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.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The next several chapters in Mark reflect the growing opposition of the religious leaders. Mark contrasts Jesus' popularity with the crowds with His unpopularity with the religious leadership.
B. Jesus has moved from synagogue preaching to open air meetings. This was one way of reducing the influence of the religious leadership and accentuating the opportunity of the general population to hear His words.
C. The understanding of parables was and is related to a prior faith commitment. Even the Apostles did not initially understand Jesus' parabolic teachings. In some ways understanding is dependent upon
1. election
2. the illuminating power of the Spirit
3. a willingness to repent and believe
Understanding involves a divine empowering and a human faith response!
D. "Parable" is a compound word in Greek meaning "to throw alongside." Common occurrences were used to illustrate spiritual truths. However it must be remembered that to Gospel writers this Greek word reflected the Hebrew mashal (BDB 605), which meant "riddle" or "proverb," a word of wisdom. One must be willing to rethink issues and expected outcomes in light of the surprising nature of the kingdom of God which is now present in Jesus. For some hearers parables hide truth (cf. Mar_4:10-12).
E. The parables in Mark 4 have parallels in Matthew and Luke
Mark
Matthew
Luke
The Four Soils
4:3-20
A Light Hidden
4:21-25
The Seed Growing
4:26-29
The Mustard Seed
4:30-32
Use of Parables
4:33-34
(cf. Mar_4:10-12)
13:3-23
13:31-32
13:33-35
MARK ›8:5-15
8:16-18
F. The Parable of the Soils or the Parable of the Sower, found in all the Synoptic Gospels, is the interpretive key to the others. Jesus took time to explain it in private to the disciples. Until this they did not understand, so what is the chance that others did? This parable has typological and/or allegorical aspects, which must be identified or the intended meaning is lost.
G. Mar_4:21-25 is repeated in Matthew in different contexts:
Mar_4:21 – Mat_5:15
Mar_4:22 – Mat_10:26
Mar_4:24 – Mat_7:2
Mar_4:25 – Mat_13:12; Mat_25:29
There are at least two explanations
1. Jesus repeated and reapplied His teachings and illustrations to different groups at different times.
2. The Gospel writers are selecting, arranging, and adapting Jesus' words for their own literary and theological purposes (cf. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart, pp. 113-134).
H. Mark records a series of miracles which reveal Jesus' power and authority in Mar_4:35 to Mar_8:26. The miracles were meant to confirm the truthfulness of Jesus' radical new teachings. He made Himself the issue!
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 is this parable (Mar_4:3-5) so important in interpreting all others?
2. How is the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's free-will dealt with in this passage?
3. Give the central truth of these:
a. Mar_4:21-23
b. Mar_4:24-25
c. Mar_4:28-29
d. Mar_4:30-32
4. What is the basic truth of all these parables? (Remember context)
5. List the three groups in this context that do not believe.
