And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
This verse demonstrates extraordinary faith expressed through determined, creative action. The paralyzed man's friends, unable to access Jesus through the crowded doorway, climbed onto the flat roof and broke through the mud-and-thatch construction to lower their friend before Christ. The Greek word ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan, 'uncovered') and ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes, 'dug through') indicate vigorous, disruptive action. Their faith overcame social barriers (interrupting Jesus' teaching), practical obstacles (a crowded house), and physical limitations (rooftop access, removal of roofing materials). Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith is active, persevering, and focused on bringing people to Christ. This narrative illustrates corporate faith—the paralytic's healing resulted from his friends' faith (v. 5), demonstrating the communal nature of faith and the privilege of interceding for those spiritually paralyzed by sin.
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian homes typically featured flat roofs accessible by outside stairs, constructed with wooden beams covered by branches, mud, and thatch. Roofs served as living spaces for rest and prayer. Breaking through would have created significant disruption—debris falling on those below, damage to property, and social impropriety. The homeowner was likely a wealthy Capernaum resident hosting Jesus. This account is unique to Mark's Gospel (Matthew and Luke omit the roof-breaking details), reflecting Mark's characteristic vivid storytelling, likely derived from Peter's eyewitness account.
Questions for Reflection
What obstacles—social, practical, or personal—prevent you from bringing people to Jesus, and how might creative faith overcome them?
How does the friends' persistent faith challenge passive or individualistic approaches to evangelism and discipleship?
In what ways can you demonstrate active, persevering faith on behalf of those spiritually paralyzed in your life?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse demonstrates extraordinary faith expressed through determined, creative action. The paralyzed man's friends, unable to access Jesus through the crowded doorway, climbed onto the flat roof and broke through the mud-and-thatch construction to lower their friend before Christ. The Greek word ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan, 'uncovered') and ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes, 'dug through') indicate vigorous, disruptive action. Their faith overcame social barriers (interrupting Jesus' teaching), practical obstacles (a crowded house), and physical limitations (rooftop access, removal of roofing materials). Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith is active, persevering, and focused on bringing people to Christ. This narrative illustrates corporate faith—the paralytic's healing resulted from his friends' faith (v. 5), demonstrating the communal nature of faith and the privilege of interceding for those spiritually paralyzed by sin.