Bible Commentary

Mark 9:39

The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:39

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

But Jesus said, Forbid him not. It is as though our Lord said, "Do not forbid him; do not hinder him from a good work—a work which does honor to me and to my cause; because, although he does not actually follow me as you do, he is nevertheless engaged in the same cause; he is celebrating my Name by the casting out of evil spirits.

Therefore he is not opposing my Name; on the contrary, he is publishing and recommending it." Here is a warning against that exclusive spirit, which is eager for its own ends rather than for Christ's glory, and would limit the exercise of his gifts and graces to its own system or school, instead of inquiring whether those whom it condemns are not working in Christ's name and for the promotion of his glory, although it may be allowable to think that in some instances they might find a more excellent way.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:1-50EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Mark 9:30-40The time of Christ's suffering drew nigh. Had he been delivered into the hands of devils, and they had done this, it had not been so strange; but that men should thus shamefully treat the Son of man, who came to redeem…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Apostles ReprovedTHE APOSTLES REPROVED. Here, I. Christ foretels his own approaching sufferings. He passed through Galilee with more expedition than usual, and would not that any man should know of it (Mark 9:30); because he had done ma…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-41Parallel passage: Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50. Rebuke of sectarian narrowness. I. THE KEY-NOTE OF THE PASSAGE. The sentence which appears to furnish the key to the understanding of this instructive and interesting passage is c…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Stumbling-blocks. The same spirit which had led to the disputing as to "who was the greatest," had prompted the forbidding of one who, in Jesus' Name, was "casting out devils." The only reason assigned for the authorita…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Marked sins. There are some sins which are singled out for peculiar denunciation by the Spirit and Word of Christ. They are extremely opposed to the ends and purport of the kingdom. I. INTOLERANCE. That is, the hinderin…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-41The judgment of charity. It is clear, from this passage, that the influence of our Lord Jesus was wider than was known by his own immediate friends, and that his work was, even during his lifetime, advancing in directio…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-42The comprehensiveness of Christ's service. The connection with what preceded is to be sought in John's keen sense of having transgressed the spirit of the beautiful words just uttered. Christ Would acknowledge all who p…Joseph S. Exell and contributors