Mar 11:15-17 | RWP | e4.org | Began to cast out ( ηρξατο εκβαλλειν ). Mark is fond of "began." See on . for discussion of this second cleansing of the temple in its bearing on that in . Money-changers ( κολλυβιστων ). This same late word in which see for discussion. It occurs in papyri.

‏ Mark 11:15-17

Began to cast out ( ηρξατο εκβαλλειν ). Mark is fond of "began." See on Mt 21:12f. for discussion of this second cleansing of the temple in its bearing on that in Joh 2:14f.

Money-changers ( κολλυβιστων ). This same late word in Mt 21:12 which see for discussion. It occurs in papyri.

Through the temple ( δια του ιερου ). The temple authorities had prohibited using the outer court of the temple through the Precinct as a sort of short cut or by-path from the city to the Mount of Olives. But the rule was neglected and all sorts of irreverent conduct was going on that stirred the spirit of Jesus. This item is given only in Mark. Note the use of ινα after ηφιε (imperfect tense) instead of the infinitive (the usual construction).

For all the nations ( πασιν τοις εθνεσιν ). Mark alone has this phrase from Isa 56:7; Jer 7:11. The people as well as the temple authorities were guilty of graft, extortion, and desecration of the house of prayer. Jesus assumes and exercises Messianic authority and dares to smite this political and financial abuse. Some people deny the right of the preacher to denounce such abuses in business and politics even when they invade the realm of morals and religion. But Jesus did not hesitate.