust and allegiance in Jesus as the divine Son of God, the Messiah, and the only way to reconciliation with God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, Mark 1:15 is not just a command, but a declaration of who Jesus is and what He accomplished, inviting all to enter into the new reality established by the King of the Kingdom.

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 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,