And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

People's New Testament

1:35 And in the morning. See PNT Mt 8:17.

Wesley's Notes

1:35 Rising a great while before day - So did he labour for us, both day and night. Lu 4:42.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

35. And in the morning-that is, of the day after this remarkable sabbath; or, on the first day of the week. His choosing this day to inaugurate a new and glorious stage of His public work, should be noted by the reader.

rising up a great while before day-"while it was yet night," or long before daybreak.

he went out-all unperceived from Peter's house, where He slept.

and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed-or, "continued in prayer." He was about to begin His first preaching and healing circuit; and as on similar solemn occasions (Lu 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28, 29; Mr 6:46), He spent some time in special prayer, doubtless with a view to it. What would one not give to have been, during the stillness of those grey morning hours, within hearing-not of His "strong crying and tears," for He had scarce arrived at the stage for that-but of His calm, exalted anticipations of the work which lay immediately before Him, and the outpourings of His soul about it into the bosom of Him that sent Him! He had doubtless enjoyed some uninterrupted hours of such communings with His heavenly Father ere His friends from Capernaum arrived in search of Him. As for them, they doubtless expected, after such a day of miracles, that the next day would witness similar manifestations. When morning came, Peter, loath to break in upon the repose of his glorious Guest, would await His appearance beyond the usual hour; but at length, wondering at the stillness, and gently coming to see where the Lord lay, he finds it-like the sepulchre afterwards-empty! Speedily a party is made up to go in search of Him, Peter naturally leading the way.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:29-39 Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hinderances, may expect the Saviour's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows, and abate their pains. Observe how numerous the patients were. When others speed well with Christ, it should quicken us in seeking after him. Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired. Those who have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must yet sometimes be alone with God.