Reflections on Mark's Gospel - Mark 1:23

A Man with an Unclean Spirit

Jesus is teaching in the synagogue. The people were amazed at his authority, but ignorant of his true identity. Now Mark introduces another character who will emphasise both Jesus' authority and identity.

Mark uses his usual construct of "immediately", which has the effect of strengthening the contrast between the people and the man with the unclean spirit.

The term "unclean spirit" is worth noticing. Mark uses the term 11 times (according to Edwards) to refer to evil spirits, and the term "demon" 13 times. It clearly refers to a spiritual being separate from the man himself, rather than, for example, to the man's own wicked heart. A wicked heart could not be cast out. The spiritual being is commonly (and correctly) understood as one of God's angels who joined Satan's rebellion and now oppose God's kingdom.

The Gk phrase is "ανθρωπος εν πνευματι ακαθαρτω", where the "εν" is a little unusual. It usually means "in", rather than "with" (which is an accurate translation into English, I'm not disputing that!). Some commentators suggest that it focusses attention on the fact that the man was controlled by the unclean spirit, that it had mastered him, just as we might say we are "in love".

Some ask why such a man was allowed in the synagogue? The text clearly ignores this question. Some have speculated that the man must have appeared to be normal to be allowed entry, but that perhaps the teaching of Jesus provoked a response from the unclean spirit.

There is clearly a confrontation about to occur because the man/unclean spirit cries out.

The confrontation is between Jesus, who is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and this man, who is controlled and dominated by this unclean spirit.

After the people have been amazed at Jesus' authoritative teaching, are they about to be shocked by his weakness at confronting Satan's forces?