Mark 1:21 - They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

Generated Verse: Mark 1:21

What does "Mark 1:21" mean?


This verse, Mark 1:21, is a simple but important statement setting the scene for Jesus' ministry in Capernaum. Let's break it down:

"They went into Capernaum..." "They" refers to Jesus and his first disciples, likely Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John, whom he had just called to follow him. Capernaum was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It becomes a kind of "home base" for Jesus during his ministry.

"...and immediately on the Sabbath day..." This highlights the fact that they arrived in Capernaum and, without delay, observed the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It was a key part of Jewish law and tradition.

"...he entered into the synagogue..." The synagogue was the local Jewish house of worship and community gathering place. This shows that Jesus respected Jewish traditions and went to the appropriate place for religious observance.

"...and taught." This is the crucial point. Jesus didn't just attend the synagogue; he actively taught. This indicates that he was sharing his own understanding of scripture and his own message with the people. This marks the beginning of his public ministry of teaching and preaching.

In summary, the verse signifies:

The beginning of Jesus' public ministry in Capernaum. This is the first recorded act of teaching by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
Jesus' observance of Jewish tradition. He respected the Sabbath and worshipped in the synagogue.
Jesus' authority as a teacher. He didn't just passively listen; he actively shared his own message.

The following verses (Mark 1:22-28) will describe the impact of his teaching and the astonishment of the people, further highlighting the significance of this initial act in the synagogue. The way he taught and the power of his words were unlike anything they had heard before.

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