Mark 6:30

Apostles. [Feeding the Five Thousand, Mark 6:30-44 = Matt. 14:13-21 = Luke 9:10-17 = John 6:1-14. Major comment: Mark and John. See Closing Galilean Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord; on miracles pp. 208-213.] Mark’s only use of the word “apostles” (see on Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:14). Perhaps both Mark and Luke (see ch. 9:10) intended by the use of “apostles” at this point in the narrative to emphasize the new responsibility now theirs by virtue of being sent forth to teach and heal on their own account.

Gathered themselves together. That is, when they returned from the Third Galilean Tour (see on Matt. 9:36). They had probably been separated for a number of weeks, during the winter of A.D. 29-30, and now it was the early spring of A.D. 30, not long before the Passover (see John 6:4; cf. DA 364, 388). This reunion no doubt came at a prearranged time and place.

Told him all things. Jesus had sent the Twelve out by two’s, that they might have an opportunity to apply the principles they had observed previously in His own ministry. Now they made a thorough report of what had taken place during the course of their itinerary.