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 TO Mar_5:1-43
This chapter is designed to show a typical day in Jesus' life during this public period of His ministry. Jesus' power and authority are demonstrated by
A. Gedarene Demoniac, paralleled in Mat_8:28-34 and Luk_8:26-39
Mar_5:1-20 (Shows Jesus' power over the spiritual realm)
B. Jairus' daughter, paralleled in Mat_9:18-19; Mat_9:23-26 and Luk_8:40-42; Luk_8:49-56
Mar_5:21-24; Mar_5:35-43 (Shows Jesus' power over death)
C. Woman with a hemorrhage, paralleled in Mat_9:20-22 and Luk_8:43-48
Mar_5:25-34 (Shows Jesus' power over disease)
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. What is demon possession? Can it occur today? Can Christians be affected?
2. Why did Jesus let the hogs be destroyed?
3. Why did the local townspeople send Jesus away?
4. Why did the demoniac have to stay?
5. What does it mean "power had gone out?"
6. Why does Jesus call the dead, "sleeping?"
7. Why does Jesus want to keep the raising of Jairus' daughter a secret?
8. Why did Jesus have an inner circle of disciples?