FocusUnbelief and sending
Connection to the wholeRejection in Jesus' own country is followed by the disciples' mission, showing that opposition does not end the work.
interpretation Mark 6:7
KJVAnd he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Read it in context
Rejection and the twelve's mission
Start reading at Mark 6:1 (Mark 6:1 to Mark 6:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Rejection in Jesus' own country is followed by the disciples' mission, showing that opposition does not end the work.
- 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
- 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
- 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
- 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
- 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
- 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
- 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
- 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
- 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
- 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
- 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
- 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
- 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 6:1–6:56): Jesus teaches in His own country and sends out the twelve. Herod and John's death are recounted; the apostles and crowds appear in the feeding and sea-crossing accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Rejection and the twelve's mission. Read Mark 6:1 through Mark 6:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Rejection in Jesus' own country is followed by the disciples' mission, showing that opposition does not end the work. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Rejection and the twelve's mission (Mark 6:1 to Mark 6:13). Start reading at Mark 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 6:1, Mark 6:13, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- the twelve Mark 3:13-14 Matt 10:1-4 Luke 6:13-16 Luke 9:1-6 Luke 10:3-12
- two and Exod 4:14-15 Eccl 4:9-10 Rev 11:3
- power Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17-20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 6
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
John's death recalled
Mark 6:14–29FocusThe cost of speaking truth
Connection to the wholeHerod's response to reports about Jesus introduces the account of John's death and the dangers confronting God's messengers.
interpretation The crowd is fed
Mark 6:30–44FocusCompassion and provision
Connection to the wholeJesus receives the returning apostles, teaches the crowd, and provides food through the disciples despite their limited resources.
interpretation The crossing and further healing
Mark 6:45–56FocusIncomplete understanding
Connection to the wholeJesus' coming across the water exposes the disciples' lack of understanding, while people on shore continue to seek His help.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.