Mark 4:40
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 4:40
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Chapter Context
Mark 4 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, hope. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-41: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 4:40
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Analysis
He said Why are ye so fearful how is it ye have no faith. Why ti interrogative. So fearful deiloi cowardly timid. How is it pōs. Ye have no faith ouk echete pistin lacking trust confidence. Question exposes disciples lack of faith despite presence of Christ. Storm caused fear despite Jesus presence. Faith and fear incompatible. Fear reveals unbelief. True faith rests in Christ character power despite circumstances. Disciples had Jesus Himself in boat yet feared. Reformed theology emphasizes faith as gift from God not self-generated. Saving faith trusts Christ completely His power presence goodness. Lack of faith dishonors God suggests He cannot or will not care for His own.
Historical Context
Disciples were experienced fishermen knew storms this one threatened their lives. Yet they had Jesus with them. Peter later walked on water storm (Matthew 14) then looked at waves began to sink. Circumstances overwhelming when focus shifts from Christ to situation. Early church faced persecution martyrdom required faith transcending circumstances. Polycarp at stake threatened with fire replied eternal fire threatened him he would not deny Christ. Faith looks beyond temporal suffering to eternal glory. Medieval martyrs reformers all demonstrated faith despite dire circumstances. Faith is not absence of fear but trust in God despite fear.
Reflection
- Why does Jesus rebuke disciples for fear when they were in genuine danger what does this teach about nature of faith?
- How does having Christ present in your storm change how you should respond to fearful circumstances?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8, Luke 8:25
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 42:3, 43:2