Mark 6:12

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Mark 6:12 describes the immediate action taken by the twelve apostles after Jesus sent them out with specific instructions and authority. This verse follows directly from Jesus commissioning the twelve disciples, giving them power over unclean spirits and instructing them to take nothing for their journey except a staff. Their mission was clear: to go forth and proclaim a vital message. This ministry also echoes the preparatory work of John the Baptist and the very first proclamation of Jesus Himself.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of Repentance: The core of the apostles' message was a call to repentance. This wasn't merely sorrow for past sins, but a fundamental change of mind, a turning away from sin and towards God. It was, and remains, a foundational requirement for responding to the gospel.
  • Obedience and Action: The disciples immediately "went out" in obedience to Jesus' command. Their actions demonstrate a direct response to their divine commission, highlighting the importance of putting faith into practice.
  • Proclamation of the Kingdom: While not explicitly stated as "the Kingdom of God" in this verse, the call to repentance is intrinsically linked to the coming of God's reign, as seen in Jesus' own ministry in Mark 1:15. Their preaching prepared hearts for the good news.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "repent." In the original Greek, this is metanoeō (μετανοέω), which literally means "to change one's mind." However, in a biblical context, it signifies much more than a mere intellectual shift. It implies a complete transformation of one's outlook, leading to a decisive turning around from a sinful way of life to a life aligned with God's will. It involves both conviction of sin and a commitment to new obedience.

Practical Application

Mark 6:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the essential message of the Christian faith. For us today:

  • The Call to Repentance Endures: The need for individuals to turn from their sin and embrace God's way is as urgent now as it was then. Repentance is not a one-time event only for conversion, but a continuous posture for believers, a daily turning towards Christ.
  • Bold Proclamation: Believers are called to share this transformative message with others, just as the apostles did. The gospel requires a response, and repentance is the initial step towards a relationship with God.
  • Immediate Obedience: The disciples' prompt action encourages us to respond without delay to God's callings and commissions in our own lives, trusting in the authority and power He provides. This foundational message was also central to Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, urging the crowd to "Repent, and be baptized" in Acts 2:38.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:17 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 20:21 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:3 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 11:32 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 11:18 (4 votes)

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