Mar 4:1, 6:47, Joh 6:21, Act 27:29, 43-44 | Barnes | STEP | MARK CHAPTER 4 Verses 1-9. See the parable of the sower . (w) "And he began again"

Mark 4:1

MARK CHAPTER 4

Verses 1-9. See the parable of the sower Mt 13:1-9.

(w) "And he began again" Mt 13:1, Lk 8:4

Mark 6:47

John 6:21

Verse 21. Immediately. Quickly. Before a long time. How far they were from the land we know not, but there is no evidence that there was a miracle in the case. The word translated immediately does not of necessity imply that there was no interval of time, but that there was not a long interval. Thus in Mt 13:5, in the parable of the sower, "and forthwith (the same word in Greek) they sprung up," &c., Mk 4:17, Mt 24:29, 3Jn 1:14.

Acts 27:29

Verse 29. They cast four anchors. On account of the violence of the storm and waves, to make if possible the ship secure.

And wished for the day. To discern more accurately their situation and danger.

(l) "wished for the day" Ps 130:6

Acts 27:43-44

Verse 43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul. He had at first been disposed to treat Paul with kindness, Acts 27:3. And his conduct on board the ship; the wisdom of his advice, Acts 27:10; the prudence of his conduct in the agitation and danger of the tempest; and not improbably the belief that he was under the Divine protection and blessing, disposed him to spare his life.

Kept them from their purpose. Thus, for the sake of this one righteous man, the lives of all were spared. The instance here shows,

(1.) that it is possible for a pious man, like Paul, so to conduct in the various trying scenes of life--the agitations, difficulties, and temptations of this world--as to conciliate the favour of the men of this world; and,

(2.) that important benefits often result to sinners from the righteous. Paul's being on board was the means of saving the lives of many prisoners; and God often confers important blessings on the wicked for the sake of the pious relatives, friends, and neighbours with whom they are connected. Ten righteous men would have saved Sodom, Gen 18:32; and Christians are in more ways than one the salt of the earth, and light of the world, Mt 5:13,14. It is a privilege to be related to the friends of God--to be the children of pious parents, or to be connected with pious partners in life. It is a privilege to be connected with the friends of God in business, or to dwell near them, or to be associated with them in the various walks and dangers of life. The streams of blessings which flow to fertilize their lands, flow also to bless others; the dews of heaven which descend on their habitations, descend on all around; and the God which crowns them with loving-kindness, often fills the abodes of their neighbours and friends with the blessings of peace and salvation.

And commanded. Probably they were released from their chains.

(e) "save Paul" 2Cor 11:25 Verse 44. And the rest. Those who could not swim.

They escaped all safe to land. According to the promise which was made to Paul, Acts 27:22. This was done by the special Providence of God. It was a remarkable instance of Divine interposition to save so many through so long-continued dangers; and it shows that God can defend in any perils, and can accomplish all his purposes. On the ocean or the land, we are safe in his keeping; and he can devise ways that shall fulfil all his purposes, and that can protect his people from danger.

(a) "so it came to pass" Acts 27:22, Ps 107:28-30.