Chapter 4:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| McGee
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Matthew Luke
Mark 4
Concise Complete
The parable of the sower. (1-20) Other
parables. (21-34) Christ stills the tempest. (35-41)
Verses 1-20
This parable contained instruction so important, that all capable
of hearing were bound to attend to it. There are many things we
are concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths
of the gospel, how shall we learn those more difficult! It will
help us to value the privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ,
if we seriously consider the deplorable state of all who have not
such privileges. In the great field of the church, the word of
God is dispensed to all. Of the many that hear the word of the
gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are
much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no
abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon
the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to
receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the
fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many
continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell.
Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind
heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are
hindered from profiting by the word of God, by abundance of the
world. And those who have but little of the world, may yet be
ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from
those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces
daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to
the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become
good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in
our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus
Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Verses
21-34 These declarations were intended to call the attention
of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing
them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are
lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick,
that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed,
shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in
the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to
have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation.
It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the
full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward.
The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small
things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its
growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!
Verses
35-41 Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his
disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak,
and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the
troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let
us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb.
When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits
are in a tumult, if he say, "Peace, be still," there is
a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be
cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may
suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus
careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best
of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this
world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be
lost in sight.
Chapter 4:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| McGee
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Matthew Luke
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
