Mark 1:39

King James Version (KJV)

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

And he preached - He continued preaching - Ην κηρυσσων : this is the proper meaning of the words: he never slackened his pace - he continued proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation to all - there was no time to be lost - immortal souls were perishing for lack of knowledge; and the grand adversary was prowling about, seeking whom he might devour. This zealous, affectionate, and persevering diligence of Christ should be copied by all his servants in the ministry; it is not less necessary now than it was then. Thousands, thousands of Christians, so called, are perishing for lack of knowledge. O God, send forth more and more faithful laborers into thy vineyard!

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

And he preached in their synagogues - See Matthew 4:23.

All Galilee - See Matthew 1:22.

And cast out devils - See Matthew 4:24.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hinderances, may expect the Saviour's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows, and abate their pains. Observe how numerous the patients were. When others speed well with Christ, it should quicken us in seeking after him. Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired. Those who have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must yet sometimes be alone with God.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

39. He preached. Thus opens Mark’s account of the first missionary tour of Galilee, begun, probably, in the early summer of a.d. 29 (see MB 2, 3; see Additional Note on Luke 4). In his writings Josephus names upward of 200 towns and villages in Galilee, and these afforded ample opportunity for an extensive and protracted campaign away from the larger cities clustered along the western shore of the Lake of Galilee. As with the early Judean ministry, concerning which the synoptic writers say little if anything, it is probable that the first missionary tour was more extensive and continued over a longer period of time than the brief attention given it would tend to indicate (see on Mark 2:1). Mark records only one specific incident on the first tour (ch. 1:40-45), but his summary of the results of the tour (v. 45) points to a successful period of ministry covering several weeks, and perhaps as much as two or three months.

In their synagogues. See pp. 56, 57. As a popular visiting rabbi Jesus would be asked to participate in the services and to speak, as at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-27) and at Capernaum (Mark 1:21, 22).

Throughout all Galilee. Matthew (ch. 4:23-25) speaks more at length of the extent and influence of the first missionary tour.

Altogether Jesus conducted three missionary tours in Galilee between the Passover of a.d. and that of a.d. 30, the period of the Galilean ministry (see The Ministry of Our Lord). On the first tour it is uncertain whether Jesus had as companions more than the four disciples whom He had recently called by the Lake of Galilee (see Mark 1:16-20). They are the only ones specifically named as being with Jesus the day before His departure from Capernaum (v. 29). Others may have begun to follow Him during the course of the first tour, as the formal appointment of the Twelve took place before the beginning of the second tour (ch. 3:13-19).

On this first tour Christ proclaimed the imminent establishment of the “kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43), which was basic to all of His later teaching.

Caiaphas. See on Luke 3:2.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

In their synagogues. See pp. 56, 57. As a popular visiting rabbi Jesus would be asked to participate in the services and to speak, as at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-27) and at Capernaum (Mark 1:21, 22).

Throughout all Galilee. Matthew (ch. 4:23-25) speaks more at length of the extent and influence of the first missionary tour.

On this first tour Christ proclaimed the imminent establishment of the “kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43), which was basic to all of His later teaching.

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Ellen G. White
The Desire of Ages, 260

Early in the morning, Peter and his companions came to Jesus, saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him. The disciples had been bitterly disappointed at the reception which Christ had met hitherto. The authorities at Jerusalem were seeking to murder Him; even His own townsmen had tried to take His life; but at Capernaum He was welcomed with joyful enthusiasm, and the hopes of the disciples kindled anew. It might be that among the liberty-loving Galileans were to be found the supporters of the new kingdom. But with surprise they heard Christ's words, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.” DA 260.1

In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work. DA 260.2

And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirit. In His life no self-assertion mingled. The homage which the world gives to position, or wealth, or talent, was foreign to the Son of man. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use. Centuries before His birth, it had been prophesied of Him, “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth.” Isaiah 42:2-4, margin. DA 260.3

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Ellen G. White
The Ministry of Healing, 30-1

Early in the morning Peter and his companions came to Jesus, saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him. With surprise they heard Christ's words, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.” Luke 4:43. MH 30.1

In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder-worker or as a healer of physical disease. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work. MH 31.1

And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirits. No self-assertion mingled with His life. The homage which the world gives to position, wealth, or talent was foreign to the Son of man. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use. Centuries before His birth it had been prophesied of Him, “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isaiah 42:2, 3, margin. MH 31.2

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Cross References

preached

and cast

Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Journey to Jerusalem

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Mark 1:39