Mark 5:36. “Be not afraid: only believe.” On which is founded the irrational hymn, “Only believe, and you shall be saved.” The passage however has reference to the forebodings which arose in the heart of Jairus when informed that his daughter was dead. The subject in question was not the salvation of the soul, but the Lord’s ability to restore her when life had fled. And Jesus said, “Be not afraid: only believe;” i.e., that I can do all you desire. This is confirmed by the parallel passage, Luke 8:50, “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.”
