Mark 6:12

KJV

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they went out {G1831}, and preached {G2784} that {G2443} men should repent {G3340}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they set out and preached that people should turn from sin to God,

Berean Standard Bible

So they set out and preached that the people should repent.

American Standard Version

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After receiving their commission and authority from Jesus, the twelve disciples immediately embarked on their mission, demonstrating prompt obedience. Their central message, as they traveled, was a direct and urgent call for people to repent, signifying a fundamental change of mind and a turning away from sin toward God. This initial proclamation laid the groundwork for the reception of the Kingdom of God, echoing the preparatory ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 6:12 is the immediate fulfillment of Jesus's commission to the twelve disciples, detailed in [Mark 6:7-11](/mark/6-7-11 "Mark 6:7-11 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"). In the preceding verses, Jesus grants them authority over unclean spirits, instructs them on their itinerant lifestyle (taking only a staff, no food, bag, or money), and provides specific guidance on how to handle rejection. This verse marks the transition from instruction to action, highlighting the disciples' prompt obedience and the core content of their initial ministry. It also serves as a parallel to Jesus's own inaugural preaching of repentance found in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, itinerant preachers and teachers were not uncommon, though the disciples' authority and message were distinct. The Jewish expectation of a coming Messiah and the Kingdom of God provided a backdrop for their message. Repentance (Hebrew: *shuv*, Greek: *metanoia*) was a well-established concept in Jewish thought, signifying a turning back to God from a path of disobedience, often associated with prophetic calls for national renewal. The disciples' mission, therefore, resonated with existing religious frameworks but carried the new urgency and power of Jesus's presence. Their simple provisions (or lack thereof) underscored their reliance on God and the hospitality of those who received their message, a common practice for traveling teachers but also a radical demonstration of faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **obedience and action**, as the disciples immediately "went out" in direct response to Jesus's command, demonstrating that genuine faith leads to active participation in God's mission. Secondly, the **centrality of repentance** is paramount; it is the foundational message required for entry into the Kingdom of God, a theme consistently proclaimed by [John the Baptist](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist Preaches Repentance") and Jesus ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom")) before them. Thirdly, it underscores the **proclamation of the Kingdom**, as the call to repentance is intrinsically linked to the dawning of God's reign, preparing hearts to receive the good news and the King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From *ek* (out) and *érchomai* (to come/go), this word signifies issuing forth, departing, or going abroad. In this context, it emphasizes the immediate and active departure of the disciples from Jesus's presence to fulfill their commission. It denotes not just a physical movement but a decisive, purposeful action in response to divine instruction.
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term means "to herald" or "to proclaim as a public crier," especially divine truth or the gospel. It implies an authoritative, public, and often urgent declaration. The disciples were not merely sharing opinions but authoritatively announcing a message entrusted to them, much like a town crier declares a royal decree. This highlights the public and authoritative nature of their ministry.
* **repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** Derived from *metá* (after, with) and *noiéō* (to perceive, to think), this word literally means "to think differently afterwards" or "to reconsider." In a biblical and moral sense, it signifies a fundamental change of mind, a turning around, leading to a complete transformation of one's outlook and behavior. It involves not just regret for past actions but a decisive turning away from sin and toward God, encompassing both a change of heart and a change of direction in life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went out,"**: This clause signifies the immediate and obedient response of the twelve disciples to Jesus's commission. Having received authority and instructions in [Mark 6:7-11](/mark/6-7-11 "Mark 6:7-11 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve"), their first action is to physically depart and begin their assigned task. This highlights their trust in Jesus and their readiness to put His words into practice, emphasizing the theme of active discipleship and mission.
* **"and preached"**: This indicates the primary activity of the disciples once they "went out." The Greek word *kērýssō* denotes a public, authoritative proclamation, much like a herald announcing a royal decree. They were not merely discussing or teaching in private, but publicly declaring a message. This underscores the evangelistic and declarative nature of their initial ministry, establishing the pattern for future Christian outreach.
* **"that men should repent."**: This specifies the core content of their preaching. The purpose of their going out and proclaiming was to call people to *metanoia*, a profound change of mind that leads to a turning away from sin and toward God. This was not merely sorrow for past wrongs but a transformative reorientation of one's life, aligning with God's will. This message was foundational, echoing the calls of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, and it remains the essential first step in responding to the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Conciseness** is evident, as Mark distills the entire initial ministry of the twelve into a single, impactful sentence, emphasizing the directness and urgency of their mission. There is a strong sense of **Action and Consequence**, where the disciples' "going out" (action) immediately leads to their "preaching that men should repent" (consequence and purpose). The **Repetition** of the call to repentance throughout Mark's Gospel (from John the Baptist in [Mark 1:4](/mark/1-4 "Mark 1:4 - John the Baptist's Preaching") to Jesus in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom") and now the disciples) serves as a thematic **Emphasis**, highlighting the foundational importance of this spiritual transformation for entering the Kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' preaching of repentance in Mark 6:12 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's character and humanity's fallen state. It underscores God's holiness, which demands a turning away from sin, and His mercy, which offers a path to reconciliation. Repentance is not merely a human effort but a divinely enabled response to God's grace, a necessary prerequisite for experiencing salvation and entering into a right relationship with Him. This call is a consistent thread throughout salvation history, from the prophets urging Israel to return to God to the New Testament's invitation to new life in Christ. It highlights the active role humans must play in responding to God's initiative, demonstrating a change of heart and direction that reflects genuine faith.

* [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Call to Repentance")
* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance on Pentecost")
* [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness to be Proclaimed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:12 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding the core of our message and the nature of our response to God's calling. Just as the disciples immediately obeyed Jesus's command, we are called to prompt and active obedience in our own lives, trusting in the authority and power He provides. The enduring message of repentance is not a relic of the past but remains a vital and urgent call for all people. It reminds us that true faith involves a continuous turning away from self and sin, and a turning towards God in every area of our lives. This isn't a one-time event for conversion but a lifelong posture of humility and realignment with God's will. We are also commissioned to share this transformative message, recognizing that the call to repentance is the essential first step towards a relationship with God and a life lived in His Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge my own responsiveness to God's callings in my life?**
* **In what ways do I need to continually embrace repentance, not just as an initial act of conversion, but as an ongoing posture of faith?**
* **How can I more effectively and lovingly communicate the call to repentance to those around me, following the example of the disciples?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "repentance" in this context, and how does it differ from just feeling sorry?**

Answer: In Mark 6:12, "repent" (Greek: *metanoéō*) signifies much more than mere sorrow or regret for past actions. It denotes a fundamental and comprehensive change of mind, purpose, and direction. Biblically, it implies a decisive turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It involves a reorientation of one's entire life, moving from a self-centered or sin-controlled existence to one aligned with God's will. This deep transformation is essential for responding to the good news of the Kingdom, as seen in Jesus's own inaugural message in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom").

**Why was repentance the primary message of the disciples, rather than other aspects of Jesus's teaching?**

Answer: Repentance was foundational because it addressed the core human problem of sin and rebellion against God. Before people could fully embrace the good news of the Kingdom, they needed to acknowledge their sin and turn from it. It was the necessary first step to prepare hearts for the reception of Jesus's teachings, His identity, and the salvation He offered. This emphasis on repentance echoes the ministry of [John the Baptist](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist Preaches Repentance") and Jesus Himself, establishing it as the initial and crucial entry point into a relationship with God and His Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:12, with its emphasis on the disciples preaching repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the disciples proclaimed the necessity of turning from sin, Jesus Himself is the one who embodies and enables true repentance. He is the ultimate object of our turning, the one to whom we repent. His life, death, and resurrection provide the very basis and power for genuine *metanoia*. It is through His atoning sacrifice that forgiveness of sins is made possible, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant"). The disciples called people to turn from sin, but Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the authority the disciples received to preach repentance flowed directly from Christ, and the Kingdom they announced was His Kingdom. He is not only the message of repentance but also the power for its realization, the goal of our turning, and the source of the new life that follows, as promised in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

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 4:17

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.

Luke 13:3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 11:32

The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

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 3:2

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

Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.