Mark 1:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

NIV: As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

NASB: And immediately after they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

CSB: As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew's house with James and John.

NLT: After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.

KJV: And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

NKJV: Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Yet another used of "immediately" highlights a quick transition to the next scene in Mark's story. So far, the four men mentioned are the only disciples known by name (Mark 1:16–20). Simon Peter and Andrew share a house in Capernaum; Simon Peter is already married (Mark 1:30), but it was not uncommon in their culture for extended family to live together.

Archaeologists have found the ruins of a house in Capernaum that was converted to a meeting place. It's thought that this was the site of Simon Peter and Andrew's home, although there is no conclusive proof. The remains lie under the foundation of a hexagonal church built in the fifth century.

The emphasis, however, in this account is not on the house, but rather on what will take place in this house. What began as a home for two fisherman brothers and their families quickly becomes the center point of a movement. Andrew and Simon Peter couldn't have known what they were getting into when they accepted Jesus' call and invited Him into their home. Soon, they would be swamped with miracle-seekers and then expected to leave their home and spend much of their time traveling. Their days of a peaceful life on the lake are pretty much over.

Mark 1:21–45 opens a longer section describing the healing and preaching ministry of Jesus Christ. In this segment, Jesus impresses onlookers with His mastery of the Scriptures. He also amazes people with His authoritative style. During this teaching, Jesus heals a man afflicted with demonic possession. The resulting publicity brings a massive crowd to the home of Simon Peter, where Jesus is staying. Jesus heals Peters' mother-in-law of a fever, and cures a leper, before leaving the region to continue His ministry.

John the Baptist is introduced as a figure preparing the world for the arrival of the Messiah. John's baptism teaches people about their need for repentance. When Jesus arrives, and is baptized, it signals the coming of God's fulfillment and the need of people to recognize their Savior. Mark briefly notes Jesus' baptism, desert temptation, and the calling of the first four disciples. After this, Jesus begins teaching in the synagogue and performs miraculous healings which spread His fame around the region.

The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark sets the tone for the rest of the story. Mark's writing is concise, action-packed, and short on details. Within a few verses, Mark establishes the transition from the wilderness ministry of John the Baptist to the healing and preaching of Jesus Christ. This first chapter includes the calling of Jesus' earliest disciples, His early miracles, and His early teaching. This establishes the pattern shown throughout the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus mingles His teaching with miraculous signs.

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.