Emphasis on human condition
Albert Barnes
19th Century
Focuses strongly on human nature's 'fallen state' making spiritual tasks impossible.
Matthew Henry
17th Century
Broadly notes human impossibility without specifying 'fallen state' as explicitly.
Verse Smart · Commentary comparison
Mark 10:27 Commentary
What do the great Christian commentators say about Mark 10:27? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.
Mark 10:27 · WEB
“Jesus looking at them said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."”
What the commentators agree on
- All commentators agree that the verse highlights the contrast between human inability and God's omnipotent ability.
- They universally agree that this divine power is especially relevant to salvation and spiritual transformation.
- All see the verse as a source of encouragement and a call to rely on God rather than human effort.
Where they differ slightly
Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.
Each commentator on Mark 10:27
Matthew Henry
17th Century
Henry emphasizes that what seems impossible to humans, like salvation or true discipleship, is easily achievable for God. This verse highlights God's power as the source of all possibilities, especially in spiritual matters. It encourages trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle.
“Humanly impossible, divinely possible.”
John Calvin
16th Century
Calvin interprets this verse to mean that human strength and understanding are utterly insufficient for heavenly things and salvation. Only God's power, working through His grace, can accomplish what is necessary for redemption. He stresses God's omnipotence as the foundation of our hope.
“God's power alone achieves the impossible for salvation.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
19th Century
Spurgeon saw this as a declaration of God's absolute power to save the most lost sinner and to accomplish His purposes. He believed it was a profound comfort to those who feel their own inability to achieve righteousness. The verse is a powerful reminder that true change comes from God's intervention.
“The greatest sinner is not beyond God's saving power.”
Albert Barnes
19th Century
Barnes explains that human nature, in its fallen state, cannot achieve spiritual perfection or salvation on its own. However, when God applies His power, even the most difficult tasks, like changing a heart, become possible. This verse underscores the divine enablement necessary for spiritual transformation.
“Divine power overcomes human spiritual limitations.”
John Wesley
18th Century
Wesley understood this verse to affirm God's unlimited power, which is essential for the work of salvation and sanctification (being made holy). He highlighted that God's grace can overcome all human resistance and inability. The verse calls for complete reliance on God's might for spiritual life.
“God's power is the sole resource for salvation and holiness.”