New Testament Studies

The Gospel of St. Mark

By Robert C. Crowder

Lesson Six

Mark 1:21-22  And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes

For those looking to finally get out of the first chapter, hang in there.  For a building to be built the foundation must be laid and Mark is pouring “Jesus Earthly Ministry” foundation in this first chapter.

To really understand the impact that Jesus had during his lifetime and that which carries on throughout eternity, these two verses tell us a great deal.

Some really astonishing events are taking place so far in this first chapter.  Jesus called four followers who would later be identified as disciples.   Simon, Andrew, James and John and are now in Capernaum.  In the book of Matthew chapter nine and verse one we find that Capernaum was considered Christ’s own city.  This was where Jesus lived and ministered for some time.  He made several journeys as is well documented, but He continued to find His way  “home.”  Capernaum was more than a fishing village; it was a port and a major city on the trade routes from Damascus.  Archeologists tell us that the city had about thirty thousand people during Jesus’ time.  For those looking it up on a map it was located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.  We also know that it was one of the chief cities of Galilee, had a synagogue, a Roman garrison, and a customs station, with Matthew as the tax collector.  It has long since disappeared.

So it was natural that this city was where Jesus gathered His first followers and we find the first revelations about Christ’s ministry.

After Jesus called His disciples, Peter and Andrew, James and John the following Sabbath found them in the local synagogue.  We learn a lot about Jesus’ leadership.  We see that He went with the four to teach personally in the synagogues wherever He went.  He did not send His new apostles forth while Jesus took his ease.  These four men understood hard work as fishermen.  Jesus was showing that they were not called to do the Master’s work until they were prepared.  Our Saviour preached himself; he went into their synagogues and taught.

Notice also the success of Christ's preaching; the people were astonished at His doctrine, struck with admiration, apprehending and believing Him to be an extraordinary prophet sent from God.

Synagogues were places of worship, or places where the people assembled together to worship God.  The origin of synagogues is involved in much obscurity.  The sacrifices of the Jews were appointed to be held in one place, at Jerusalem.  But there was nothing to forbid the other services of religion to be performed at any place.  Accordingly, the praises of God were sung in the schools of the prophets; and those who chose were assembled by the seers on the Sabbath, and the new moons, for religious worship, 2Ki 4:23; 1Sa 10:5-11.

The people would soon see the necessity of providing convenient places for their services, to shelter them from storms and heat; and this was probably the origin of synagogues.  At what tinge they were commenced is unknown.  They are mentioned by Josephus a considerable time before the coming of Christ; and in his time they were multiplied, not only in Judea, but wherever there were Jews.  There were no less than 480 in Jerusalem alone, before it was taken by the Romans.

The synagogues were built in elevated places--in any place where ten men were found who were willing to associate for the purpose; and were the regular customary places of worship.  In them the law, i.e., the Old Testament, divided into suitable portions, was read, prayers were offered, and the Scriptures were expounded.  The law was so divided, that the five books of Moses, and portions of the prophets, could be read through each year.  The Scriptures, after being read, were expounded.  This was done, either by the officers of the synagogues, or by any person who might be invited to it by the officiating minister.  Our Saviour and the apostles were in the habit of attending at those places constantly, and of speaking to the people, Lu 4:15-27; Ac 13:14; 15:1-41.

The synagogues were built in imitation of the temple, with a centre building, supported by pillars, and a court surrounding it.  In the centre building, or chapel, was a place prepared for the reading of the law.  The law was kept in a chest, or ark, near to the pulpit.  The uppermost seats, (Mt 23:6) were those nearest to the pulpit.  The people sat round, facing the pulpit.  When the law was read, the officiating person rose; when it was expounded, he was seated.  Our Saviour imitated their example, and was commonly seated in addressing the people, Mt 5:1; 13:1.[1]

So Jesus was teaching in the synagogue.  We don’t know what Christ taught on this occasion, but we can make some assumptions that His message has not changed.  He preached “the gospel of the kingdom of God saying the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.  ”  Mark 1:14-15

Observe the reactions when people hear the gospel from one anointed of the Holy Spirit.  They were “astonished at his doctrine.”  How sweet and truly blessed were these that heard the gospel from Jesus own lips.  I remember the day I heard the gospel and responded to Jesus’ call.  I heard the news of Jesus death, burial and resurrection and the Holy Spirit picked the right chord on my heartstrings.  I heard Jesus call as it was from His own lips.

Remember that these visitors to the synagogue were used to a priest or scribe picking up the scrolls and reading them, then sit through some discussions.  On this day it was much different.  Jesus taught them as one with authority and not as just a scribe.  Jesus could teach with authority because He was there.  When the Law was read, the Prophet’s words spoken, Jesus was there.  He was with Abraham, Moses, David, and Isaiah and knew the Law only as the Law Giver could know.  Is it any wonder that those attending the synagogue that morning were astonished?

Their astonishment contrasted Jesus teaching with that of the scribes.  The scribes were learned men who preserved, copied and expounded the law and the tradition (Ezra 7:6,12; Nehemiah 8:1; Matthew 15:1-6; 23:2-4; Mark 12:35; Luke 11:52).  They were also called "lawyers" (Mark 12:28; Matthew 22:35), and "doctors of the law" (Luke 5:17-21).

The teaching of Jesus differed from the teaching of the scribes not only to matter, but also in manner.  Scribes spoke on the authority of Moses or the elders, but Jesus taught by his own authority.  Their way was to quote minute precedents supported by endless authorities of various Rabbis.  This can be easily contrasted with the oft repeated "I say to you" of Jesus (Mt 5:18,20,22,26,28,34).

So in this lesson we see several things that help us to fit the foundation together.

• Jesus was the leader and His leadership style was to lead by example.  Jesus taught His followers how to speak in their discipleship training, Teaching 101.

•  Jesus taught where He was, in His hometown, in the hometown of the followers.  We know that this can be the most difficult as those listeners probably knew them or their families.

• Jesus went to where the people would be, in the synagogues.

• Jesus simple message was spoken.  We do not find anyone joining the cause.  We do not know of any conversions.  Jesus taught the gospel, it was up to the Holy Spirit to convict and pursue the hearts of man.  We never see Jesus tallying the number saved.  

[1] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament

ã 2002 bobsbiblestudies