Mark 2:6-7

2:6 Now some of the experts in the law ¹  were sitting there, turning these things over in their minds: ²  2:7 “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! ³  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

¹ tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 1:22.

² tn Grk “Reasoning within their hearts.”

³ sn Blaspheming meant to say something that dishonored God. To claim divine prerogatives or claim to speak for God when one really does not would be such an act of offense. The remark raised directly the issue of the nature of Jesus’ ministry.