Mark 1:23

“And there was in their synagogue, etc..] In the synagogue of the Capernaites, at the same time that Jesus was teaching there, a man with an unclean spirit: not with an unclean heart, for there were doubtless many such there, but that had a devil; for in (<420433>Luke 4:33), it is said, “he had a spirit of an unclean devil”: so called, because he is impure in himself, and the cause of uncleanness in men, in which he delights: and such spirits sometimes are where religious persons meet, but with no good design; either to disturb the preacher, or to divert the hearer, that the word may be unfruitful and unprofitable: and he cried out: either the man, or rather the unclean spirit in him, who had…”

“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit--literally, "in an unclean spirit"--that is, so entirely under demoniacal power that his personality was sunk for the time in that of the spirit. The frequency with which this character of "impurity" is ascribed to evil spirits--some twenty times in the Gospels--is not to be overlooked. and he cried out--as follows:”

“See also Luke 4:31-37. Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum - For the situation of Capernaum see the notes at Matthew 4:13. Straightway - Immediately. On the following Sabbath. The synagogue - See the notes at Matthew 4:23. And taught - In the synagogue, the presiding elder, after reading the Scriptures, invited anyone who chose to address the people, Acts 13:15. Though our Saviour was not a “priest” of the Levitical order or an “officer” of the synagogue, yet we find him often availing himself of this privilege, and delivering his doctrines to the Jews. Mark 1:22 He taught them as one that had authority ... - See the notes at Matthew 7:29. Mark 1:23 A man with an unclean spirit - See…”

“1:23-24 The demon spoke through the man who was possessed by an evil spirit (1:24). Demons frequently cause disease (9:17, 27; Matt 17:15) and self-destructive behavior (Mark 1:26; 5:2-5; 9:17-18, 20-22). Demons know who Jesus is (1:34); they consistently testify that he is the Holy One of God (see 3:11; 5:7). • In saying us, the evil spirit spoke on behalf of all demons. It recognized Jesus’ complete authority and understood that he had come to interfere with and destroy evil.”

“a man: Mar 1:34, Mar 5:2, Mar 7:25, Mar 9:25; Mat 12:43; Luk 4:33-37 Mark 1:24”