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Mark 1:39

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And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And {G2532} he preached {G2784}{G2258} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864} throughout {G1519} all {G3650} Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}.

So he traveled all through the Galil, preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

So He went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

And he went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

Commentary

Mark 1:39 (KJV) encapsulates a concise summary of Jesus' early ministry strategy and power following His call of the first disciples and initial miracles in Capernaum. This verse highlights two core components of His public work: teaching and deliverance.

Historical and Cultural Context

Jesus' ministry began in the region of Galilee, a diverse northern area of Israel. Rather than confining Himself to one city, Jesus embarked on an extensive itinerant ministry, moving from town to town. The "synagogues" were not temples but local centers of Jewish community life, worship, and instruction, serving as ideal venues for Jesus to teach the scriptures and proclaim His message. His presence in these synagogues signified His engagement with the established religious structures of His time, offering a new interpretation and fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Scope of Jesus' Ministry: The phrase "throughout all Galilee" emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of Jesus' evangelistic efforts. He wasn't just reaching a select few but a broad populace, demonstrating the expansive reach of the Kingdom of God.
  • The Dual Nature of Jesus' Work: This verse beautifully illustrates the two primary facets of Christ's public ministry: "preaching" (proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God) and "casting out devils" (demonstrating divine authority over spiritual forces of evil). These actions were intertwined, with the latter validating the former.
  • Authority of Christ: Jesus' ability to cast out devils was a clear sign of His unique power and divine authority, distinguishing Him from other teachers and healers. It confirmed His identity as the Messiah who had come to confront the powers of darkness and establish God's reign. This spiritual warfare was a tangible manifestation of the Kingdom breaking into the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "preached" is kērussō (κηρύσσω), which means "to proclaim as a herald," indicating a public, authoritative declaration. This wasn't merely teaching but announcing a significant, world-changing message—the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The term "devils" (daimonia, δαιμόνια) refers to demons or evil spirits, often associated in the New Testament with causing physical and spiritual affliction, against which Jesus demonstrated supreme power.

Practical Application

Mark 1:39 provides a timeless model for ministry and faith:

  • Proclamation and Power: Like Jesus, believers are called to proclaim the Gospel (the "preaching" aspect) and to demonstrate the transforming power of God in their lives and through prayer (the "casting out devils" aspect, understood broadly as confronting spiritual darkness and bringing liberation).
  • Holistic Ministry: Jesus addressed both the spiritual and physical needs of people. His ministry was not just about words but also about tangible acts of compassion and deliverance. This encourages a holistic approach to serving others in the modern world.
  • The Ongoing Spiritual Battle: The reality of "devils" reminds us that there is a spiritual dimension to our world. We are called to stand firm in our faith and rely on Christ's authority in the face of spiritual challenges, knowing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:23 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Mark 1:21 (3 votes)

    And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

  • Luke 4:43 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 4:44 (2 votes)

    And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

  • Mark 7:30 (2 votes)

    And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

  • Luke 4:41 (2 votes)

    And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.