Mark 7:15
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Mark 7:15
15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Chapter Context
Mark 7 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, wisdom. 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 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 7:15
15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Analysis
Nothing from outside entering defiles but things coming out defile. Revolutionary teaching challenges ceremonial purity laws. External ritual cannot make spiritually clean. Defilement is internal moral not external physical. Heart is source of sin not diet. Jesus fulfilled ceremonial law showed its purpose pointing to greater reality. Reformed theology sees fulfillment of ceremonial law in Christ. Moral law continues ceremonial shadows fulfilled.
Historical Context
Jewish purity laws distinguished clean unclean foods. Jesus declares all foods clean (v. 19). Fulfills prepares for Gentile mission. Peter vision Acts 10 applies this principle. Early church Council Jerusalem (Acts 15) decided Gentiles not bound by Jewish food laws. This was revolutionary. Paul fought Judaizers who wanted to impose Torah on Gentiles. Reformation recovered Christian freedom from ceremonial law while maintaining moral law.
Reflection
- What does source of defilement being internal not external teach about nature of sin holiness?
- How does Jesus teaching on clean unclean prepare for gospel going to Gentiles?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 12:34, 15:16, Acts 10:28, Romans 14:17, 1 Corinthians 10:25