What does Mark 1:21 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Capernaum became Jesus" base of ministry in Galilee (cf. Luke 4:16-31). It stood on the Sea of Galilee"s northwest shore and was the hub of the most populous district in Galilee. Archaeologists have done extensive restoration work there. They have reconstructed a synagogue that stood here in the third and fourth centuries. [source][source]

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The synagogues came into existence during the Babylonian exile. The word originally described a group of people, but it later became associated with the building in which the people met. The word "church" has experienced a similar evolution. Customarily the leaders of a local synagogue would invite recognized visiting teachers to speak to the congregation. Mark referred to Jesus" teaching ministry frequently, but he did not record much of what Jesus taught. Jesus" actions were of more interest to him. This seems to reflect the active disposition of Peter who influenced Mark"s writing and perhaps the active character of the Romans for whom Mark wrote. [source][source]

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"What Jesus says discloses his understanding of himself and his purposes. What Jesus does reveals primarily the extent and nature of his authority from God. Both what Jesus does and says determine his values and the dynamics of his relations with other characters. They also show Jesus" integrity in living up to his values and commitments." ^[1] [source]

Context Summary

The word straightway is typical of our Lord's life. It occurs at least eleven times in this chapter (r.v.), and is the keynote of Mark's Gospel, which is pre-eminently the gospel of service. The ancient symbol for this Gospel was the ox. There is comparatively little said in it, as in Matthew, about the King; or, as in Luke, about the details of Jesus' humanity; or, as in John, about His divine sonship. There are suggestions of all these, but emphasis is laid on the unresting labors of Jesus, who went about doing good. In illustration of this trait in the Master's life, the evangelist narrates the proceedings of two typical days, the one at the beginning, the other at the close of His ministry. The first typical day is recorded in this chapter, Mark 1:21-38. The morning was spent in the synagogue, where at the close of the service the demon was cast out; the afternoon witnessed the healing of Peter's wife's mother; the evening beheld the throng at the door, whom he healed. Early next day He had gone forth for prayer, and forthwith started on a mission throughout all Galilee. The second typical day is recorded in Mark 11:20-33; Mark 12:1-44; Mark 13:1-37. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 1

¹  The office of John the Baptist
⁹  Jesus is baptized;
¹²  tempted;
¹⁴  he preaches;
¹⁶  calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John;
²³  heals one that had a demon;
²⁹  Peter's mother in law;
³²  many diseased persons;
⁴⁰  and cleanses the leper