1:34 many demons. The extent of demon possession in Galilee’s Jewish population (v. 32 note) is startling, though the Gentile or pagan influence in Galilee must not be forgotten.

he would not permit the demons to speak. This is the first instance of what has been called the “messianic secret” (v. 43; 3:12; 4:10, 11; 5:19; 8:30; 9:9). The revelation of Jesus as the Messiah had to begin discreetly and proceed by stages so that the plan of God for the death of His Servant would not be jeopardized by any excesses of popular enthusiasm.