Mark 1:35

In the morning. [First Galilean Tour, Mark 1:35-39 = Matt. 4:23-25 = Luke 4:42-44. Major comment: Mark.] Gr. proi, “early in the day.” This term was commonly used in reference to the last watch of the night, from about 3:00 to 6:00 A.M (see Mark 16:2, 9; John 20:1). It being early summer, the sun would rise about 5 o’clock and the first light of dawn would be visible about 3:30, at the latitude of Capernaum. See p. 50.

A great while before day. The Greek indicates that it was deep in the night, which in this case would be the early part of the morning watch. Jesus must have had but little sleep, for it was far into the night before the throngs of sick brought to the door of Peter’s home had dispersed (see DA 259).

A solitary place. Jesus sought to be alone, where the throngs of people could not find Him (cf. DA 363).

Prayed. See on ch. 3:13. One of the outstanding and significant characteristics of Christ was that He prayed, often and effectively. Frequently during His earthly life Jesus pointed out that “the Son can do nothing of himself” (John 5:19; cf. v. 30). The marvelous works He did were accomplished by the Father’s power (see DA 143). The words He spoke were given Him by the Father (John 8:28). Before Jesus came to this earth He knew every detail of the plan for His life, “but as He walked among men, He was guided, step by step, by the Father’s will” (DA 147; see on Luke 2:49). The plan for His life was unfolded to Him day by day (see DA 208).