Mark

The Crossway Classic Commentaries

by J.C. Ryle

Mark is a dynamic discussion of the second Gospel. Here is all the excitement and fervour of this action-packed biography of our precious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Familiar and not-so-familiar passages bring deep encouragement and powerful vision, leading to inner renewal and holier living.A potent volume sure to enlighten and strangthen all modern-day believers as they seek to serve their Master!

Genres: Christian, Theology, Reference, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1857

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Zachary Cowie]

This series by JC Ryle deserves every good word said about it.

Will definitely re-read. Highly recommend, perfect for daily family worship setting.

[Peter]

I love this series by Ryle. I started with Matthew and now continued with Mark. I wondered if I would sense some repetition with parallel stories. I didn't sense it at all, perhaps because I have gone through them slowly just one short section each day. This is a pastoral devotional that seeks to put his congregation or readers into actively living the Christian life. He cares for the condition of our souls and wants us to examine ourselves and not just have head knowledge. I love his writing, I love his heart, and this devotional has encouraged my heart and drawn me closer to Christ.

[Cameron McCartney]

Another classic ticked off the list from my main man J.C. Ryle. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on Mark are short, challenging, application-heavy and full of precious one-liners. Ryle tends to take the bird’s eye view rather than digging deeper, and never hesitates to jump quickly to the heart application. As common to Ryle, he is predictably unashamed to call out the evils so common amongst his “churched” audience. I’ve always loved Ryle’s readability; take a break from Bible in a year and take a month (or three) to work through some of the great Victorian bishop’s thoughts on the biography of his Saviour.

[Grace]

I think this is the best book I read this year. I’ll admit(with sadness), the gospels can be hard for me to read. I long for drawn out explanations of the short and poignant stories of our Savior. Here those explanations and thoughts and prayers and exhortations and comforts are found with Mr. Ryle. And I’m grateful for it. I’ve never loved reading Mark more. A blessing.

I look forward to heaven and meeting the “man of granite with the heart of a child” that JC Ryle is described as. I owe a lot of my comforts, insights, and illustrations in counseling to this man. This book(and series I’m sure) is a great defense to why preaching should be expository. Ryle does well to show this more than he tells it to us. A smart man.

[Laura]

In the forward, Ryle notes that he intended these books not to be deep theological commentaries, but to be accessible to families as they held devotions. I wish I had known of them when my children were young, but as it is, I’m reaping the benefit of the great, but easy to understand thoughts contained in this series. J.C.Ryle is quickly becoming a favorite writer of mine.

[Cameron]

J.C. Ryle's expository thoughts on the gospel of Mark are as relevant now as they were when he wrote them over 150 years ago. Each passage is thoughtfully examined for its spiritual and historical significance. He also takes time to draw out the practical lessons in each passage that can be applied so many years after it was originally written.

[Storm Grimwood]

I loved this book.
I really enjoyed the practical nature and the simple applications within. (It is the updated version though)
From the immediate dropping of the nets to the glory of the resurrection. There were bangers throughout.
Lots of times I felt convicted, I constantly felt like I should be doing more for Christ's Kingdom.
It's not just a commentary, it's pastoral and devotional, and it makes me want to open my Bible and obey what I read.
I came away really encouraged to pray more and serve more faithfully to Christ.
It's a soul stirrer. Lol

[Anete Ābola]

Except views on infant baptism, I would say this is a 5 star book. Once again, from Mr.Ryle. Great commentary the gospel of Mark.

[Brandon Vaughan]

Ryle is very unique. I can’t really compare his style to anyone else. His commentaries aren’t purely exegetical, and I wouldn’t consider them extremely deep, but they are very warm, informative, doctrinally sound and readable. Ryle is also a quote factory. I really enjoy reading Ryle’s thoughts on the Scriptures.

[Becky Pliego]

Ryle’s writings are always profitable.

[F]

Another excellent devotional commentary by Ryle [staring Luke next]. Very thought-provoking, heart-warming and spirit-strengthening. Do I agree 100% with everything? No, but then I don't agree 100% with myself. But, this is so good,
To those who tach the Word I cannot tell you how many messages I preached that were started in my heart, by the Lord, from just one observation Ryle made.
To the laymen - don't let my encouragement to teachers dissuade you from reading this book. The devotional value is why I read it. The teaching helps were just frosting on the cake.

[Tony Ferguson]

Once again one of my favorite old time great theologians whose thoughts somehow transcend time. He writes this as a way for families to study the Bible and I love the way we can apply it to our lives today. He writes simply making observations that can be applied to our lives. If you desire to know Jesus more and His life and impact on us all as savior. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Robert Luff]

Once again, a thoroughly edifying applicational commentary by one of the greatest writers of the nineteenth century. Read it steadily with your Bible an soak in some excellent applicational meditations of the Second Gospel.

[Pig Rieke]

In this work, J.C. Ryle provides expository thoughts throughout the whole of Marks gospel. These brief contemplations might be summarized as a combination of synopsis of the passage in question, commentary of the section, and a few applications. However, it would be too far to consider the book a commentary. Rather, Ryle’s brief reflections work as mini-sermons for his readers. While an odd comment appears here and there, on the whole the work was a helpful way of getting one to engage further with the Scriptures.

[Steven]

Ryle is an exceptional expositor of Scripture. Read this for personal Bible study. Read this for family worship. Use it to gain a deeper understanding of what your Savior did for you and what he expects of you as his disciple.

[Carôle Ceres]

This is an amazing, interesting and informative book. The Gospel of Mark is so fast paced that it’s easy t miss things. This book not only slowed the pace, it gave me time to appreciate exactly what Mar was pointing out to, when he was dashing along!

Both the Gospel and this book are going to be explored again!

I’m onto the Gospel of John now!

[Sadi E Castro]

A Great Book to grow in knowledge.

Excellent comentary that motivate me
to continue reading similar books. The Word is running to supply the needs of the believers in Christ with plenty faith.

[Matt Allhands]

Great for large application/personal reflection. Very helpful for preaching (provided that some "translation" work is done for a more modern congregation).
I found it surprising, that there was no discussion re: the longer ending of Mark.

[J Payne]

Some of the exposition is quite odd. He’s wonderful whenever extolling the wonders of the gospel of grace, and applying it to the heart.

Still not quite sure exactly why people make quite such the fuss over him that they do.

[Nick Roark]

Wonderful

[Ian Hall]

See "Matthew" comments

[M Angela Humphrey]

I really enjoyed Ryles exposition of the Gospel of Mark. I find it is still so relevant for today. I also like the style of writing. Good literature!

[Frans Kempe]

A thought based, devotional, exposition on the Gospel of Mark.

[James]

So good and still so relevant.

[Jesse Fenn]

Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels is a helpful tool for any preacher who seeks to be clear and simple without sacrificing depth.

[AlegnaB †]

4.0

[Chad Ferrell]

A great resource to incorporate into daily quiet time!

[Brandon Hill]

Was expecting a bit of an academic commentary and got an easy to read, thoughtful, pastoral collection of relevant and insightful thoughts on Mark. Good for the seasoned believer and the new convert!

[Philip Brown]

Ryle doesn't miss.

(Okay he barely misses).

[Justin Blackwood]

A fantastic work by JC Ryle. Page after page of application for each passage of the Gospel of Mark. If you are studying Mark, read this book along with it!