Mark 8:22-26
Summary for Mark 8:22-26: 8:22-26 a Earlier, Jesus and the disciples set out unsuccessfully for Bethsaida (6:45 b); here, they arrive, and Jesus heals a blind man. Only Mark has this two-part healing; it might connect with the opening of the disciples’ spiritual eyes in the next account (8:27-38 c).• John 1:44 d identifies Bethsaida as the home of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (see also John 12:21 e). This small fishing village, although technically part of Gaulanitis, was generally considered part of Galilee (John 12:21 f). It was relocated and given status as a city by Philip the Tetrarch (Josephus, Antiquities 18.2.1).
8:23 g spitting on the man’s eyes: See 7:33 h; cp. John 9:6-7 i. Attempts to diagnose the man’s exact medical condition are speculative and unprofitable, diverting attention from the miracle.
Summary for Mark 8:24-25: 8:24-25 j The healing was not instantaneous—the man saw imperfectly at first. Jesus’ second laying on of hands brought complete healing. Who is this man who stills the sea and heals the blind? Peter reveals this in the next account—he is the Messiah (8:29 k).
8:26 l The story ends with Jesus telling the healed man to keep the event a secret (see 3:11-12 m).
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