Studies 1 to 2
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PER166
The return of the apostles
After their evangelistic mission in Galilee, the apostles return to Jesus and report to him on their activity. Mark stresses their exhaustion and their need for rest in a desolate place, while Luke specifies that the retreat takes place toward Bethsaida. This pericope highlights Jesus' compassion for his disciples, the importance of rest in ministry, and the practice of apostolic accountability. The event takes place in Galilee in March AD 32.
Mark 6.30-31 (King James Version) :And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER167
The Messiah Jesus withdraws with his disciples
PER167 describes the withdrawal of Jesus and his disciples to Bethsaida to rest after an intense evangelistic mission in Galilee, just before the Passover of April AD 32. The synoptic analysis of Matthew 14,13-14, Mark 6,31-32, Luke 9,10-11 and John 6,1-4 shows points of agreement and nuances: the desire for seclusion, being followed by the crowd, healings and teaching. This episode comes directly before the multiplication of the loaves.
Luke 9.10-11 (King James Version) :And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org