S – Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38–39 CSB

O – Commentary:

Peter instructs the people how to call on the Lord’s name (2:21): be baptized in Jesus’ name. Because baptism was a sign of conversion to Judaism normally reserved for pagans, Peter’s demand would offend his Jewish hearers and cost them respectability. He calls for a public, radical testimony of conversion, not a private, noncommittal request for salvation with no conditions. “In the name of Jesus Christ” distinguishes this sort of baptism, requiring faith in Christ, from other ancient baptisms; this phrase simply means that the person being baptized confesses Christ. 

“Repentence” –In the *New Testament, this term does not merely mean “change of mind” (as some have gathered from the Greek term); it reflects the *Old Testament and Jewish concept of “turning around” or “turning away” from sin. Jewish people were to repent whenever they sinned; the New Testament uses the term especially for the once-for-all kind of turning that a *Gentile would undergo when converting to Judaism or any sinner would undergo when becoming a follower of Jesus.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Jesus taught the Jewish people of a new way that moved from the Levitical laws and into a personal relationship with God.  His death and resurrection were key to the transition. But this is where the biggest step happened – the disciples and followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and shared the gospel.  When this happened, God’s plan of relationship with all people was now a possibility.  Since then till Jesus comes back, people can repent in the name of Jesus, be forgiven of their sins and accept Christ.

R- Heavenly Father, you are one with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for your love for us that all three entities embrace us in relationship.  You are perfect and holy.  Forgive us of our sins.  We receive your forgiveness and love.

S – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 CSB

O – Commentary:

This key verse outlines the geographical extension of the Good News from its Jewish starting point in Jerusalem and Judea (1:6–8:1), out to Samaria (8:4–25), Antioch in Syria (11:19–30), and eventually throughout the Mediterranean world to Rome (13:1–28:31). Christ later gave a similar call to be his witnesses … to the ends of the earth to Saul of Tarsus (9:15), who had persecuted the Jewish Christians and then became the primary instrument for taking the Good News to the Gentiles. • The Holy Spirit was the source of power for all this evangelistic and missionary effort

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – The Holy Spirit is our source of power to do the work that God calls us to do.  When we do it in our own strength and intellect, we can be effective.  Yet, we will cap out in our own ability and understanding.  When we invite the Holy Spirit to be our source, he is unlimited in all things.  We can approach each situation and environment knowing we are unlimited in our possibilities.

R – Heavenly Father, you know no limits.  We invite the Holy Spirit to be part of our day today.  We ask the Spirit for wisdom, discernment, courage, counsel, knowledge and a holy fear of you.  As we walk in these, help us to share your gospel in a way that empowers others to take a step closer to you.

S – But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’

Mark 16:7 CSB

O – Commentary:

The women were given a task. They were to go and tell Jesus’ disciples that they would be reunited with Him in Galilee. The words and Peter, unique to Mark, are significant since much of Mark’s material likely came from Peter. He was singled out not because of his preeminence among the disciples but because he was forgiven and still included in the Eleven despite his triple denial (cf. 14:66–72).

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We have all done things we regret.  Peter, after boasting that he was ready to die with Christ, denied him three times.  Even he was forgiven of his sin.  Recognizing God will forgive anything when we ask him gives us a wonderful freedom.  We should not live without thinking of consequences.  We should live boldly with humility and faith knowing that we have God’s love even when we fall short.

R – Heavenly Father, you are perfect and holy.  Embolden us to live courageously and in faith.  As we make mistakes and sin, please forgive us.  As we mature, this gives us confidence that you are for us in all situations.

S – When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Mark 15:39 CSB

O – Commentary:

Roman officials or officers often delegated missions like this execution to centurions, who would take a small detachment of soldiers. Because Romans viewed the reigning emperor as a son of the deified Augustus, the centurion might be recognizing Jesus not only as “king of the Jews” (15:26) but also as a rival to even the emperor. But a non-Jew might use a phrase like “son of God” also with reference to a pious philosopher or, more commonly, a hero whose father was a deity. In Mark’s Gospel, of course, “*Son of God” means much more than that (14:61). Whatever the specific nuance intended, however, Mark’s irony (cf. 15:29–32) is plain enough: only a Gentile is explicitly impressed by Jesus’ death

 The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – All through this chapter, Pilate and the soldiers referred to Jesus as the King of the Jews.  This was the only time a Gentile referred to him as the “Son of God.”  It took someone out of the religous realm to recognize he was God.  The presence and character of God does that.  Even those not following God can recognize it.  Sadly, those “who should know God” can miss it.  We need to keep our hearts in a posture of seeking the one, true God genuinely and earnestly.

R – Heavenly Father, you are all powerful and present.  Please empower us to seek you genuinely.  We don’t to miss anything because of fear or misunderstanding.  We want to know you intimately.  We step towards you and invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things today.

S – She has done what she could; she has anointed my body in advance for burial. ⁹ Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” 

¹⁰ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them

Mark 14:8–10 CSB

O – Commentary:

In Jewish tradition kings (including, by definition, the *Messiah, or “anointed one”), priests and others had to be anointed for service; one anointed even honored guests. But Jesus here stresses a different kind of anointing, which the woman undoubtedly had not intended: anointing a body for burial. Long-necked flasks appear in many first-century tombs near Jerusalem, suggesting that others lavished such expensive ointments on their deceased loved ones. This woman’s act of love was the only anointing Jesus would receive (16:1).

14:9. This commemoration does not mean that every individual would know about her; similar *hyperbole appears for writers or heroes whose memories would be preserved in epics by or about them.

14:10–11. Betrayal by a *disciple would shame the teacher, and would be seen as an especially heinous violation of trust. Judas could easily find contacts for the chief priests, although they would not have been accessible to him had his mission been less in line with their plans. His mercenary motives would have appeared as vile to ancient readers as they do to us, and they contrast with the behavior of the unnamed woman of 14:1–9

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Two people who will go down in history and remembered for their actions on the same night.  One brought honor to the Messiah and prepared him for his death.  The other brought shame and sent him to his death.  Both had direct access to Jesus and their impact was historical.  We also have access to Christ and will make an impact…what will it look like?  How will it be remembered?

R – Heavenly Father, you are God.  We want to know you more intimately so we can share your character and love others.  We want to make an impact in the lives of others that draw them to you.  Our legacy is not our fame but the lives that were changed in relationship with you.

 S – But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to local courts,^, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them. ¹⁰ And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations

Mark 13:9–10 CSB

O – Commentary:

The second watch out! warns of persecution that was to come upon Christians (see 6:11; 8:34–38; 10:30; see 4:17). Jewish Christians would be brought before local councils of Jewish leaders, who had authority over Jewish communities. We read of such a council in Matt 10:17 and probably in Matt 5:22 (see also Acts 4:1–22). • beaten in the synagogues: Paul’s beatings in 2 Cor 11:24–25 were probably inflicted in the local synagogue. • The followers of Jesus would also be susceptible to trial before governors and kings (see Acts 23:24; 24:10–27; 25:1–26:32). Such trials were due to their being followers of Jesus (13:9, 13), not on account of real wrongdoing (see 1 Pet 4:14–16). • But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me: Or But this will be your testimony against them. The Greek can be interpreted either way

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Jesus warned his disciples how the disciples would preach the gospel.  Would you accept the assignment?  He is sending them to a life of pain and rejection…all to get the gospel out.  Yet, we preach the gospel daily with our words and actions in everyday environments. Daily, people judge the gospel by how we share and model our faith in Christ.  Each day is our opportunity to tell them.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of all.  Empower us in our testimony to share a genuine love and faith in you.  Let our words and actions share who you are and your desire for relationship with us.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead us today in all environments and situations.

S – Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.^{,, 31} The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself.^, There is no other command greater than these.”

Mark 12:29–31 CSB

O – Commentary:

He began with the opening words of the Shema (from Heb., “Hear!” [šema‘], the first word of Deut. 6:4). This creed (Num. 15:37–41; Deut. 6:4–9; 11:13–21) was recited twice daily—morning and evening—by devout Jews. It asserted the basis of Jewish faith: The Lord (Heb., Yahweh), namely, our God, Israel’s covenant-keeping God, the Lord is One, that is, unique (cf. Mark 12:32).

The command, Love (lit., “you shall love”) the Lord your God (Deut. 6:5), calls for a volitional commitment to God that is personal, comprehensive, and wholehearted. This is emphasized by the repeated words with (ex, “out of,” denoting source), all (holēs, “the whole of”), your (sing.), and the various terms relating to the human personality—heart (control center; cf. Mark 7:19), soul (self-conscious life; cf. 8:35–36), mind (thought capacity), and strength (bodily powers). The Hebrew text does not mention “mind”; the Septuagint omits “heart”; but Jesus included both terms, stressing the comprehensive nature of the command (cf. 12:33; Matt. 22:37; Luke 10:27).

Jesus then spoke of a similar commitment to one’s neighbor by quoting a second inseparable (cf. 1 John 4:19–21) and complementary command. Love (lit., “you shall love”) your neighbor (plēsion, “one who is nearby,” a generic term for fellowman) as, in the same way as, yourself (Lev. 19:18). The love a person has naturally for himself is not to focus solely on himself—a constant tendency—but should be directed equally toward others

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – What would our lives look like if we excelled at these commandments?  Our love for God would be genuine, seeking depths we cannot fathom. Our love for others would be filled with courage, grace and compassion.  We can do this.  We must choose both.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Empower us today to love you and others at the highest level.  Forgive us of our pride and stubbornness that causes us to remain distant.  We choose to love and honor you above all.  We choose to love others genuinely with a heart of courage and compassion.

S – The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.

Mark 11:18 CSB

O – Commentary:

When the religious leaders (cf. comments on 8:31; 11:27; 14:1, 43, 53) heard about this, they began seeking (cf. 12:12; 14:1, 11) the best way to kill Him without creating a major uprising. Mark alone explained (gar, for) that they were afraid of Him because of His authoritative appeal to the crowds. The whole crowd of Passover pilgrims from all parts of the ancient world was amazed (exeplēsseto, “astounded, struck out of their senses, overwhelmed”; cf. 1:22; 6:2; 7:37; 10:26) at the content of His teaching (cf. 1:27). His popularity with the people kept the Jewish authorities from arresting Him immediately.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – It is amazing that Jesus’ words and actions brought fear to one group because of his authority and amazement to another group. Fear is a good emotion until it becomes unhealthy…which it does quickly.  It is right to notice this is different or challenging.  Unfortunately, the leaders shifted to authority and how it challenged their rights as the religious leaders.  That insecurity caused them to want to eliminate him. The people found it different and difficult and stepped toward it.  They wanted to be closer to him.

R- Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  We know life will bring challenges and things that cause a healthy fear.  Please empower us to move toward you in those situations.  Help us to put the fear aside and seek your presence and heart in these situations.

S – Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive^, the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them. 

Mark 10:15–16 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Whoever will not receive God’s kingdom as a gift now with the trustful attitude of a child will never (emphatic negative, ou mē, “by no means”) enter it. He will be excluded from its future blessings, specifically eternal life (cf. vv. 17, 23–26). God’s kingdom is not gained by human achievement or merit; it must be received as God’s gift through simple trust by those who acknowledge their inability to gain it any other way (cf. comments on 1:15).

10:16. Jesus’ loving action (cf. 9:36) vividly illustrated that His blessing is freely given to those who receive it trustingly. The intensive compound verb blessed (kateulogei, imperf., occurring only here in the NT) emphasizes the warmhearted fervor with which Jesus blessed each child who came to Him.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – I love how Jesus used a child as the illustration and blessed the children.  It is a great picture for us to recognize the simplicity of knowing Christ and the importance of our faith.  We can make it harder than it needs to be.  Also, he reminds us to bless our own children. We have every ability to do that today.

R – Heavenly Father, you are unlimited in power and mercy.  Remind us what you desire most in our relationship with you.  Empower us to focus on the fundamentals of our relationship.  We are grateful for the blessings you give us each day.

S – A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!” 

⁸ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 

Mark 9:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

Listen to Him (pres. imper.), actually means, “Be obedient to Him.” This reflects the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15 (cf. Deut. 18:19, 22 also) and serves to identify Jesus as the new and final Mediator of God’s rule in its present and future form (cf. Ps. 2:4–7; 2 Peter 1:16–19). Jesus succeeded Moses and Elijah, who suddenly disappeared leaving no one except Jesus. Their work was done and they were superseded. Jesus, not Moses or Elijah, is now God’s authorized Ruler and Spokesman.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him… ¹⁹ I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name

Deuteronomy 18:15, 19 CSB

A—God transitions from the prophets to the Messiah. He validates Jesus as the new way to have a relationship with God. When the others disappear, Jesus alone is our way to Him. “Listen to him” becomes more important. Jesus is God’s spokesman, and we are accountable for what he says to us. Our actions will indicate our ability to hear and obey God’s voice.

R – Heavenly Father, we esteem you and lift up your name today.  Please help us to hear your voice and obey.  We are grateful for what Jesus did on the cross, which allowed us to have a relationship with you.  We invite the Holy Spirit to lead us through all we have before us.