Plot, anointing, and supper
Mark 14:1–25FocusBetrayal and self-giving
Connection to the wholeThe preparations for death contrast devotion and betrayal, while Jesus interprets the supper in relation to His coming sacrifice.
interpretation Mark 14:51
KJVAnd there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
Read it in context
Arrest and hearing
Start reading at Mark 14:43 (Mark 14:43 to Mark 14:65).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus is arrested and brought before the council, where accusation and His testimony move the narrative toward condemnation.
- 14:43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
- 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
- 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
- 14:46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
- 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
- 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
- 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
- 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
- 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
- 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
- 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
- 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
- 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
- 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
- 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
- 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
- 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
- 14:60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
- 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
- 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
- 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
- 14:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
- 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 14:1–14:72): Jesus, His disciples, the woman who anoints Him, Judas, the arresting party, the high priest and council, and Peter appear in successive supper, arrest, and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Arrest and hearing. Read Mark 14:43 through Mark 14:65 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus is arrested and brought before the council, where accusation and His testimony move the narrative toward condemnation. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Arrest and hearing (Mark 14:43 to Mark 14:65). Start reading at Mark 14:43. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 14:43, Mark 14:65, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The arrest of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 14
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Warning and Gethsemane
Mark 14:26–42FocusHuman weakness and submission
Connection to the wholeJesus predicts the disciples' failure and prays in the garden, contrasting their sleep with His obedience.
interpretation FocusAbandonment and testimony
Connection to the wholeJesus is arrested and brought before the council, where accusation and His testimony move the narrative toward condemnation.
interpretation Peter's denial
Mark 14:66–72FocusA disciple's failure
Connection to the wholePeter's repeated denial fulfils the warning and closes the chapter with grief over failed allegiance.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.