Quotes & Notes on:     Mark 9:39   

• John Wesley's Notes:
  Jesus said-Christ here gives us a lovely example of candour and moderation. He was willing to put the best construction on doubtful cases, and to treat as friends those who were not avowed enemies. Perhaps in this instance it was a means of conquering the remainder of prejudice, and perfecting what was wanting in the faith and obedience of these persons.
  
  Forbid him not-Neither directly nor indirectly discourage or hinder any man who brings sinners from the power of Satan to God, because he followeth not us, in opinions, modes of worship, or any thing else which does not affect the essence of religion.
   

• Reginald Fuller's Preaching the Lectionary:

   To be posted.
   

• Massey H. Shepherd, Jr., Interpreter's Commentary:

   To be posted.
  
   

• Donald Guthrie, The New Bible Commentary (Revised 1970):

   To be posted.
   

• David Guzik, Study Guide for Mark:
  To be posted.
   

• Catechism of the Catholic Church:
  To be posted.
   

• The Fourfold Gospel:

    Jesus shows that one who knows enough of him to use his power is not apt to dishonor him.
   

• Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

  * Forbid. Mr 10:13,14; Mt 13:28,29; Php 1:18
  * there. Mt 7:22,23; Ac 19:13-16; 1Co 9:27; 13:1,2
  * lightly. 1Co 12:3
   

• Robertson's Word Pictures:
    Forbid him not (mê kôluete). Stop hindering him (mê and the present-imperative) as John had been doing.
   

• William Burkitt's Notes:

  (No comment on this verse).
   

• Family Bible Notes:

  soon, that is, readily "speak evil of me.".
   

• 1599 Geneva Bible Notes:
  He not only receives me, but also him that sent me.
   

• People's New Testament Commentary:

  He neither praises nor blames him for following an independent course, and not working with his disciples. He simply declares that he must not be forbidden, and that those who work the same kind of work that we do should be regarded, not as enemies, but allies. Thousands, in every period of church history, have spent their lives in copying John's mistake. They have labored to stop every man who will not work for Christ in their way from working for Christ at all.--Ryle.
   

• Albert Barnes' Commentary:

  Forbid him not. Do not prevent his doing good. If he can work a miracle in my name, it is sufficient proof of attachment to me, and he should not be prevented.
  
  Can lightly speak evil of me. The word here rendered lightly, means quickly, or immediately. The meaning of the passage is, that he to whom God gave the power of working a miracle, by that gave evidence that he could not soon be found among the enemies of Jesus. He ought not, therefore, to be prevented from doing it. There is no reason to think, here, that John had any improper designs in opposing the man. He thought that it was evidence that he could not be right, because he did not Join them and follow the Saviour. Our Lord thought differently. He opposed no one who gave evidence that he loved him. Wherever he might be, or whatever his work, yet, if he did it in the name of Jesus, and with the approbation of God, it was evidence sufficient that he was right. Christians should rejoice in good done by their brethren of any denomination. There are men calling themselves Christians who seem to look with doubt and suspicion on all that is done by those who do not walk with them. They undervalue their labours, attempt to lessen the evidences of their success, and to diminish their influence. True likeness to the Saviour would lead us to rejoice in all the good accomplished, by whomsoever it may be done; and to rejoice that the kingdom of Christ is advanced, whether by a Presbyterian, an Episcopalian, a Baptist, or a Methodist. Compare Php 1:18.
   

• Jamieson-Faussett Brown:

  Whosoever shall receive one of such children--so manifesting the spirit unconsciously displayed by this child.
  
  in my name--from love to Me.
   

• Spurgeon Devotional Commentary:

  (No comment on this verse).
   

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

   If you meet him again, let him go on quietly in the work in which God owns him. If he were not of God, the demons would not be subject to him, and his work could not prosper. A spirit of bigotry has little countenance from these passages. There are some who are so outrageously wedded to their own creed, and religious system, that they would rather let sinners perish than suffer those who differ from them to become the instruments of their salvation. Even the good that is done they either deny or suspect, because the person does not follow them. This also is vanity and an evil disease.

   

• Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:

   (No comment on this verse).