FocusMercy amid opposition
Connection to the wholeThe Sabbath healing prompts a plot against Jesus, while crowds continue to seek Him because of His works.
interpretation Mark 3:7
KJVBut Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
Read it in context
Healing and hostility
Start reading at Mark 3:1 (Mark 3:1 to Mark 3:12).
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.
The Sabbath healing prompts a plot against Jesus, while crowds continue to seek Him because of His works.
- 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
- 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
- 3:3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
- 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
- 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
- 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
- 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
- 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
- 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
- 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
- 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
- 3:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
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 3:1–3:35): Jesus heals in the synagogue, ministers to crowds, appoints the twelve, answers scribes, and identifies His family among those doing God's will. 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? Healing and hostility. Read Mark 3:1 through Mark 3:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The Sabbath healing prompts a plot against Jesus, while crowds continue to seek Him because of His works. 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 Healing and hostility (Mark 3:1 to Mark 3:12). Start reading at Mark 3:1. 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 3:1, Mark 3:12, 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.
Related passages
- Jesus Matt 10:23 Matt 12:15 Luke 6:12 John 10:39-41 John 11:53-54 Acts 14:5-6 Acts 17:10,14
- and a Matt 4:25 Luke 6:17
- Galilee Mark 1:39 Josh 20:7 Josh 21:32 Luke 23:5 John 7:41,52
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 3
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 twelve appointed
Mark 3:13–19FocusCompanionship and mission
Connection to the wholeJesus appoints twelve to be with Him and to be sent, giving shape to the disciple community within the expanding ministry.
interpretation Misunderstood by opponents and family
Mark 3:20–35FocusThe source of His work
Connection to the wholeAccusations about Jesus' power and the arrival of His family lead to teaching on blasphemy and those who do God's will.
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 FocusDisciples, 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 Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, 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.