Mark 1:29-31 And immediately, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.… I. LET US ASCERTAIN WHAT IT TEACHES CONCERNING THIS NOTED APOSTLE, SIMON PETER. "Marriage is honourable in all," "Let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." II. WHAT DO WE KNOW OF THIS WOMAN WHO WAS CURED? But there is something to be said concerning the wife herself, and this is of special importance. There is reason to believe that she remained a most faithful companion and fellow worker with Peter, whom Paul always calls "Cephas," down to the end of her life. For in one of Paul's epistles an allusion is made to her: he says, "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" This was written more than twenty years after Christ's resurrection, when Peter was an old man. As a comment upon the verse, adds: "Peter and Philip had children, and both took about their Wives, in order that they might act as their assistants in ministering to women at their own homes; by their means the doctrine of the Lord penetrated without scandal into the privacy of the women's apartments." III. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS APOSTLE'S FAMILY? There is a beautiful little legend, altogether uninspired, which is found in the history of sacred and legendary art; there is nothing to prevent its being true, and it is certainly worth telling. The story relates that Peter had a lovely daughter, born in lawful wedlock, who accompanied him in his journey from the East. At Rome she fell sick of a grievous infirmity which deprived her of the use of her limbs. One of Simon's disciples sitting at meat with him said: "Master, how is it that thou, who healest the infirmities of others, dost not heal thy daughter Petronilla?" "It is good for her to remain sick," replied her father, perhaps thinking of the profitable discipline which the pain might bring to her. But that they all might see the power that was in the word of God, he commanded her to get up and serve them at table — which she did. Then afterwards, praying fervently, the maiden was permanently healed. IV. It is refreshing to turn from the mere poetry of a legend to THE SERENE MAJESTY OF HISTORY. And now there is a lesson in almost every particular. 1. Was this woman sick of a great fever? Then we see how Christ is the only help, but always the sure help, in desperate cases. He is able to save bodies and souls "to the uttermost." 2. Did the disciples go and tell Jesus of her? Then we may note the advantage of faith in the Divine and sovereign Saviour. "None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good." 3. Are we told that those home friends besought the Lord in her behalf? Then we learn how necessary is fervent prayer. "For all these things will I be inquired of by the house of Israel." 4. Did our Saviour touch this woman's hand, and touch it only, for her cure? Then observe how delicate is the ministration of Divine grace in the gospel, and let us be gentle with souls. 5. Was it the interposition of other people which availed to bring this sick creature to health? Then how fine is the office of human means and instruments with God. There is really a glorious share in the work of saving souls which He permits. 6. Do we notice that this woman was also lifted up by Jesus? The miracle is a parable; God never lays a commandment on any soul which He does not aid that soul in performing for Him. 7. Did the cured woman rise at once to begin her grateful service? It is by that we know her healing was perfectly done. The good Lord never leaves body or soul half-delivered from ill. 8. Was Simon's wife's mother satisfied to minister to Jesus Christ right off and right there? Then think how much valuable time some impatient people waste in trying to find a field of work for Christ, when most likely the best task lies nearest at hand. This woman entered "the ministry" just as truly as Simon Peter did: he preached, and she served; that was ministry. 9. Were these wonderful privileges misused and perverted by Capernaum? Then let all the world know and remember that it is preeminently a dangerous thing to do, this disregard of the merciful manifestations of the Divine presence among men. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. |
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