Mar 1:21-22 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mark 1:21-28: 1:21-28 Jesus’ exorcisms reveal Jesus’ identity and his power over Satan (see study notes on Mark 1:12-13 and 3:27; see also 1:34 , 39 ; 3:11-12 , 22 ; 5:1-20 ; 6:13 ; 7:24-30 ; 9:14-29 ). 1:21 Mark introduces his first account of an exorcism with Jesus and his companions going into the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue suggests that he already had a reputation as a teacher and was therefore invited to speak (cp. Acts 13:15 ).

Summary for Mark 1:21-28: 1:21-28 ^a Jesus’ exorcisms reveal Jesus’ identity and his power over Satan (see study notes on Mark 1:12-13 and 3:27; see also 1:34 ^b, 39 ^c; 3:11-12 ^d, 22 ^e; 5:1-20 ^f; 6:13 ^g; 7:24-30 ^h; 9:14-29 ⁱ). 1:21 ^j Mark introduces his first account of an exorcism with Jesus and his companions going into the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue suggests that he already had a reputation as a teacher and was therefore invited to speak (cp. Acts 13:15 ^k).
1:22 ^l The teachers of religious law were professional scribes—scholars who taught, copied, and interpreted Jewish law for the people. They were primarily associated with the Pharisees. The scribes’ authority was derived from quoting other scribes (cp. Matt 5:21-48 ^m). Jesus’ teaching caused amazement because he spoke and acted with real authority (see Mark 1:27 ⁿ; 5:20 ^o; 6:2 ^p; 7:37 ^q; 10:24-32 ^r; 11:18 ^s; 15:5 ^t).