Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Mark 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Preaching of John the Baptist John the Baptist Prepares the Way Activity of John the Baptist The Preaching of John the Baptist The Proclamation of John the Baptist Mar_1:1-8 Mar_1:1-8 Mar_1:1-8 Mar_1:1-3 Mar_1:1-8 Mar_1:4-5 Mar_1:6-8 The Baptism of Jesus John Baptizes Jesus Jesus' Baptism The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus Jesus Is Baptized Mar_1:9-11 Mar_1:9-11 Mar_1:9-11 Mar_1:9-11 Mar_1:9-11 The Temptation of Jesus Satan Tempts Jesus Jesus' Temptation Testing in the Desert Mar_1:12-13 Mar_1:12-13 Mar_1:12-13 Mar_1:12-13 Mar_1:12-13 The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry Beginning of Jesus' Activity in Galilee Jesus Calls Four Fishermen Jesus Begins to Proclaim the Message Mar_1:14-15 Mar_1:14-15 Mar_1:14-15 Mar_1:14-15 Mar_1:14-15 The Calling of Four Fishermen Four Fishermen Called as Disciples The First Four Disciples Are Called Mar_1:16-20 Mar_1:16-20 Mar_1:16-20 Mar_1:16-18 Mar_1:16-18 Mar_1:19-20 Mar_1:19-20 The Man With An Unclean Spirit Jesus Cast Out An Unclean Spirit A Man with An Evil Spirit Jesus Teaches in Capernaum and Cures A Demonic Mar_1:21-28 Mar_1:21-28 Mar_1:21-28 Mar_1:21-22 Mar_1:21-22 Mar_1:23-24 Mar_1:23-28 Mar_1:25 Mar_1:26-27 Mar_1:28 The Healing of Many People Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed Jesus Heals Many People Cure of Simon's Mother-in-Law Mar_1:29-34 Mar_1:29-31 Mar_1:29-31 Mar_1:29-31 Mar_1:29-31 Many Healed After Sabbath Sunset A Number of Cures Mar_1:32-34 Mar_1:32-34 Mar_1:32-34 Mar_1:32-34 A Preaching Tour Preaching in Galilee Jesus Preaches in Galilee Jesus Quietly Leaves Capernaum and Travels Through Galilee Mar_1:35-39 Mar_1:35-39 Mar_1:35-39 Mar_1:35-37 Mar_1:35-39 Mar_1:38 Mar_1:39 The Cleansing of a Leper Jesus Cleanses a Leper Jesus Heals a Man Cure of a Man Suffering From a Virulent Skin Disease Mar_1:40-45 Mar_1:40-45 Mar_1:40-45 Mar_1:40 Mar_1:40-45 Mar_1:41-44 Mar_1:45 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why did Mark begin with John the Baptist's ministry? Who does he represent?

2. Does baptism impart or symbolize forgiveness?

3. Why was Jesus baptized? Was He sinful and in need of repentance?

4. Where in this section is evidence for the Trinity implied?

5. Why was Jesus tempted? In what areas of His life did the temptation come?

6. Is God's kingdom here or is it future?

7. Does Mark 1 describe the first encounter between Jesus and the fishermen?

8. Why were the people in the synagogue in Capernaum so surprised at Jesus' teaching?

9. Is demon possession a reality or a cultural superstition?

10. Why did the demons reveal who Jesus really was?

11. Why is cleansing the leper so significant?

12. Why did Jesus command the leper to tell no one what had happened to him?