Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Mark

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Mark

Read first chapter of Mark
WRITER: The writer of the second Gospel, Mark, called also John, was the son of one the New Testament "Marys", and nephew of Barnabas. He was an associate of the apostles, and is mentioned in the writings of Paul and of Luke Acts 12:12,25; 15:37,39; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24.
DATE: The date of Mark has been variously placed between A.D. 57 and 63.
THEME: The scope and purpose of the book are evident from its contents. In it Jesus is seen as the mighty Worker, rather than as the unique Teacher. It is the Gospel of Jehovah's "Servant the Branch" Zechariah 3:8 as Matthew is the Gospel of the "Branch...unto David" Jeremiah 33:15.
Everywhere the servant character of the incarnate Son is manifest. The key verse is Mark 10:45. "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." The characteristic word is "straightway," a servant's word. There is no genealogy, for who gives the genealogy of a servant? The distinctive character of Christ in Mark is that set forth in Philippians 2:6-8.
But this lowly Servant, who emptied Himself of the "form of God," "and was found in fashion as a man," was, nevertheless, "the mighty God" Isaiah 9:6 as Mark distinctly declares (Mark 1:1) and therefore mighty works accompanied and authenticated His ministry. As befits a Servant-Gospel, Mark is characteristically a Gospel of deeds, rather than on words.
The best preparation of the heart for the study of Mark is the prayerful reading of Isaiah 42:1-21; 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12; Zechariah 3:8; Philippians 2:5-8.
Mark is in five principal divisions:

• The manifestation of the Servant-Son, 1:1-11.
• The Servant-Son tested as to His fidelity, 1:12,13.
• The Servant-Son at work, 1:14-13:37.
• The Servant-Son "obedient unto death," 14:1-15:47.
• The ministry of the risen Servant-Son, now exalted to all authority, 16:1-20.

The events recorded in this book cover a period of 7 years.

CHAPTER 1

Verse 1

end of the world
consummation of the age.

Verse 3

Lord
Jehovah. Isaiah 40:3.

Verse 5

sins
(See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 14

kingdom
(See Scofield "Matthew 6:33")

Verse 32

devils
demons. (See Scofield "Matthew 7:22")

Verse 34

devils
demons. (See Scofield "Matthew 7:22")

Verse 39

devils demons.
(See Scofield "Matthew 7:22")

CHAPTER 2

Verse 5

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 9

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 10

Son of man
(See Scofield "Matthew 8:20")

Verse 15

sinners
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 22

marred (Greek - ἀπόλλυμι^[1])."
(See Scofield "John 3:16")

Verse 26

shewbread
(See Scofield "Exodus 25:30")

CHAPTER 3

Verse 17

James
(See Scofield "Matthew 4:21")

Verse 28

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 29

in danger
is bound by an eternal sin.

CHAPTER 4

Verse 11

mystery
(See Scofield "Matthew 13:11")

Verse 12

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 22

For there is
For nothing is hidden except unto manifestation, nor a secret thing done that shall not be exposed. Cf. Revelation 20:12; Romans 4:6; Hebrews 10:16,17

Verse 26

kingdom
(See Scofield "Matthew 6:33")

CHAPTER 5

Verse 9

many
See, Mark 16:9; Matthew 7:22 (See Scofield "Matthew 7:22")

Verse 30

virtue
(Greek - ἀπόλλυμι^[2]," power). Cf. Luke 6:19; 8:46

Verse 36

As soon as
But Jesus, overhearing that word, said to the synagogue-ruler, Fear not, simply have faith. Cf. Luke 7:50

Verse 37

James
(See Scofield "Matthew 4:21")

CHAPTER 6

Verse 8

take nothing (See Scofield "Matthew 10:9")
scrip provision-bag.
purse belt.

Verse 14

Herod
Son of the Herod of our Lord's nativity; also vs. Mark 1:16-18,20-22 See margin ref., Matthew 14:1 (See Scofield "Matthew 14:1")

Verse 20

and observed
kept him safely, and, hearing him, did many things, hearing him gladly.

CHAPTER 7

Verse 5

tradition
i.e. the so-called "oral law" alleged to have been handed down from Moses; really a traditional interpretation of the written law.
See margin ref., (See Scofield "Mark 7:7")

Verse 7

for doctrines
as authoritative the precepts of men. Cf. v. Mark 7:5 See "Pharisees" Matthew 3:7 (See Scofield "Matthew 3:7") Cf. ; Colossians 2:8,16,18,; Colossians 2:20,23

Verse 11

a gift
Or, I have dedicated to God that which would relieve your need; Mark 7:12.
No longer do you permit him to use it for his father or mother. Cf. Matthew 15:5,6

Verse 19

Because it entereth
Because it does not enter into the heart of him, but into the bowels is passed -- purifying all the food.

Verse 26

Greek
(See Scofield "Matthew 15:21")

Verse 28

And she
She, however, answered, saying, True, Lord! and yet the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs. Romans 11:24; Ephesians 2:11-22.

CHAPTER 8

Verse 15

leaven See note 4, (See Scofield "Matthew 13:33")
Herod See margin ref., (See Scofield "Matthew 14:1")

Verse 23

And he took
Our Lord's action here is most significant, Having abandoned Bethsaida to judgment Matthew 11:12-24. He would neither heal in that village, nor permit further testimony to be borne there Mark 8:26. The probation of Bethsaida as a community was ended, but He would still show mercy to individuals. Cf Revelation 3:20.
Christ is outside the door of that church, but "If any man hear My voice," etc.

Verse 31

Son of man
(See Scofield "Matthew 8:20") Also, Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 9:31; Luke 9:22-27; Luke 24:6

Verse 33

thou savourest
i.e. thou art thinking man's thoughts, not the thoughts of God. Contra, Matthew 16:17

Verse 38

sinful Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")
angels (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4")

CHAPTER 9

Verse 1

seen Cf. (See Scofield "Matthew 17:2") Also, 2 Peter 1:16-18
kingdom (See Scofield "Matthew 6:33")

Verse 2

James
(See Scofield "Matthew 4:21")

Verse 11

Elias
See, Malachi 4:5,6 (See Scofield "Matthew 17:10")

Verse 13

That Elias See,
Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17

Verse 27

Marg
But But Jesus, grasping his hand, raised him, and he stood erect. Cf. Acts 3:7

Verse 29

This
See, 1 Kings 18:42-45; Acts 13:2 The two best MSS. omit "and fasting." Cf. Matthew 17:21

Verse 31

The Son of man
See, Mark 8:31 (See Scofield "Matthew 8:20")

Verse 39

miracle
work of power upon my name, who will find it possible soon after to revile me.

Verse 43

hell gehenna.
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:22")

Verse 45

hell gehenna.
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:22")

Verse 47

hell
"gehenna." (See Scofield "Matthew 5:22")

CHAPTER 10

Verse 13

young
little. Cf. Matthew 5:16

Verse 16

blessed them
In Hebrew custom, a father's act. (Cf) Genesis 27:38
"He had no children that He might adopt all children."--Bengel.

Verse 18

Why callest
Par., Believing Me to be but a human teacher, why callest thou Me "good," etc.

Verse 24

astonished
Or, amazed, i.e. as Jews: knowing that temporal prosperity was, to the Jew as such, a token of divine favour. e.g. Deuteronomy 28:1-12.

Verse 25

eye of
It has been thought the reference here was to a postern door set in a gate of Jerusalem.

Verse 28

Then Peter
Cf. See note 2, Matthew 19:27-30
(See Scofield "Matthew 19:28")

Verse 33

Son of man
(See Scofield "Matthew 8:20")

Verse 45

life
Or, soul. Cf. Isaiah 53:10,12 (Greek - ἀπόλλυμι^[3]," the soul or the essential life, not as commonly, "zoe," the active life).

Verse 46

And they
Cf. (See Scofield "Matthew 20:30")

Verse 51

Lord
Gr. "Rabboni," my Master, a term of reverent love. Cf. John 20:16.

CHAPTER 11

Verse 1

Bethphage
Meaning, house of unripe figs, see Mark 11:12,20. probably so called after the fig tree was cursed.

Verse 10

kingdom
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:2")

Verse 13

leaves
Fig trees which have retained their leaves through the winter usually have figs also. It was still too early for new leaves or fruit.

Verse 19

when even
whenever, i.e. every day when evening came.

Verse 22

Have faith
Have the faith of God; i.e. the faith which God gives. Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:8.

Verse 23

whosoever
See, Matthew 17:20; Luke 11:1 (See Scofield "Luke 11:1") ; Luke 17:6; John 14:13,14

Verse 26

if ye
(See Scofield "Matthew 6:12"). Verse 26 is omitted from the best MSS.

CHAPTER 12

Verse 1

vineyard
Israel. Isaiah 5:1-7. Israel was not fruitless, but brought forth only wild grapes. Cf. ; John 3:6; Hosea 10:1 contra, Hosea 14:8.

Verse 2

sent to
Mark 12:2-5. the prophets and John the Baptist.

Verse 6

son
Jesus Himself. Cf. Hebrews 1:1-3

Verse 9

destroy
Fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70. Cf. Luke 21:20-24.

Verse 10

The stone
See, Psalms 118:22,23 cf. (See Scofield "1 Peter 2:8")

Verse 11

Lord's
Jehovah. vs. Mark 10:10,11; Psalms 118:22,23

Verse 18

Sadducees
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:7"). Also, Mr12: 22,23

Verse 24

said unto them
See margin ref., (See Scofield "Matthew 22:29")

Verse 25

from the dead Lit. from amongst; cf., Philippians 3:11 Here it is the first resurrection. (See Scofield "1 Corinthians 15:52").
angels (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 26

read in the book
Jesus affirms the historic truth and inspiration of Ex. 3.

Verse 34

far
i.e. not far in knowledge. He knew the very law which utterly condemns the best man -- its true office. Romans 3:19; 10:3-5; Galatians 3:10; Galatians 3:22-24.

Verse 35

son of
i.e. David's Son only. Cf. Romans 1:3,4

Verse 36

For David Inspiration. (Jesus affirms the inspiration and Davidic authorship of Psa 110) Matthew 12:36; Luke 1:3; Exodus 4:15; Revelation 22:19
The Lord Jehovah.
my Lord Adonai, Psalms 110:1.

CHAPTER 13

Verse 2

And Jesus
Matthew 24:3 on the Olivet discourse: (See Scofield "Matthew 24:3").

Verse 8

sorrows
birthpangs. Answering to the "seals." (Rev. 6.) Revelation 6:1-17.
The death-agony of this age is the birth-agony of the next.

Verse 10

And
Cf. Matthew 24:14 "Gospel of the Kingdom:" See note, Revelation 14:6 (See Scofield "Revelation 14:6").

Verse 13

end Not the end of the believer's life, but the end of the great tribulation.
saved In the sense of Revelation 13:8; 20:4

Verse 14

when ye See "Beast." Daniel 7:8; Revelation 19:20
then let Cf. Luke 21:20-24. which is a prophecy fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70, when the Christians escaped, and which foreshadowed the more terrible day here described. See "Great Tribulation." ; Psalms 2:5; Revelation 7:14. (See Scofield "Psalms 2:5") See Scofield "Revelation 7:14".

Verse 19

affliction
tribulation. Cf. Matthew 24:21 See "Tribulation." ; Psalms 2:5; Revelation 7:14

Verse 26

Son of man
Christ (Second Advent). Luke 12:35-40; Deuteronomy 30:3; Acts 1:9-11 (See Scofield "Matthew 8:20")

Verse 27

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4")

CHAPTER 14

Verse 3

woman Mary of Bethany.
head (See Scofield "Matthew 26:7")

Verse 17

And in
For the order of events on the night of the last passover, (See Scofield "Matthew 26:20").

Verse 36

cup
See note on the meaning of the cup. (See Scofield "Matthew 26:39").

Verse 38

flesh See, Romans 7:18,21-24 See note, Jude 1:23 (See Scofield "Jude 1:23").

Verse 41

sinners
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23")

Verse 45

Master
Never once in the Gospel record does Judas Iscariot call Jesus "Lord." He was the first Arian amongst the professed followers of Jesus. No one can in reality say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, 1 Corinthians 12:3 but it is possible to use the term as an empty formality without believing the Lordship of Christ; Matthew 7:21; 25:11,12.

Verse 53

And they led
See note on order of events on the day of the crucifixion, (See Scofield "Matthew 26:57").

Verse 65

spit
See, Isaiah 50:6 See note, Isaiah 52:14, (See Scofield "Isaiah 52:14") cf. Revelation 20:11

CHAPTER 15

Verse 16

the hall
Or, the court which is the judgment-hall.

Verse 17

platted
plaited.

Verse 21

Rufus
It is possible that this may be the same Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13.

Verse 23

drink
The stupefying drink usually given to those crucified.

Verse 24

And when
See note for order of events at the crucifixion, (See Scofield "Matthew 27:33")

Verse 25

third hour
Cf. John 19:14. John used the Roman, Mark the Hebrew, computation of time.

Verse 26

superscription
See note, (See Scofield "Matthew 27:37").

Verse 37

gave up
(See Scofield "Matthew 27:50")

Verse 38

top to
God rent it down; it was rent from the top. Christ having made atonement and glorified God, the way into the holiest was now made manifest. Cf. Hebrews 9:8,24; 10:19-22.

Verse 47

Mary
(See Scofield "Matthew 1:16")

CHAPTER 16

Verse 2

And very early
For the order of events on the day of the resurrection, and for the order of our Lord's appearances after His resurrection, see,
(See Scofield "Matthew 28:1") See Scofield "Matthew 28:9"

Verse 6

Ye seek
Jesus ye seek -- the Nazarene, the crucified; He arose! He is not here! The tone is of triumph. Cf. Psalms 2:4.

Verse 9

Now when
The passage from verse 9 to the end is not found in the two most ancient manuscripts, the Sinaitic and Vatican, and others have it with partial omissions and variations. But it is quoted by Irenaeus and Hippolytus in the second or third century.
appeared (See Scofield "Matthew 28:9")

Verse 14

eleven
A collective term, equivalent to "The Sanhedrin," "The Commons," not necessarily implying that eleven persons were present. See Luke 24:33; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Matthew 28:16 where "eleven disciples" implies a definite number of persons.

Verse 16

saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16")

1. strong="G622"
2. strong="G622"
3. strong="G622"