Mark 1:38

KJV

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Let us go {G71} into {G1519} the next {G2192} towns {G2969}, that {G2443} I may preach {G2784} there also {G2546}: for {G1063} therefore {G1519}{G5124} came I forth {G1831}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Let's go somewhere else -- to the other villages around here. I have to proclaim the message there too -- in fact this is why I came out."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there as well, for that is why I have come.”

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for to this end came I forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After a demanding period of healing ministry in Capernaum, Jesus withdraws for prayer, only to be pursued by Simon Peter and others eager for His return. In Mark 1:38, Jesus articulates the true, broader purpose of His mission: not merely to heal in one place, but to itinerate and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God throughout the surrounding towns, emphasizing that this evangelistic proclamation was the very reason He "came forth."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal sequence in Jesus' early Galilean ministry. [Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21-28 "Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus' Authority in Capernaum") describes Jesus teaching with authority in the Capernaum synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit, establishing His power. Subsequently, He heals Simon's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31), and by sundown, the entire city gathers at the door, bringing their sick and demon-possessed for healing (Mark 1:32-34). The sheer volume of need and the immediate popularity demonstrate a ministry driven by compassion and power. However, Jesus then deliberately withdraws to a solitary place to pray early the next morning (Mark 1:35). Simon and his companions track Him down, likely expecting Him to capitalize on His popularity and continue the healing work in Capernaum. It is in response to their desire for Him to return that Jesus clarifies His overarching mission in [Mark 1:38](/mark/1-38 "Mark 1:38 - Jesus' Mission to Preach"). This sets up His subsequent departure from Capernaum to preach elsewhere, as described in [Mark 1:39](/mark/1-39 "Mark 1:39 - Jesus Preaches Throughout Galilee").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was a densely populated region with numerous towns and villages. Capernaum, situated on the Sea of Galilee, was a bustling fishing and trade center, serving as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. Jewish society at the time valued itinerant teachers and prophets, but Jesus' unique authority and miraculous works set Him apart. The expectation that a popular healer would remain in a place where there was great demand was natural. However, Jesus' decision to move on highlights a key aspect of His ministry: it was not confined to a single locale or driven by popular demand, but by a divine mandate to reach as many people as possible across the region. His ministry was not just about addressing immediate physical needs, but about proclaiming a message that transformed lives and ushered in the Kingdom of God, a message that needed to be heard beyond the confines of one city.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:38 contributes significantly to several key themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the **centrality of Jesus' preaching ministry**. While healing and exorcism are prominent in [Mark 1](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel"), Jesus explicitly states that His primary purpose is to "preach," emphasizing the verbal proclamation of the Gospel. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **divine intentionality and purpose**. The phrase "for therefore came I forth" reveals that Jesus' actions are not random or reactive, but are part of a pre-ordained, divinely appointed mission, echoing His statement in [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Luke 4:43 - Jesus' Mission to Preach the Kingdom"). Thirdly, it demonstrates the **expansive nature of God's redemptive plan**, as Jesus' mission extends beyond one town to "the next towns," indicating a desire for broad reach. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **prioritizing spiritual mission over popular acclaim**, as Jesus willingly leaves a place of great success to pursue His true calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This verb, G2784, means "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." It implies an authoritative, public, and urgent declaration, not merely a quiet teaching or conversation. Jesus' mission was not a private discourse but a public proclamation of the arrival of God's Kingdom and the good news it entailed.
* **came I forth (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** Derived from G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively)," "to come (forth, out), depart (out of)." In this context, it signifies Jesus' purposeful emergence or departure from a prior state or location, specifically His coming into public ministry, or even His divine origin and mission from the Father. It speaks to the intentionality of His presence and actions.
* **for therefore (Greek, _gár toûto'_):** This combination of G1063 (`gár`, "assigning a reason") and G5124 (`toûto`, "that thing") emphasizes the direct causal link between Jesus' coming forth and His mission to preach. It translates to "for this reason" or "because of this." It powerfully underscores that His primary, divinely appointed purpose for embarking on His public ministry was the proclamation of the Gospel, making preaching the foundational reason for His very presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, ‹Let us go into the next towns,"**: After His disciples find Him praying, Jesus, with decisive authority, redirects their expectations. He proposes a proactive move, indicating that His ministry is not static or confined to Capernaum, despite its immediate needs and His popularity there. The "next towns" (κωμοπόλεις, _kōmopóleis_, G2969) refers to the surrounding villages and unwalled cities, signifying a broader, itinerant ministry.
* **"that I may preach there also:"**: This clause reveals the specific purpose for going to these other towns. The Greek word "that" (ἵνα, _hína_, G2443) introduces a purpose clause, making it clear that preaching is the explicit goal of His itineration. The addition of "also" (κἀκεῖ, _kakeî_, G2546) implies that while He had taught in Capernaum, His mission was not limited to that city but extended to other locales, ensuring a wider dissemination of His message.
* **"for therefore came I forth.›"**: This is the foundational statement of Jesus' mission. The conjunction "for" (γάρ, _gár_, G1063) introduces the reason or explanation for His decision. "Therefore came I forth" (εἰς τοῦτο ἐξῆλθον, _eis toûto exēlthon_) powerfully declares that His very emergence into public ministry, or even His incarnation, had this specific purpose: to preach the Kingdom of God. It signifies a divine mandate and a pre-ordained mission, establishing preaching as the core of His earthly work.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:38 employs several significant literary devices. **Direct Speech** is central, presenting Jesus' own authoritative words that clarify His mission. This gives the statement immediate weight and authenticity. The verse also functions as a **Thematic Statement**, succinctly articulating the primary purpose of Jesus' ministry—preaching the gospel of the Kingdom—which becomes a recurring motif throughout Mark's narrative. Furthermore, the phrase "for therefore came I forth" serves as a powerful **Statement of Divine Purpose**, emphasizing the intentionality and pre-ordained nature of Jesus' actions, rather than them being reactive to circumstances. This underscores His unique identity and calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:38 is a profound theological statement, revealing the core of Jesus' earthly mission. It clarifies that while His miracles and healings were powerful signs of the Kingdom's presence and His divine authority, they were ultimately subservient to the primary task of proclaiming the good news. Jesus was not merely a healer or a miracle-worker; He was first and foremost the herald of God's Kingdom, the one sent to announce the dawn of a new era. This emphasis on preaching highlights the transformative power of God's Word and the necessity of its proclamation for human salvation and the establishment of God's reign. It underscores that God's plan of redemption is not limited to isolated acts of power but is revealed through the authoritative declaration of truth, inviting all to repentance and faith.

* [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus' Mission to Preach the Kingdom")
* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Anointed One's Mission")
* [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - The Necessity of Preaching")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:38 serves as a foundational declaration for understanding Jesus' priorities and, by extension, the priorities of His followers. It challenges us to examine whether our own lives and ministries are aligned with the core mission of proclaiming the Gospel. While acts of service, compassion, and addressing physical needs are vital expressions of Christian love, this verse reminds us that they should ultimately point to the transformative message of Jesus Christ. We are called to be intentional in our purpose, recognizing that God has "sent us forth" with a specific mission, just as He sent Jesus. This means being willing to step out of our comfort zones, to go to "the next towns"—whether literally or figuratively—to share the good news, prioritizing God's will over popular opinion or personal convenience. It encourages us to seek God's purpose through prayer, as Jesus did, and to faithfully execute that purpose, understanding that the proclamation of the Gospel is paramount.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the core purpose for which you believe God has "sent you forth" in your life?**
* **How might you be tempted to prioritize popular demand or immediate needs over the foundational mission of proclaiming the Gospel in your sphere of influence?**
* **In what "next towns" (new contexts, relationships, or communities) is God calling you to share the message of Christ?**
* **How does Jesus' example of prioritizing preaching over healing inform your understanding of holistic ministry today?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus leave Capernaum when there was so much need and popularity there?**

Answer: Jesus left Capernaum not because He was indifferent to the needs there, but because His mission was broader than any single town. As He states in [Mark 1:38](/mark/1-38 "Mark 1:38 - Jesus' Mission to Preach"), His primary purpose for "coming forth" was to preach the Gospel throughout all the towns. While healing demonstrated His authority and compassion, it was a means to authenticate the message of the Kingdom of God. His departure underscores that His ministry was divinely directed and expansive, not dictated by human demand or limited to one location. He had to reach as many people as possible with the good news.

**Does this verse suggest that preaching is more important than healing or other acts of service?**

Answer: Mark 1:38 highlights the **primacy** of preaching as Jesus' core mission, but it does not diminish the importance of healing or acts of service. Jesus' ministry was holistic: He taught, healed, and delivered. The miracles served as powerful signs, authenticating His identity and the message He proclaimed. They were inseparable from His preaching, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom He announced. However, the verse clarifies that the ultimate **purpose** for which He "came forth" was the declaration of the Gospel, making the verbal proclamation of truth foundational to His work and the spread of the Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:38 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of the Gospel. Jesus, the very Son of God, declares that His ultimate purpose in coming forth was to preach the Kingdom of God. He is not merely a messenger, but the message itself, the embodiment of the good news. His "coming forth" speaks to His incarnation, His divine mission from the Father to reveal God's truth and establish His reign. As the eternal Word made flesh, Jesus is the ultimate Preacher, whose life, death, and resurrection constitute the very content of the Gospel. His mission to preach throughout "the next towns" foreshadows the global mission of the Church, empowered by His Spirit, to proclaim the same saving message to "all the world" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Jesus is both the divine agent of God's redemptive plan and the central subject of the message He came to proclaim, fulfilling the prophecies of a herald of good tidings ([Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News")). His purpose-driven ministry sets the pattern for all who follow Him, calling them to participate in His ongoing mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God until His return ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Power of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Luke 4:43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 17:4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Luke 2:49

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

John 16:28

¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:21

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.