Mark 2:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.

NIV: They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

NASB: And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer space, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.

CSB: So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them.

NLT: Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them,

KJV: And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

NKJV: Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.

Houses in ancient Israel were typically two or three stories tall. The ground level was reserved for animals and working space. The second was living area. Sons often built onto their parents' house to make their own family's quarters, which explains why Andrew and Peter still lived together.

Again, the house in Capernaum, possibly Andrew and Peter's, is filled to overflowing with people who want to see Jesus (Mark 1:32–34). It's unclear where exactly the crowd has gathered, but there are so many people there isn't even room at the door. We do know there is only the tile roof above them.

This time, the people are letting Jesus speak as well as heal (Luke 5:17). Mark says He is preaching the "word." The Greek root translated as "word" is logos, which is a major theme of the first chapter of the gospel of John. Logos has a complicated definition, combining not only speech, principle, and thought, but also reason and the mindset of God. As such, logos is eternal truth that describes God's thoughts and point of view.

In John chapter 1, Jesus is called the logos. He was with God in the beginning and He is God. In John 1:5, logos is associated with life and light, as both light and truth reveal what is hidden. Creation was made through God's word in Genesis (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26) and likewise through Jesus in John (John 1:3). Jesus is this logos made flesh: the mind and intent of God sent down in human form, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). So, whether the people recognize it or not, by "preaching the word," Jesus is teaching them about Himself.

Though Jesus' message is consistent, Jesus is particularly ecumenical about where He teaches. In this passage, it's in a house. In Mark 1:21, He teaches in a synagogue. He also preaches in a boat (Mark 4:1), in desolate places (Mark 6:30–34), and the temple (Mark 12:35). Jesus models Deuteronomy 6:7 by discussing God's truth in all places and times.

Mark 2:1–12 records the first of five stories from the gospel of Mark which establish Jesus' claims to various spheres of authority. Jesus returns to Capernaum from His tour of Galilee, and the crowds regather. Here, Jesus declares that He has the power to forgive sins. A paralyzed man is brought into the crowded room through the roof. In response to the man's faith, Jesus declares his sins to be forgiven. When challenged by the scribes, Jesus proves His authority to forgive sins by healing the man. This event is also recorded in Matthew 9:2–8 and Luke 5:17–26.

Mark chapter 2 follows the typical style of Mark's gospel with a rapid succession of stories. Jesus heals a man who cannot walk, but only after declaring the man's sins to have been forgiven. Jesus then calls Levi, one of the publically-reviled tax collectors, as a disciple and is seen eating with those the Pharisees view as ''sinners.'' Jesus then answers a challenge about fasting and defends His disciples when they violate the Pharisees' views on keeping the Sabbath. All of these events are met with some resistance from Jesus' critics. He responds in each case with a spiritual, reasonable defense.

In Mark chapter 1, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist then led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit where He was tempted by Satan. He also taught and healed in Capernaum and throughout Galilee. In chapter 2, having returned to Capernaum, Jesus displays authority over four particular areas: the forgiveness of sins, social traditions, extra-biblical religious traditions, and the Sabbath. In response, the Pharisees—legalistic religious leaders—escalate their antagonism toward Him, culminating in a direct condemnation of His teachings. This sets the scene for Mark 3:6 when the religious and national leadership first get the idea to destroy Jesus.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.