Mark:5

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* Verse 1-20 - Some openly wilful sinners are like this madman . The commands of the law are as chains and fetters , to restrain sinners from their wicked courses ; but they break those bands in sunder ; and it is an evidence of the power of the devil in them . A legion of soldiers consisted of six thousand men , or more . What multitudes of fallen spirits there must be , and all enemies to God and man , when here was a legion in one poor wretched creature ! Many there are that rise up against us . We are not a match for our spiritual enemies , in our own strength ; but in the Lord , and in the power of his might , we shall be able to stand against them , though there are legions of them . When the vilest transgressor is delivered by the power of Jesus from the bondage of Satan , he will gladly sit at the feet of his Deliverer , and hear his word , who delivers the wretched slaves of Satan , and numbers them among his saints and servants . When the people found that their swine were lost , they had a dislike to Christ . Long-suffering and mercy may be seen , even in the corrections by which men lose their property while their lives are saved , and warning given them to seek the salvation of their souls . The man joyfully proclaimed what great things Jesus had done for him . All men marvelled , but few followed him . Many who cannot but wonder at the works of Christ , yet do not , as they ought , wonder after him . * Verse 21-34 - A despised gospel will go where it will be better received . One of the rulers of a synagogue earnestly besought Christ for a little daughter , about twelve years old , who was dying . Another cure was wrought by the way . We should do good , not only when in the house , but when we walk by the way , Deuteronomy strkjv @6:7 . It is common with people not to apply to Christ till they have tried in vain all other helpers , and find them , as certainly they will , physicians of no value . Some run to diversions and gay company ; others plunge into business , or even into intemperance ; others go about to establish their own righteousness , or torment themselves by vain superstitions . Many perish in these ways ; but none will ever find rest to the soul by such devices ; while those whom Christ heals of the disease of sin , find in themselves an entire change for the better . As secret acts of sin , so secret acts of faith , are known to the Lord Jesus . The woman told all the truth . It is the will of Christ that his people should be comforted , and he has power to command comfort to troubled spirits . The more simply we depend on Him , and expect great things from him , the more we shall find in ourselves that he is become our salvation . Those who , by faith , are healed of their spiritual diseases , have reason to go in peace . * Verse 35-43 - We may suppose Jairus hesitating whether he should ask Christ to go on or not , when told that his daughter was dead . But have we not as much occasion for the grace of God , and the comfort of his Spirit , for the prayers of our ministers and Christian friends , when death is in the house , as when sickness is there ? Faith is the only remedy against grief and fear at such a time . Believe the resurrection , then fear not . He raised the dead child to life by a word of power . Such is the gospel call to those who are by nature dead in trespasses and sins . It is by the word of Christ that spiritual life is given . All who saw it , and heard of it , admired the miracle , and Him that wrought it . Though we cannot now expect to have our dead children or relatives restored , we may hope to find comfort under our trials . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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