Commentaries:
<< Mark 11:31 Mark 11:33 >>
Mark 11:32
Mark 11:32 provides insight as to how the people perceived John. Clearly, the common people considered him a prophet, and indeed, he was. This also shows that the highest Jewish authorities were fully aware of his reputation as a prophet and feared it. We can begin to see that in many respects the magnitude of John's work was similar to Jesus'.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Elijah and John the BaptistRelated Topics: Elijah as Type of John the Baptist | Greatness of John the Baptist | John as Much More Than a Prophet | John the Baptist | John the Baptist as Elijah | Magnitude of John the Baptist's Work
Mark 11:32
The highest Jewish authorities—the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders—were fully aware of John's reputation as a prophet, and they feared it. These men, who were accustomed to the use of power and authority within a nation, would not fear something they did not respect, and they would not respect a wild crazy man. When John talked, people listened. They had something to lose by yielding to his preaching, and so they would not repent.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Two)Related Topics: Greatness of John the Baptist | Influence of John the Baptist | Jewish Authorities afraid of John the Baptist | John the Baptist | John the Baptist as Prophet | Prophet, Function of | Refusal to Repent | Repentance
<< Mark 11:31 Mark 11:33 >>
Join 135,000+ readers
A Verse and a Thought, Every Morning
The Berean delivers one scripture and a short, insightful commentary to your inbox each day — a starting point for reflection and study.