Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Mark: Chapter 8]
kai id•n tous math•t•s autou\). Peter had called Jesus off to
himself (\proskalesamenos\), but Jesus quickly wheeled round on
Peter (\epistrapheis\, only \strapheis\ in Matthew). In doing
that the other disciples were in plain view also (this touch only
in Mark). Hence Jesus rebukes Peter in the full presence of the
whole group. Peter no doubt felt that it was his duty as a leader
of the Twelve to remonstrate with the Master for this pessimistic
utterance (Swete). It is even possible that the others shared
Peter's views and were watching the effect of his daring rebuke
of Jesus. It was more than mere officiousness on the part of
Peter. He had not risen above the level of ordinary men and
deserves the name of Satan whose role he was now acting. It was
withering, but it was needed. The temptation of the devil on the
mountain was here offered by Peter. It was Satan over again. See
on ¯Mt 16:23.
8:34 {And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples}
(\kai proskalesamenos ton ochlon sun tois math•tais autou\). Mark
alone notes the unexpected presence of a crowd up here near
Caesarea Philippi in heathen territory. In the presence of this
crowd Jesus explains his philosophy of life and death which is in
direct contrast with that offered by Peter and evidently shared
by the disciples and the people. So Jesus gives this profound
view of life and death to them all. {Deny himself} (\aparn•sasth•
heauton\). Say no to himself, a difficult thing to do. Note
reflexive along with the middle voice. Ingressive first aorist
imperative. See on ¯Mt 16:24 about taking up the Cross. The
shadow of Christ's Cross was already on him (Mr 8:31) and one
faces everyone.
8:35 {And the gospel's sake} (\kai tou euaggeliou\). In Mark
alone. See on ¯Mt 16:25f. for this paradox. Two senses of "life"
and "save." For the last "save" (\s•sei\) Mt 16:25 has "find"
(\heur•sei\). See on ¯Mt 16:26 for "gain," "profit," and
"exchange."
8:38 {For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words} (\hos
gar ean epaischunth•i me kai tous emous logous\). More exactly,
{whosoever is ashamed} (first aorist passive subjunctive with
indefinite relative and \ean = an\. See Robertson, _Grammar_, pp.
957-9.) It is not a statement about the future conduct of one, but
about his present attitude toward Jesus. The conduct of men
toward Christ now determines Christ's conduct then
(\epaischunth•setai\, first future passive indicative). This
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