Mark 1 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

The Preaching of John the Baptist

1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2As it is written and forever remains in the prophet Isaiah:

“Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,

Who will prepare Your way—

3A voice of one shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

Make His paths straight!’ ”

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals.

8As for me, I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus);

11and a voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!”

12Immediately the Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness.

13He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered continually to Him.

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

14Now after John was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God,

15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the good news.”

16As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

17And Jesus said to them, “

Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

18Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

19Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending and cleaning the nets.

20Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him.

21They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22They were completely amazed at His teaching; because He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

24saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

25Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!”

26The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him.

27They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.”

28Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee.

Healing the Crowds

29And immediately they left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon and Andrew, accompanied by James and John.

30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her.

31Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32Now when evening came, after the sun had set they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were under the power of demons,

33until the whole city had gathered together at the door.

34And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

35Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left, and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there.

36Simon and his companions searched for Him,

37and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!”

38He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came.”

39So He went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

40And a leper came to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You are able to make me clean.”

41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

42The leprosy left him immediately and he was cleansed.

43And Jesus admonished him sternly and sent him away immediately,

44saying to him, “See that you tell no one anything; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as proof to them.”

45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city, but stayed out in the unpopulated places; yet people were still coming to Him from everywhere.