Marcos 6

Marcos 6

Hughes says "Typically, those under the sway of demons descend to filthy living, both physically and morally. It is not at all incidental that the rise of occultism and Satanism in recent years has been accompanied by increasing drug abuse, pornography, and obscenity." (Preaching the Word – Luke) One does not have to be demon possessed to be in church dressed in your Sunday best, all the while hiding your moral worst! How many pastors have preached with filthy hearts! The number of pastors falling into immorality is just the tip of the "morally depraved iceberg" for the sheep are usually not following behind the shepherd! (See Tim Challies For the Pastor Knee-Deep in Immorality) Robert Morgan paraphrases Jesus' instructions to the disciples - "Now, you’ve been sitting around listening to me long enough. I want you to go out knocking on some door and trying your hand at preaching. Yes, I know it’s a little threatening. Yes, I know it’s outside your comfort zone. No, I’m not going to give you a lot of training in public speaking. I just want you to travel light—don’t take too many clothes with you because you’ll have a hard time lugging around that suitcase. Just show up and say a word for me and if they listen to you, that’s great. And if you fall flat on your face, just dust yourself off and go to the next town and try again.” Send (649) (apostello from apo = from, away from + stello = to withdraw from, avoid) means to send off, to send forth, to send out. To send out; to commission as a representative, an ambassador, an envoy. The idea is to send forth from one place to another. But the meaning of apostello is more than just to send because as in the present context it means "to send off on a commission to do something as one’s personal representative, with credentials furnished" (Wuest) Three things are true of the person sent from God. (1) He belongs to God, who has sent him out. (2) He is commissioned to be sent out. (3) He possesses all the authority and power of God, who has sent him out. (Practical Word Studies) Authority (1849)(exousia from éxesti = it is permitted, it is lawful) means the power to do something and was a technical term used in the law courts, of a legal right. "Authority or right is the dominant meaning (of exousia) in the New Testament." (Vincent) Exousía refers to delegated authority and combines the idea of the "right and the might", in the present context these attributes having been granted to the disciples by Jesus. One thing is made clear at the beginning of Jesus' ministry is that (1) His teaching had AUTHORITY (exousia) (Mk 1:22+) and (2) He had AUTHORITY (exousia) over the unclean spirits (Mk 1:26-27+), and thus over the forces of darkness. This of course is the reason He could bestow such AUTHORITY on His 12 disciples. Unclean (169)(akathartos from a = without + kathaíro = cleanse from katharos = clean, pure, free from the adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, corrupts, in an ethical sense, free from corrupt desire, sin, and guilt; See also akatharsia) in a moral sense refers to that which is unclean in thought, word, and deed. It can describe a state of moral impurity, especially sexual sin and the word foul is an excellent rendering. The idea is that which morally indecent or filthy. Given this definition, it is not surprising that akathartos is applied to filthy demonic spirits in the Gospels. Matt. 10:1; Mk. 1:27; Mk. 3:11; Mk. 5:13; Mk. 6:7; Lk. 4:36; Lk. 6:18 Vine - "Demons" are the spiritual agents acting in all idolatry. The idol itself is nothing, but every idol has a "demon" associated with it who induces idolatry, with its worship and sacrifices,1Corinthians 10:20,21 ; Revelation 9:20 ; cp. Deuteronomy 32:17 ; Isaiah 13:21; 34:14; 65:3,11. They disseminate errors among men, and seek to seduce believers, 1Ti 4:1 . As seducing spirits they deceive men into the supposition that through mediums (those who have "familiar spirits," Leviticus 20:6,27 , e.g.) they can converse with deceased human beings. Hence the destructive deception of spiritism, forbidden in Scripture, Leviticus 19:31 ; Deuteronomy 18:11 ; Isaiah 8:19 . "Demons" tremble before God, James 2:19 ; they recognized Christ as Lord and as their future Judge, Matthew 8:29 ; Luke 4:41 . Christ cast them out of human beings by His own power. His disciples did so in His name, and by exercising faith, e.g., Matthew 17:20. Acting under Satan (cp. Revelation 16:13,14 ), "demons" are permitted to afflict with bodily disease, Luke 13:16 . Being unclean they tempt human beings with unclean thoughts, Matthew 10:1 ; Mark 5:2 ; 7:25 ; Luke 8:27-29 ; Revelation 16:13 ; 18:2 , e.g. They differ in degrees of wickedness, Matthew 12:45 . They will instigate the rulers of the nations at the end of this age to make war against God and His Christ, Revelation 16:14 . (Demon, Demoniac Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) Borrow Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. Related Resources: What is the authority of the believer? - gotquestions.org Does the Bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual? gotquestions.org How much authority should a pastor have over a church? gotquestions.org Does a believer have authority over Satan? gotquestions.org Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the devil? gotquestions.org What does the Bible say about demons? Do demons exist? Can demons attach themselves to non-living/inanimate objects? What does Satan look like? What do demons look like? How are idols connected to demons (Deuteronomy 32:16-17)? Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? Luke 4:31-34 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 4:31-34 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 2 - John MacArthur Luke 4:31-37 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 3 - John MacArthur Question - What are unclean spirits? Are unclean spirits demons? Answer: An unclean spirit is simply a New Testament synonym, a more descriptive Jewish term, for a demon. The terms unclean spirit and demon seem to be interchangeable in Scripture. There is no clear difference in their definitions. Some translations refer to them as “impure spirits.” Throughout the New Testament, the term unclean spirits (akathartos in the Greek language) is mentioned over twenty times. Throughout those passages we read that unclean spirits can possess people and cause them sickness and harm (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:26; Luke 4:36; 6:18; Acts 5:16; 8:7), that they are searching for someone to possess if they are not currently possessing someone (Matthew 12:43), that some are more unclean or evil than others (Luke 11:26), that unclean spirits can interact with one another (Mark 5:1–20; Matthew 12:45), and that unclean spirits are under God’s authority and must submit to Him (Mark 1:27; 3:11; 5:8, 13). An unclean spirit or demon is “unclean” in that it is wicked. Evil spirits are not only wicked themselves, but they delight in wickedness and promote wickedness in humans. They are spiritually polluted and impure, and they seek to contaminate all of God’s creation with their filth. Their foul, putrid nature is in direct contrast to the purity and incorruption of the Holy Spirit’s nature. When a person is defiled by an unclean spirit, he takes pleasure in corrupt thoughts and actions; when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his thoughts and actions are heavenly. Some people hold the idea that unclean spirits or demons are deceased humans who may or may not have been evil while alive. However, we know the unclean spirits mentioned in the Bible are not referring to the dead, for several reasons. One, humans are never called “spirits” when the word spirit is used as a stand-alone term, without a possessive. In Scripture, men are said to have a spirit/soul (saying “his spirit” in Proverbs 25:28 and 1 Corinthians 5:5), but men are not called “spirits.” Another reason is that, once a person dies, he immediately goes either to eternal life with the Lord or to eternal darkness in hell (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Matthew 25:46). Human spirits, therefore, do not and cannot wander on earth in their spirit bodies. Any unclean spirit that wanders around, taking up residence in places or people or interacting with people in any way, is a fallen angel—a demon (Matthew 12:44). All unclean spirits mentioned in Scripture are demons, and all demons are definitely unclean, unholy, impure, evil spirits doomed to an eternity in hell (Matthew 25:41). (Source: gotquestions.org) Lack Nothing God is able to bless you abundantly, so that . . . you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 6:7–12 Imagine going on a trip without luggage. No basic necessities. No change of clothing. No money or credit cards. Sounds both unwise and terrifying, doesn’t it? But that’s exactly what Jesus told His twelve disciples to do when He sent them out on their first mission to preach and heal. “Take nothing for the journey except a staff,” said Jesus. “No bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt” (Mark 6:8–9). Yet later on when Jesus was preparing them for their work after He was gone, He told His disciples, “If you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36). So, what’s the point here? It’s about trusting God to supply. When Jesus referred back to that first trip, He asked the disciples, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” And they answered, “Nothing” (v. 35). The disciples had everything they needed to carry out what God had called them to do. He was able to supply them with the power to do His work (Mark 6:7). You are good, Lord, and all You do is good. Help us in our endeavors to pray and to plan and to trust You. God’s will done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission Mark 6:8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff--no bread, no bag, no money in their belt-- BGT Mark 6:8 καὶ παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς ἵνα μηδὲν αἴρωσιν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰ μὴ ῥάβδον μόνον, μὴ ἄρτον, μὴ πήραν, μὴ εἰς τὴν ζώνην χαλκόν, NET Mark 6:8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff– no bread, no bag, no money in their belts– NLT Mark 6:8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick-- no food, no traveler's bag, no money. ESV Mark 6:8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff-- no bread, no bag, no money in their belts-- KJV Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: NIV Mark 6:8 These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wuest And He commanded them not to be taking even one thing for the road except only a walking stick, not bread, nor a begging-bag, nor money in their belt, take - Mt 10:9,10 Lu 10:4 22:35 money - Mt 10:9 Lu 9:3 Mark 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Matthew 10:9-14+ “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 “And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 “As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Luke 9:1-6+ - And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. 5 “And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Luke 10:4+ “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. JESUS SAYS "TRAVEL LIGHT!" Jesus is not sending His ambassadors on an adventure trip or a sightseeing tour, but a ministry trip. Kenneth Wuest on the difference in the Gospel accounts of what the disciples were to take with them - Both Matthew and Luke quote our Lord as forbidding the disciples to take a staff, and the former quotes Him as forbidding shoes, while Mark quotes Him as telling the disciples to take a staff and sandals. Robertson suggests that the difficulty probably is solved by the fact that the three Gospels speak of “two,” and that this applies to the staff and shoes or sandals. He quotes Gould: “In general, these directions are against luxury in equipment, and also against providing themselves with what they could procure from the hospitality of others.” (Borrow Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader) Hiebert explains it this way - According to Matthew 10:9–10, the disciples were not to get, or “acquire,” a staff, not to go to the trouble of providing a new one. This explanation, which is strictly grammatical, removes the supposed contradiction between Mark and the other synoptics. This pertains also to the sandals; no new ones were to be procured....According to Matthew, they were instructed not to procure a new or extra pair of shoes. NET Note - Neither Matt 10:9–10 nor Luke 9:3 allow for a staff. It might be that Matthew and Luke mean not taking an extra staff, or that the expression is merely rhetorical for "traveling light," which has been rendered in two slightly different ways. And He instructed them - Instructed is translated commanded in KJV, which is not a bad rendering for the verb paragello is a strong verb. It is more than a suggestion but conveys what is necessary to be done and was used in secular Greek for a physician giving a prescription for something that was necessary for the person's health. In some secular contexts, paragello was used like our modern subpoena and and to disregard it made a person liable to severe punishment. It was used as a military term in which the soldier was bound to obey the orders of his superior (good picture of disciples going out to give the Gospel, the ultimate warfare, spiritual warfare!). The main idea is that of binding the hearer or recipient in a way that they make the proper response to the charge or instruction. This background helps us understand the sense of Jesus' words in this section as He sends the twelve out into the spiritually dark world. They needed to obey His instructions. Instructed (3853)(paraggello or parangello from para = beside, alongside, near by, at the side of + aggelos = messenger, angello/aggello = to announce) means to hand on or pass on an announcement from one to another who is at one's side, such as to what must be done, usually with the idea of a command or charge. As noted above Paraggello often was used in the context of a military command and demanded that the subordinate obey the order from the superior and required unhesitating and unqualified obedience. (cp Lk 5:14, 8:29, Lk 9:21KJV, Acts 1:4, 4:18; 5:28KJV; Acts 15:5KJV; 1Th 4:11). It is like a mandate (an authoritative command) or a call to obedience from one in authority. In other contexts the main idea was that the announcement was in the form of an instruction (cp Lk 8:56, 1Cor 7:10, 11:17). Instruction can simply represent the impartation of knowledge as to how something should be done, but when this English word translates paraggello, it indicates directions calling for compliance. Jesus wanted them to be adequately supplied, but not to the point of ceasing to live by faith. --Warren Wiersbe That they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff - Luke 9:3+ seems to contradict Mark having “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff" (See discussion below). The staff was a common walking stick, and was used by most ancient travelers.The mention of except a mere staff reminds one of the accoutrements of Moses as he was preparing for spiritual battle with Pharaoh and the spiritual forces that he would encounter, God telling him "you shall take in your hand this staff with which you shall perform the signs." (Ex 4:17+), "So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand." (Ex 4:20+) THOUGHT - Of course the purpose of the staff for the disciples was not the same as it was for Moses, but it is nevertheless an interesting parallel for both were sent by God and both were entering the spiritual battle of a lifetime. When God uses a man, He does not need anything but the man. Wholly His instrument, holy, set apart, useful to Him and prepared for every good work (2 Ti 2:21+). Are you that man or woman? If He calls and commands, then go, for you will be entering into the adventure of a lifetime. Today we go not with dependence on a staff, but in complete dependence on the supernatural power of God's grace (1 Cor 15:10+) and the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 1:8+, cf Col 1:29+), Who gives us everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Pe 1:3+) to accomplish the will of our Father (Jn 4:34+). NET Note on staff - Mark 6:8 allows one staff (Mt 10:9 says "a staff"). It might be that Matthew's summary (cf. Luke 9:3+ = “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff,") means not taking an extra staff or that the expression is merely rhetorical for "traveling light" which has been rendered in two slightly different ways. (See more below) No bread, no bag, no money in their belt - No money in their belt is is literally “no copper into the girdle." Expositors writes that "no mention of gold or silver, brass the only money the poor missionaries were likely to handle.” The bag (pera) was "a leather pouch used by travelers." (BDAG), a sack with a strap, used by travelers for carrying food provisions Daniel Hill - The prohibition against carrying a bag is interesting in that normally the word was used for a bread bag. Common in the ancient world. But the Lord already said, no bread, making the prohibition against a bag for the bread redundant. But the bread bag was also used by beggars to hold out like the tin cup, so this prohibition is against going about begging. In all this the lord is going to teach the disciples that He can care for them even when He is not with them. This is one way to teach Christ centered dependency. There are many ways the Lord will use to get believers to realize that they can depend upon Him. Sometimes He may send us out with nothing and we will see that "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6+) These disciples would learn what we must also learn, that even though absent, the Lord provides for us. And we can depend upon Him. (Mark Commentary) Hiebert - the three items form a climax: no food, no bag for carrying any provisions for the trip, no money to buy necessities on the trip. The wallet was the common leather traveler’s bag, generally thrown over the shoulder while walking. It has been suggested that the term here denotes the beggar’s bag, used for collecting alms. Such a bag was a part of the equipment of an itinerant Cynic preacher. This would mean that they were not to go around collecting money, either for their own support or for their Master. But there is no evidence that Jesus or His disciples ever traveled as mendicants.