Mark 1:32

When the sun did set. Apparently realizing that the term “even” was not sufficiently definite among the Jews to locate the point of time he had in mind, Mark adds this further explanatory comment. Some commentators have considered this added expression a tautology, but in view of the relative indefiniteness of the term translated “even,” this is highly improbable.

Mark’s reason for being precise as to the time when the sick of the city were brought to the door of Peter’s home lay probably in the fact that rabbinical law prohibited all but emergency attention to the sick on the Sabbath (see on John 5:10; 7:23; 9:14). Also, acts of healing, except in cases of dire emergency, where life itself was in danger, were considered work, and therefore inappropriate for the Sabbath day (see on Luke 13:10-17).

The fact that all three synoptic writers describe this incident with comparative thoroughness implies that it was a memorable occasion for all the disciples. The Twelve had been bitterly disappointed at the reception thus far accorded the ministry of Jesus, particularly in Judea and at Nazareth. This demonstration of public confidence in Him must have greatly strengthened their own faith.