And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Christ, having been for some time preaching about in the country, here returns to Capernaum his head-quarters, and makes his appearance there, in hopes that by this time the talk and crowd would be somewhat abated. Now observe, I. The great resort there was to him.
Commenting on Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus saw their faith,.... The faith of the sick man, and his friends, who seemed confident, that could they get at Christ, a cure would be wrought: the faith of the one appears in suffering himself to be brought in such a manner, under so much weakness; and with so much trouble; and of the other in bringing him, and breaking through so many...
Verse 4. The press. The crowd, the multitude of people. Jesus was probably in the large open area, or hall, in the centre of the house. . The people pressed into that area, and blocked up the door, so that they could not have access to him. They uncovered the roof where he was. . Houses were flat.