Christian
Churches of God
No. F040ii
Commentary on Matthew
Part 2
(Edition 2.0 20220411-20220607)
Commentary on Chapters 5-10.
Christian
Churches of God
E-mail: secretary@ccg.org
(Copyright © 2022 Wade Cox)
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Commentary on Matthew Part 2
Matthew Chapters 5-10 (RSV)
Chapter 5
1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21"You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny. 27"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. 31"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 33"Again you have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' 34But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil. 38"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. 43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Intent of Chapter
5
The Sermon on the
Mount covers 5:1-7:27. The paper The Beatitudes (No.
040) details the Sermon on the Mount. (cf. Lk. 6:17; 20-23) This sermon
was for the disciples and outlined the attributes needed for the elect in the
New Age of the Church of God. Comparison with Luke’s Gospel has led some to
conclude that Christ’s teachings elsewhere have been inserted here. Christ sat
down to deliver this teaching (v.1)
which was normal for Biblical scholars or rabbis (cf. Lk. 4:20-21).
Blessed are the
poor in spirit, knowing the need to receive spiritual guidance and knowledge,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (v.
3 cf. Isa. 66:2).
Blessed are those
who mourn, for their sins, the sins of others, the sins of the nations, for
they will be comforted. (impl. also strengthened) (v. 4) See also Ezekiel 9:4
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the
midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the
foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst
thereof.
Blessed are the
meek; the humble, those who are not easily angered, are patient, courteous,
think more highly of others than themselves, do not envy, are willing to
learn and be corrected, submit to the will of God, for they shall inherit the
earth. (v. 5) (Ps. 37:11)
Blessed are those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness, having an earnest desire of spiritual
blessings, for they shall be satisfied. (v.
6) (Isa. 55:1-2; Jn. 4:14; 6:48-51)
Blessed are the
merciful, showing compassion in words and in deeds, for they shall receive
mercy (cf. Matt. 18:23-33). (v. 7)
Blessed are the
pure in heart for they shall see God. (v.
8) (Implies sincerity, not chastity).
John Gill in his Exposition
of the Entire Bible says “The heart of man is naturally unclean; nor is it
in the power of man to make it clean, or to be pure from his sin; nor is any
man in this life, in such sense, so pure in heart, as to be entirely free from
sin. This is only true of Christ, angels, and glorified saints: but such may be
said to be so, who, though they have sin dwelling in them, are justified from
all sin, by the righteousness of Christ, and are ‘clean through the word’, or
sentence of justification pronounced upon them, on the account of that
righteousness; whose iniquities are all of them forgiven, and whose hearts are
sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, which cleanses from all sin; and who have
the grace of God wrought in their hearts, which, though as yet imperfect, it is
entirely pure; there is not the least spot or stain of sin in it: ...”
Blessed are the
peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. (v. 9)
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
See also Psalm
133.
Blessed are those
who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. (v. 10) (1Pet. 3:14; 4:14)
John Gill says of this “Not for any crimes they have
done, for unrighteousness and iniquity, as murderers, thieves, and evildoers,
but for righteousness sake: on account of their righteous and godly
conversation, which brings upon them the hatred and enmity of the men of the
world: for saints, by living righteously, separate themselves from them, and
profess themselves not to belong to them;”
Jesus warns the
disciples that they should rejoice and be glad when they were reviled and
persecuted on Christ’s account for so too were the prophets before them and they will be blessed and rewarded. (vv.
11-12) (cf. 2Chron. 36:15-16; Mat. 23:37; Acts 7:52).
Salt and Light (vv.
13-16)
JFB Commentary
“You are the salt of the earth — to preserve it from corruption, to season
its insipidity, to freshen and sweeten it.
but if the salt have lost his savour — “become unsavory” or “insipid”; losing
its saline or salting property. The meaning is: If that Christianity on which
the health of the world depends, does in any age, region, or individual, exist
only in name, or if it contain not those saving elements for want
of which the world languishes,
wherewith shall it be
salted? — How shall the
salting qualities be restored to it? (Compare Mar_9:50).
Whether salt ever does lose its saline property - about which there is a
difference of opinion - is a question of no moment here. The point of the case
lies in the supposition - that if it should lose it, the consequence
would be as here described. So with Christians; the question is not: Can, or
do, the saints ever totally lose that grace which makes them a blessing to
their fellow men? But, what is to be the issue of that Christianity which is
found wanting in those elements which can alone stay the corruption and season
the tastelessness of an all-pervading carnality? The restoration or
non-restoration of grace, or true living Christianity, to those who have
lost it, has, in our judgment, nothing at all to do here. The question is not,
If a man lose his grace, how shall that grace be restored to him? But, since
living Christianity is the only “salt of the earth,” if men lose that, what
else can supply its place? What follows is the appalling answer to this
question.
it is thenceforth good for
nothing, but to be cast out
— a figurative expression of indignant exclusion from the kingdom of God
(compare Mat_8:12; Mat_22:13; Joh_6:37;
Joh_9:34).
and to be trodden under foot
of men — expressive of
contempt and scorn. It is not the mere want of a certain character, but the
want of it in those whose profession and appearance were fitted
to beget expectation of finding it.”
v. 13; cf. Mk.
9:49-50; Lk. 14:34-35
v. 14; cf. Phil. 2:15;
Jn. 8:12
v. 15; cf. Mk. 4:21 n.
v. 16; cf. 1Pet. 2:12
Law /
Commandments:
(vv. 17-20) Christ came to fulfil the
Law, not to do away with it. This is a very important statement that many
simply overlook, ignore or misunderstand.
From JFB Commentary
“I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil — Not to
subvert, abrogate, or annul, but to establish the law and the prophets - to
unfold them, to embody them in living form, and to enshrine them in the
reverence, affection, and character of men, am I come.”
Christ then goes
on to deal with aspects of the law:
Verses 21-26 - Anger, (Ex.20:13; Deut.5:17; 16:18; Lk. 12:57-59).
Verses 27-30 - lust, (Ex.20:14; Deut.5:18; Mat.
18:8-9; Mk. 9:43-48)
Verses 31-32 - divorce, (Deut. 24:1-4). The phrase except....unchastity occurs also in 19:9
but is absent in Mk.10:11-12 & Lk. 16:18 (cf. also Rom. 7:2-3; 1Cor.
7:10-11)
Verses 33-37 - oaths, (Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2, Deut 23:21; Mat.
23:16-22; Jas. 5:12); v. 35 Isa.
66:1.
Verses 38-42 - retaliation, (Ex.21:20, 23-24; Lev. 24:19-20; Deut.
19:21). Some believe that controlled retaliation in primitive society did not
justify it.
vv. 39-42 Lk. 6:29-30; Rom. 12:17; 1Cor. 6:7; 1Pet. 2:19; 3:9;
Verses 43-48 - love of enemies (see also Lk. 6:27-30; 32-36); v. 45 Sons of God means to pattern ones
attitudes after God. A son of, means
to adopt the traits of the person displaying those attributes. (cf. 23:32 n;
Lk. 6:35; 10:6; Jn. 8:39-47)
Chapter 6
1"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2"Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7"And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread; 12And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; 13And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. 14For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; 15but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; 23but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. 34"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
Intent of Chapter 6
6:1
Piety is a sincere approach to God and not to be seen by men. (cf. 23:5)
6:2-4 Almsgiving is in sincerity and must be in quiet and not to be seen by
men and embarrass others.
6:5-15 Prayer
Prayer was not
intended to be chanted in rote form, becoming meaningless with repetition. The
Lord’s Prayer is simply a template to be used as a guide to prayer (cf. Lk.
11:2-4). It is in two parts relating to God and to man. After the opening
invocation there are three parts concerning God’s Glory followed by those
concerning our needs. The phrase on earth
as it is in heaven (v. 10) belongs to each of the first three petitions. Except
in church services and other public prayer circumstances, prayer is a private
matter (cf. Lk. 18:10-14), (vv. 5-8).
Give God the
praise and thanks that are his due, remembering that at all times we must seek
His Will, not our own. (vv. 9-10) (Isa. 63:16; 64:8)
Note David’s
prayer (1Chron. 29:11-13) and the appropriate Church Doxology.
Having shown
appreciation for the grace and bounty He has shown, we can let Him know our
needs and make our requests, thinking also of the needs of others. (v.11)
We must
acknowledge and confess our sins and weaknesses and ask forgiveness. (v.12)
Request
protection, not just for ourselves but for all our people (v.13) (cf. 2Thes.
3:3; Jas. 1:13).
Forgiveness is a
two way concept (vv. 14-15) (cf. 18:35; Mk. 11:25-26; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
6:16-18 Concerns Fasting. Acceptable fasting is detailed in Isa. 58:5
6:19-24 Riches. It is useless to trust in worldly goods (Jas. 5:2-3) (vv.
22-23 cf. Lk. 11:34-36) (v. 24 cf. Lk. 16:13).
6:25-7:11 Deals with the Cares of the world.
vv. 25-33 Lk.
12:22-31 (v. 25; Lk. 10:41; 12:11; v. 27
refers to a measure of a cubit
(approx 18 inches; the length from the elbow to the fingertips cf. Ps. 39:5);
v. 29 cf. 1Kgs.
10:4-7;
v. 30 Those of
little faith do not rest in the confidence that God cares about their lives
(8:26; 14:31; 16:8);
v. 33 Mk.
10:29-30; Lk. 18:29-30)
Chapter 7
1"Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6"Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. 7"Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
12So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 13"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will know them by their fruits. 21"Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' 24"Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." 28And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Intent of Chapter 7
7:1-27 The texts of 7:1-27 represent practical illustrations of the meaning of
the Christ’s message.
Verses 1-5 deal with the judgment of others (cf. Lk. 6:37-38;
41-42; Mk. 4:24; Rom. 2:1; 14:10)
Verses 7-11 deal with encouragement to prayer (cf. 6:8; Mk.
11:23-24; Jn. 15:7; 1Jn. 3:22; 5:14).
(vv. 12-29)
v. 12 (cf. 22:39-40; Lk. 6:31; Rom. 13:8-10)
Do unto others etc.
vv. 13-14 Enter the narrow gate – leads to life;
Lk. 13:23-24; Jer. 21:8; Ps. 1;
Deut. 30:19; Jn. 10:7; 14:6.
vv. 15-20 Beware of false prophets (cf.
Lk. 6:43-45; v. 15 24:11, 24; Ezek. 22:27; 1Jn. 4:1; Jn.10:12; Sheep
symbolising followers in a religious sense (Ezek. 34:1-24; Lk. 12:32;
v. 16; 3:8; 12:33-35; Lk. 6:43-45;
v. 19; 3:10; Lk. 13:6-9; Jas. 3:10 -12)
vv. 21-23; Refer to the restricted entry to the kingdom of God. Not everyone who
calls Christ lord will be granted entry.
v. 22 That Day is the Day of
judgment and Messiah is speaking as divine judge.
vv. 24-27 Lk. 6:47-49; Jas. 1:22-25)
Hearing the words
and doing them = house built upon a rock.
Hearing and not
doing = house built on sand.
Jesus taught as one with authority
v. 28; When Jesus finished these
sayings... This or a similar statement marks the end of each of the five
different sections of the gospel.
Chapter 8
1When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 3And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." 5As he entered Caper'na-um, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him 6and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." 7And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." 8But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." 13And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment. 14And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; 15he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. 16That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. 17This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." 18Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19And a scribe came up and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 20And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." 21Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." 22But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead." 23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." 26And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" 28And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" 30Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. 31And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." 32And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. 34And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.
Intent of Chapter 8
8:1-9:38 Events in Galilee
8:1-16 Miracles:
Healing the leper
Servant of centurion
Peter’s mother
Cast out demon
8:2-4 Mk. 1:40-44; Lk. 5:12-14; Leprosy = Hansen’s Disease and perhaps others
Lev. 13:1-59 n. Num. 5:1-4. Being declared clean meant the sufferer could then
rejoin the community, 4: Lev.
14:2-32
verses 5-13 Lk. 7:1-10; Jn. 4:46-53 Centurion - a Roman commander of 100 men. He believed that diseases
were subject to Christ as were his men to him.
verse 10 Faith refers to the centurions trust in the
power of Christ. v. 13 Mk. 11:23n, 24n.
verses 11-12 (cf. Lk. 14:15 n; Isa. 49:12, 59:19; Mat. 13:42,50;
22:13; 24:51; 25:30).
verses 14-17 Mk. 1:29-34; Lk. 4:38-41
v. 16 Demons cf. 4:24 n. 12:22 n. Lk. 4:33n. 7:33n. 13:16n.
8:17
quoting Isaiah 53:4
8:18-22 Disciples. Waverers Mk. 4:35; Lk. 8:22; 9:57-60.
v. 18 Other side Eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. v. 20 The son of man see Mk. 2:10n.
8:22
Follow me Jesus here implies that
obedience to the call of God must take precedence over every other duty of
obligation (cf. 10:37). Leave the dead
refers to the spiritually dead who are not alive to the spiritual needs of the
kingdom of God (cf. Let the Dead Bury
their Dead (No. 016)).
8:23-27 The storm cf. Mark. 4:36-41; Lk. 8:22-24. v. 25
cf. Lk. 8:24n.
8:28-34 Two demoniacs; the swine, cf. Mk. 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39; v. 31 see verse 16n. This was the
example that the Christ and then the church had power over the demons as we see
from Lk. 10:1,17 as with the seventy cf. (122D), (see also Judgment of the Demons (No. 080)).
Chapter 9
1And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." 3And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." 4But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 6But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" --he then said to the Paralytic--"rise, take up your bed and go home." 7And he rose and went home. 8When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. 9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 10And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." 14Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved." 18While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26And the report of this went through all that district. 27And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 30And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." 31But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. 32As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. 33And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." 34But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." 35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Intent of Chapter 9
9:1-8 Man with palsy, sins forgiven; Jesus knew the thoughts of Scribes Mk.
2:1-12; Lk. 5:17-26.
v. 1
his own city Capernaum.
v. 8
7:28
9:9
Calling Matthew
9:10-13 Pharisees question disciple; Jesus answers Mk. 2:13-17; Lk. 5:27-32;
Lk. 7:34; 15:1-2; v. 13, Hos. 6:6;
Mat. 12:7; 15:2-6
Christ uses a
biblical quote to challenge a conventional religious idea (Lk. 5:32 n).
9:14-17 Question about fasting; Jesus answers (cf.Mk.2:18-22; Lk.5:33-39). v. 15 Christ recognises the principles
of fasting but rejects it fits the circumstances of his life. His work with the
disciples will see him taken away and the work will then be free to fast.
vv. 16-17 The examples of the New wine in new wineskins is to show the
separation of the old and the new systems in what is being formed with the
Church and the new system of the priesthood of Melchisedek (No. 128)
(cf. Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).
This is demonstrated by comparison with the baptism of John and the baptism for
the Holy Spirit (No. 117) under Christ.
9:18-26 Healing ruler’s (officer of the synagogue) daughter & woman with the
issue of blood. Here the healing was to both demonstrate the power of Christ
and the exercise of faith in healing (Gr.
Be made well also carries with it the rescue from a superior power or destruction)
cf. Mk. 5:21-43; Lk. 8:40-56 (also v. 22, Mk. 5:23, 28, 34; 10:52; 11:23n, 24n;
Lk. 8:36,48,50; 17:19; 18:42 (cf. Creation and Healing (No. 001F)).
v. 23 Jer. 9:17-18 Here Christ speaks of the new Kingdom of God where
physical death is not finally destructive of the person’s existence but is the
temporary cessation of a person’s activity analogous to sleeping (cf. The Resurrection of the Dead (No.
143), The First Resurrection of the
Dead (No. 143A) and the Second Resurrection of the Dead and the White Throne Judgment ( No. 143B)).
9:27-31 Two blind men healed (20:29-34), v.
29, 9:22n. v. 30 8:4
9:32-34 Demon possessed dumb man healed; (12:22-24; Lk. 11:14-15). v. 34 12:24n, Mk. 3:22n, Jn. 7:20.
9:35
Jesus teaching, preaching, healing (4:23-25)
9:36-38 Multitude; plenty to harvest but few labourers; disciples told to pray
God would send more labourers into His harvest (v. 36, Mk. 6:34; Mat. 14:14; 15:32; Num. 27:17; Ezek. 34:1-6;
Zech. 10:2).
Chapter 10
1And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. 2The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zeb'edee, and John his brother; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12As you enter the house, salute it. 13And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town. 16"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of man comes. 24"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; 25it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Be-el'zebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. 28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; 33but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. 34"Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and a man's foes will be those of his own household. 37He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."
Intent of Chapter 10
10:1-42 Commission and instruction of
the 12
10:1-4 (Mk. 6:7; 3:13-19; Lk. 9:1; 6:12-16; v. 1 Unclean spirits (see Mk. 1:23n)
vv. 5-15 (Mk. 6:8-11; Lk. 9:2-5; 10:3-12)
v. 5.
(15:21-28; Lk. 9:52; Jn. 4:9)
v. 6 (15:24)
v. 7 The primary message is that through acceptance or at least openness to
the Message and the bearer healing would follow (cf. 4:17n; 23; 9:21,35).
v. 9 (Lk. 22:35-36);
v. 10 Tunic a short sleeved garment of knee length held in at the
waist by a girdle (Mk. 1:6). Deserves:
1Cor. 9:14.
v. 15 Life and death are determined by a persons response to the message of
the kingdom of God. Evil is punished as was the evil of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf.
Commentary on Revelation (F066v)).
10:16-25 (cf. 24:9, 13; Mk. 13:9-13; Lk. 21:12-17, 19).
10:17-39 Their rejection
10:17-23 Enmity
10:20 (cf. Jn. 16:7-11; The Holy Spirit (No. 117)
provides your defence), v. 21 The
persecution will arise from all areas even within the family. (10:35-36;
Lk. 12:52-53) v. 22 My name’s sake, because of me and my cause v.
23 The persecution will continue right to the end and we will not have
finished fleeing through the cities of Israel until the son of man comes. Thus there is no place of safety (cf. Place of Safety (No. 194)
as has been taught by some sects. Safety is in the Hand of God
(No. 194B)).
10:24-33 Encouragement
v. 25 Lk. 6:40; Jn. 13:16; 15:20; Mat. 9:34, 12:24; Mk 3:22
10:26-33 (Lk. 12:2-9); v. 28 (Heb.
10:31)
vv. 29-33 (6:26-33) v. 29 (Lk. 12:6n); v. 31
(12:12); vv. 32-33 Jesus states he
is there to mediate God’s will and a favourable response to him is a response
to God (cf. vv. 40-42).
34-36 Enmity (Lk. 12:51-53) v. 35
(Mic. 7:6)
37-39 Encouragement (cf. The stronger form of expression in Lk. 14:26). v. 38 Christ uses the term Stauros which is a stake erroneously
translated as cross. The cross piece (hence cross) was not introduced by the
Romans until much later. Christ was killed on a Stauros, a phoenician invention used by the Romans, and not a crux or cross (cf. The Cross: Its Origin and
Significance (No. 039)). The cross was introduced to Christianity by
the worshipper of the god Attis from the Sun and Mystery cults at Rome
Christ states that
he did not come to bring peace but division down to that of our own houses.
Those who love their relatives more that Christ are not worthy of him and he
who finds his life will lose it and he who loses his life for Christ’s sake
will find it; (in the First Resurrection (No. 143A)).
Those who receive the elect from prophets to the righteous and the smallest or
youngest of the elect will be rewarded.
Bullinger’s
Notes on Matthew Chs. 5-10 (for KJV)
Chapter 5
Verse
1
seeing. App-133.
a
mountain = the mountain. Well known and therefore unnamed, but corresponds
with the Mount of Olives in the Structure of the Gospel as a whole. There is a
reference also to Sinai.
set. The
posture of the Oriental teacher today.
Verse
2
opened
His mouth. Hebrew idiom. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct),
App-6, for speaking (Job 3:1, Daniel 10:16, Acts 8:35).
taught
them. See note on Matthew 7:39,
and the Structure, above. The Structure is the commentary showing that this
teaching is connected with the proclamation of the kingdom (Matthew 5:3),
and is to be interpreted by it. As the kingdom was rejected and is now in
abeyance, so likewise this discourse is in abeyance with all its commands,
&c, until "the gospel of the kingdom" is again
proclaimed, to herald its drawing nigh. Parts of this address were repeated at
different times and on different occasions. Luke nowhere professes to give the
whole address in its chronological setting or entirety. Only some thirty
separate verses are so repeated by Luke out of 107 verses in Matthew. The later
repetitions in Luke were given in "a plain" (Luke 6:17)
and after the calling of the Twelve (Luke 6:13);
here the whole is given before the calling of the Twelve (Matthew 9:9).
These are marks of accuracy, not of "discrepancy" as
alleged. Modern critics first assume that the two accounts are
identical, and then say: "No one now expects to find chronological
accuracy in the evangelical records"! For the relation of the Sermon on
the Mount to Psa 15, see App-70; and to the seven "woes" of Mat 23,
see App-126.
Verse
3
Blessed =
Happy, representing the
Hebrew "ashrey (not baruk, blessed). "Ashrey (Figure
of speech Beatitudo, not Benedictio) occurs in nineteen
Psalms twenty-six times; elsewhere only in eight books (Deuteronomy, 1Kings, 2
Chronicles, Isaiah, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Daniel)
The Aramaic equivalent
for "ashrey is tob (singular, plural, or dual). See
App-94., and App-63. Greek. makarios = happy
(not eulogetos, which = blessed, and is used only of God (Mark 14:61. Luke 1:68. Romans 1:25; Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians
1:3; 2 Corinthians
11:31. Ephesians 1:3. 1 Peter 1:3).
poor
in spirit. The equivalent for the Aramaic (App-94., p.
135) "anaiyim (Hebrew. "anah. See note on Proverbs 1:11)
= poor in this world (as in Luke 6:20),
in contrast with the promise of the kingdom. Compare James 2:5.
spirit. Greek. pneuma. See
App-101.
the
kingdom of heaven. Then proclaimed as having drawn nigh (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17).
See App-114.
heaven =
the heavens. See notes on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
Verse
4
Blessed. Note
the Figure of speech Anaphora (App-6). The eight Beatitudes are to be
contrasted with and understood by the
eight "woes" of . See App-126.
Verse
5
meek. Compare Psalms 37:11.
the
earth: or, the land. Greek. ge. See App-129.
Verse
6
hunger
and thirst, &c. The idiom for a strong desire. Compare Psalms 42:1, Psalms 42:2; Psalms
119:103.
Verse
7
merciful =
compassionate. Compare Psalms 41:1.
mercy. Not
merely now, but in the manifestation of the kingdom, James 2:13 (compare Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:28).
Verse
8
pure
in heart. Compare Psalms 24:4; Psalms 73:1.
Verse
9
peacemakers. Compare Psalms 133:1.
Greek. eirenopoios. Occurs only here.
children =
sons. Greek. huios.
Verse
10
a
re persecuted = have been persecuted. Compare Psalms 37:39, Psalms 37:40.
for =
on account of.
for
righteousness"sake. Not otherwise.
Verse
11
revile =
reproach.
evil =
harmful thing. Greek. poneros. App-128.
falsely. This
is another condition of the happiness of Matthew 5:3.
Verse
12
Rejoice,
&c. See 1 Peter 4:13.
Compare Acts 16:25.
for =
because. Not the same as in Matthew 5:3,
&c.
Verse
13
ye. Representing
the kingdom of Matthew 5:3 with Matthew 4:17.
are =
represent. Figure of speech Metaphor. App-6.
salt. Compare Mark 9:50. Luke 14:34, Luke 14:35.
if. See
App-118. b, expressing a real contingency; for, if the salt is stored on the
bare earth, or is exposed to the air or sun, it does lose its savour
and is fit for no place but the streets (see Thomson"s The Land
and the Book, Lond., 1869, p. 381).
his =
its.
of =
by. Greek. hupo.
of
men. Belongs to former clause, as well, by Figure of speech Ellipsis,
App-6.
Verse
14
light. Greek. phos =
light. See App-130.
world. Greek. kosmos. See
App-129.
A
city. Safed, so placed, was within sight.
Verse
15
Neither =
and not (Greek. ou). App-105.
candle =
lamp. Greek. luchcnos.
a
bushel = the measure. Greek. modion = a dry measure: i.e. any
measure there may happen to be in the house.
on =
upon. Greek. epi.
a
candlestick = the lampstand. Greek. luchnia. App-130.
Verse
16
so =
thus.
that =
so that.
Verse
17
Think
not, &c. = Deem not for a moment. A very necessary warning against
making this mount another Sinai, and promulgating the laws of the kingdom
proclaimed in and from Matthew 4:17.
I
am come = I have come. Implying former existence. Compare Matthew 8:10.
destroy =
pull down, as in Matthew 26:61.
the
law. The first of fifteen references to the Law by Christ (Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:18; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 11:13; Matthew 12:5; Matthew 22:40; Matthew 23:23. Luke 10:26; Luke 16:6, Luke 16:17; Luke 24:44. John 7:19, John 7:19, John 7:23; John 8:17; John 10:34; John 15:25),
five of these coupled with "Moses".
Verse
18
verily. Greek. amen.
Used only by the Lord. Same as Hebrew. "amen, preserved in all
languages. Should be so given at the beginning of sentences. Always (except
once) double in John; twenty-five times. with the earth. (See notes on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.)
earth =
the earth. App-129.
jot = yod.
Greek. iota. Occurs only here. The smallest Hebrew letter (= Y). The
Massorites numbered 66,420.
tittle =
the merest ornament. Not the difference between two similar Hebrew letters,
e.g. (Resh = R) and (Daleth = D), or (Beth = B) and (Kaph
- K), as alleged, but a small ornament placed over certain letters in the
Hebrew text. See App-93. The Eng. "tittle" is
diminutive of title (Latin. titulus) = a small mark placed
over a word for any purpose: e.g. to mark an abbreviation.
in
no wise. Greek. ou me.
Verse
19
Whosoever =
every one that (with Greek. an. Supposing the case). See note
on "Till", Matthew 5:18.
Note the Figure of speech Anaphora (App-6).
these
least = these shortest. Referring not to what men might thus distinguish,
but to the difference made by the Lord between the whole Law and
its minutiae.
Verse
20
the
righteousness. Supply "[that]".
Pharisees. See
App-120.
in
no case. See App-105.
Verse
21
heard. In
the public reading of the Law.
it
was said. Opposite to "I say". Compare Matthew 19:8, Matthew 19:9,
where the "I" is not emphatic (as it is here). See Exodus 20:13. Deuteronomy
5:17. App-117.
by
them = or to them.
Verse
22
brother. An
Israelite by nation and blood; while a neighbour was an Israelite by religion
and worship (= a Proselyte). Both distinct from the heathen. So the Talmud
defines them.
without
a cause. Omitted by LT [Trm. A], WH R.
in
danger of = liable to.
judgment. The
council of three in the local synagogue. See App-120.
Raca. In
1611 edition spelled "Racha"; changed in 1638 edition to
"Raca". An Aramaic word, see App-94.; not a contumelious epithet,
but a contemptuous interjection, expressing the emotion or scorn of a
disdainful mind (so Augustine), like Eng. "You! "Compare
Latin. Heus tu, Greek. raka. Occurs only here.
in
danger of = liable to.
the
council = the Sanhedrin. The supreme national court. See App-120.
Thou
fool. Greek. mores. Hebrew. nabal. Always = a wicked
reprobate, destitute of all spiritual or Divine knowledge (compare John 7:49).
of =
to or unto. Greek. eis. App-104.
hell
fire = the gehenna of fire, from Hebrew. gey Hinnom = the valley
of Hinnom, profaned by the fires of Moloch worship (2 Chronicles
33:6), and defiled by Hezekiah. Also
called "Tophet", Isaiah 30:33.
Here the refuse of Jerusalem was continually being burnt up by the perpetual
fires (compare Jeremiah
7:31-33. 2 Kings 23:10. Mark 9:48. Isaiah 66:24).
See App-131.
Verse
23
bring =
offer, as in Matthew 5:24.
gift: i.e.
sacrifice.
to =
up to. Greek. epi.
Verse
24
Leave. An
unusual practice.
be
reconciled. Greek. dialattomai. Occurs only here.
Verse
25
Agree =
Be well-minded. Greek. eunoeo. Occurs only here. adversary = opponent
(in a lawsuit).
with. Greek. meta.
officer. Here
= the tax-collector, as shown by the Papyri. See note on Luke 12:58.
by
no means. Greek. on me. Compare App-105.
uttermost =
last.
farthing: which
shows it to be a case of debt. See App-51.
THE
LAW OF ADULTERY. Thou, &c. Quoted from Exodus 20:14. Deuteronomy
5:18. App-117.
Verse 28
whosoever =
every one that.
looketh =
keeps looking See App-133.
a
woman = a married woman.
thy
right eye: i.e. thy choicest possession. Figure of speech Hypocatastasis. App-6.
offend =
causeth thee to stumble (morally). Compare Matthew 18:6. 1 Corinthians
1:23.
thy
right. See note on Matthew 5:29.
It
hath been said. It was said. See Deuteronomy
24:1.
THE
LAW OF PERJURY. it hath been said = it was said. See Leviticus
19:12; also App-107.
Thou
shalt not, &c. Quoted from Exodus 20:7. Numbers 30:2. Deuteronomy
23:21.
forswear =
swear falsely. Greek. epiorkeo. Occurs only here.
the
LORD. See App-98.
Verse 34
at
all. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6;. not
lightly. The particulars given in verses: Matthew 5:35, Matthew 5:36.
by. Greek. en.
God"s. App-98.
the
city of the great King. Only here in N.T. Compare Psalms 48:2,
referring to Zion. Contrast 2 Kings 18:19, 2 Kings 18:28.
See note on Matthew 4:5.
communication =
word Greek. logos. Omit "be". Yea, yea = Yes, [be]
yes. Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6.
Nay,
nay = Nay, [be] nay.
whatsoever =
what.
cometh =
is.
of =
out of. Greek. ek. App-104.
THE
LAW OF RETALIATION. it hath been said = it was said. Quoted from Exodus 21:24.
Compare Leviticus
24:24. Deuteronomy
19:21. See App-107.:2 and 117.
smite. Greek. rapizo. Occurs
only in Matthew (here and Matthew 26:67).
if
any man, &c. = to him who, wishing to go to law with thee.
will =
wishing. Greek. thelo. See App-102.
coat =
now called the sulta = an outer jacket or tunic, Greek. chiton.
cloke. The jibbeh,
juteh, or benish, a long robe or mantle, full, with short
sleeves, Greek. himation. See Matthew 27:32. Mark 15:21.
Compare Luke 3:14.
to
go: i.e. to carry his baggage. Compare Luke 3:14.
a
mile. Greek. million (from Latin. miliarium). Occurs only
here.
Verse 42
would =
would fain. Greek. thelo. App-102.
of =
from. Grr. apo.
THE
LAW OF LOVE. it hath been said = it was said. Quoted from Leviticus
19:18.
thine
enemy = thy foe. Personal, political, or religious.
bless
them . . . hate you. This clause is omitted by all the critical Greek texts.
See App-94.
pray. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.
for =
on behalf of. Greek. huper.
be =
become.
Verse 46
what
reward, &c. The Lord varies the wording of this when repeating it
later in Luke 6:35.
not. Greek. ouchi. A
strengthened form of ou. App-105.
Publicans =
tax-gatherers. Hence, extortioners. Latin. = publicani.
publicans. L.
with Vulgate and some codices read "Gentiles". The publican was
despised; Gentiles were detested.
perfect. In
thus acting on the principles of grace, in conformity with the laws of the
kingdom here promulgated. Greek. teleios. See App-125.
your
. . . heaven. All the texts read "your heavenly Father".
See note on Matthew 6:14.
Chapter 6
Verse
1
alms = an alms.
All the critical texts read "righteousness". referring to all the subjects
that follow, Matthew 6:2 -- Matthew 7:11. But
this is conjecture, because "alms" is the first subject (Matthew 6:2). Dikaiosune, "righteousness",
was subsequently substituted for eleemosune, "alms".
men. Greek. anthropos. App-123.
to = in order
to. Greek. pros to. App-104.
seen. As in a
theatre, so as to be admired. App-133.
of = by (dat.
not genitive case).
of = from.
Greek. para.
heaven = heavens
(plural) See note on verses: Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
Verse
2
AS TO ALMS
GIVING. hypocrites =
actors: i.e. those who speak or act from under a mask. Used later of actual
impiety, to which it led. Compare Matthew 23:28; Matthew 24:51. Mark 12:15.
that = so that.
of = by.
Greek. hupo.
Verily. See note
on Matthew 5:18.
They have = They
receive. Greek. apecho. In the Papyri, (App-94.) used constantly in
formal receipts, as = it is received: i.e. those men who desired to be seen of
men, were seen, and had received all they looked for. They got their reward,
and had nothing more to come. So in verses: Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16. Luke 6:24.
Compare Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:18. Philemon 1:15.
Verse
3
know = get to
know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.
Verse
4
seeth = looketh,
or observeth. Greek. blepo. App-133.
openly. Omitted by
all the Greek texts. App-94.
Verse
5
AS TO PRAYER.
thou prayest, thou. All the critical Greek texts read "ye pray, ye".
prayest . . .
pray. Greek. proseuchomai. See
App-134.
love = are fond
of. Greek. phileo. App-135.
streets = open
places.
that = so that.
be seen = appear.
Greek. phaino. App-106.
Verse
6
closet =
store-chamber. Hence a secret chamber where treasures were stored. Occurs only
here, Matthew 24:26,
and Luke 12:3, Luke 12:24.
Compare Isaiah 26:20. 2 Kings 4:33.
Verse
7
use not vain
repetitions =
repeat not the same things over and over; explained in last clause.
Greek. battologeo. Occurs only here.
heathen =
Gentiles. Greek. ethnikos. Occurs only here, and Matthew 18:17.
for = in.
Greek. en.
much speaking. Greek. polulogia. Occurs
only here.
Verse
8
knoweth. Greek. oida. Very
significant in this connection.
Verse
9
After, &c. Compare "When". .
Our Father. See Exodus 4:22. Deuteronomy 32:6,
&c. The idolater could say to his idol "Thou art my father",
so Israel was bound to do So (Isaiah 63:16; Isaiah 64:8). The
Talmud so teaches.
Which = Who.
heaven = heavens.
See note on Matthew 6:10.
Hallowed =
Sanctified.
Thy. Note that
the first three petitions are with respect to God, while the next four concern
those who pray. God is to be put first in all prayer.
Verse
10
Thy kingdom
come. This
is the great subject of the first period of the Lord"s ministry. See
App-119, also App-112, App-113, and App-114, and the Structure on pp. 1304,
1305, and 1315.
kingdom. See
App-112.
come. It was
then being proclaimed, but was afterward rejected, and is now in abeyance. See
App-112, App-113, App-114and the Structure on pp. 1304, 1305, and 1315.
kingdom. See App-112.
come. It was
then being proclaimed, but was afterward rejected, and is now in abeyance. See
App-112, App-113, App-114. Hence this same petition is now correct,
not the usual prayers for the "increase" or "extension" of it.
will = desire.
Greek. thelo. See App-102.
be done = be
brought to pass, come to pass, be accomplished.
Greek. ginomai. Compare Matthew 26:42.
in = upon.
Greek. epi. App-104.
earth = the
earth. Greek. ge. App-129. All the texts (App-94.) omit the article.
heaven. Here it is
sing, because it is in contrast with earth. Had it been sing in Matthew 6:9, it
would have implied that our Father was in heaven, but not on earth. In the
Greek the two clauses are reversed: "as in heaven [so] upon earth also".
Verse
11
daily. Greek. epiousios. A
word coined by our Lord, and used only here and Luke 11:3, by
Him. Compounded from epi = upon (App-104.), and ousios
= coming. This is derived from eimi = to come or go, which has
the participle epiousa (not from eimi = to be, which would
make the participle = epousa). Therefore it
means coming or descending upon, as did the manna, with
which it is contrasted in John 6:32, John 6:33. It is
the true bread from heaven, by which alone man can live the Word of God, which
is prayed for here. Epiousion has the article and is separated
from "this
day" by the words "give to us";
"daily" here is from the Vulgate. Epiousios has been found
in the Papyri (Codd. Sergii), but as these are, after all, not Greek
(as shown by Prof. Nestle in 1900) but Armenian; the evidence for the
word being Greek is still wanting.
Verse
12
our debts. Sin is so
called because failure in the obligation involves expiation and satisfaction.
we = we also
= that is only what we mortals do. "We" is thus
emphatic ("also" is ignored by the Authorized Version)
forgive. All
editions read "have
forgiven". That prayer and plea was suited for that
dispensation of the kingdom, but is reversed in this present
dispensation. See Ephesians 4:32. Then, forgiveness
was conditioned; now, we forgive because we have been forgiven on account
of Christ"s merits.
Verse
13
lead = bring.
Not the same word as in Matthew 4:1.
temptation = trial.
Compare James 1:12, James 1:13.
deliver = rescue.
from = away
from. Greek. apo.
evil = the evil
[one]. See App-128.
For, &c. All the
critical texts wrongly omit this doxology; for, out of about 500 codices which
contain the prayer, only eight omit it. It is found also in the Syriac,
Ethiopic, Armenian, Gothic, Sclavonic, and Georgian Versions.
for ever. Greek. eis
tous aionas. App-151. a.
Verse
14
if. Implying a
contingency. Greek. ean (with Subj.) See App-118. Forgiveness was
conditional in that dispensation of the kingdom.
trespasses = lapses,
varying in degree. Greek plural of paraptoma.
heavenly. Here the
emphasis is on Father, the adjective ouranios being used, instead of
the noun, in regimen. It occurs only here, verses: Matthew 6:26, Matthew 6:32, Matthew 6:13, Luke 2:13, Acts 26:19; and
in the critical texts, additional in Matthew 5:48; Matthew 18:35; Matthew 23:9.
also forgive
you =
forgive you also (emphasis on "you").
Verse
16
AS TO FASTING.
be =
becorne.
disfigure . .
. appear. Note
the Figure of speech Paronomasia (App-6), aphanizousin . . .
phanosin.
appear. App-106.
Verse
17
wash. Greek. niptd. App-136.
Verse
19
AS TO RICHES.
Lay . . . up =
Treasure . . . up.
corrupt = cause to
vanish.
Verse
21
heart be also = heart
also be.
Verse
22
light = lamp.
Greek. luchnos. App-130.
single = clear.
Verse
23
If. Assuming
it as a fact.
be = is.
Verse
24
No man = No one.
Greek. oudeis. See App-105.
can = is able
to.
serve. As a
bondservant.
masters. Greek. kurios. See
App-98.
hate: or care
not for.
cannot = are not
(App-105.) able to.
mammon = riches.
An Aramaic word. See App-94. Luke 16:13.
Verse
25
AS TO CARES,
ETC. Therefore =
On account of this (Greek. dia. App-104. Matthew 6:2).
Take no
thought =
Be not careful: i.e. full of care, or overanxious. Compare verses: Matthew 6:27, Matthew 6:28, Matthew 6:31, Matthew 27:34.
life = soul
Greek. psuche.
more = [worth]
more.
Verse
26
Behold = Look
attentively (emblepo, App-133.) at (eis).
of = which
fly in. Genitive of Relation. App-17.
air = the
heaven. Sing, in contrast with earth. See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
your. Speaking
to disciples. Contrast "them" with their creator.
Verse
27
of = from
among. Greek. ek.
add = prolong.
cubit = span.
Compare Luke 12:26. Put
by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for a very small thing,
as in Psalms 39:5,
where the Greek pechus is used as the rendering of
Hebrew. "ammah.
stature. Used
elsewhere of age in John 9:21, John 9:23. Hebrews 11:11,
and of stature in Luke 19:3.
Doubtful in Matthew 6:27. Luke 2:52. Ephesians 4:13.
Verse
28
for = about or
concerning. Greek. peri. App-104.
Consider = Consider
carefully, so as to learn from. Greek. katamanthano. Occurs only
here.
toil not. As men.
spin. As women.
Consolation for both sexes.
Verse
30
if. Assuming
the fact. See App-118.
O ye of little
faith. Note
the four occurrences of this word (oligopistos). Here,
rebuking care; Matthew 8:26,
rebuking fear; Matthew 14:31,
rebuking doubt; Matthew 16:8,
rebuking reasoning. Luke 12:28 is
parallel with Matthew 6:30.
Gentiles = nations.
Verse
33
the kingdom of
God. See
App-114. Occurs five times: Matthew 6:33; Matthew 12:28; Matthew 19:24; Matthew 21:31, Matthew 21:43.
His: i.e. God.
L T [A] WH R omit, and read "His righteousness and kingdom".
shall be
added. Hebraism
= come on afterward, as in Acts 3:12, Acts 3:3. Luke 20:11.
Septuagint for Hebrew. yasaph.
Verse
34
shall. Hebraism =
is sure to, will certainly.
the things of. All the
critical texts omit these words.
Sufficient,
&c. This
verse is not "omitted
by Luke"; but it was not included by the Lord when repeated
on a later occasion which Luke records. See App-97.
is = be.
Chapter 7
Verse
1
not. Greek. me. App-105.
Jewish proverb.
Verse
2
with what,
&c. Figure
of speech Paroemia. App-6.
again. All the
critical texts omit. App-94.
Verse
3
beholdest. See
App-133. This is in contrast with "considerest". Jewish
proverb.
mote. Anglo-Saxon, mot =
a particle of dust, something dry: i.e. any dry particle, as wood (splinter),
chaff, or dust.
brother"s. See note
on Matthew 5:22.
considerest. Greek. katanoeo. Stronger
than "beholdest" above.
See App-133.
beam. Greek. dokos. Septuagint
for Hebrew. korah in 2 Kings 6:2, 2 Kings 6:5.
Verse
4
out of = from.
Greek. ap"o. App-104.
Verse
6
dogs. Note
the Introversion here.
g | dogs.
h | swine.
h | swine.
g | dogs (and the dogs).
they: i.e.
the swine. trample. All the critical texts read "shall trample upon".
under = with.
Greek. en.
and = and [the
dogs].
turn again and = having
turned.
Verse
7
Ask. Greek. aileo. App-134.
it shall be
opened. This
is never done in the East to this day. The one who knocks is always first
questioned. L Tr. WH m. read "it is opened"
Verse
9
if. See
App-118.
Verse
10
if he ask. All
read "if
he shall ask".
a fish = a fish
also.
Verse
11
evil =
grudging, or harmful. See App-128. Scripture thus challenges man, that is why
man challenges it.
heaven = the
heavens. See notes on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
good things. Compare ; Psalms 84:11. Luke 11:13. James 1:17.
Verse
12
Therefore. Summing up
all that has been said in verses: 1-11.
would = be
willing. See App-102.
the law. See note
on Matthew 5:17.
Verse
13
Enter ye in,
&c. Repeated
on a later occasion. Luke 13:2.
at = through,
or by means of Greek. dia.
strait = narrow.
wide. Greek. platus. Occurs
only here.
broad =
extensive. Greek. euruchoros. Occurs only here. the way. For "the two ways",
see Deuteronomy 30:15, 1 Kings 18:21. 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:15.
leadeth = leads
away.
to = unto.
Greek. eis.
go = enter
in.
thereat = through.
Greek. dia. App-104. Matthew 7:1.
Verse
14
Because
strait. L
Tr. R margin Syriac. Vulgate &c., and some fifty codices read "How strait".
narrow =
straitened.
unto. Greek. eis.
Same as "to", Matthew 7:14.
life: i.e. the
life [eternal]. See note on Leviticus 18:5.
App-170.
Verse
15
Beware = Take
heed, as in Matthew 6:1.
of = from, or
away from. Greek. apo : i.e. Beware [and keep] away from.
Verse
16
Ye shall know. Note the
Figure of speech Epanadiplosis (App-6). See Matthew 7:20.
know = fully
know and recognize. See App-132.
by = from.
Gr apo.
Do men,
&c. Figure
of speech Erotesis, for emphasis.
Verse
21
Lord, Lord. Note the
Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6), for emphasis.
the kingdom of
heaven. See
App-114.
heaven = heavens.
All the texts read "the heavens". See notes on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
will. Greek. thelema. See
App-102.
Verse
22
have = did.
Note the Figure of speech Erotesis.
prophesied = acted as
spokesmen. See App-49.
in Thy name = by or
through Thy name. Note the Figure of speech Anadiplosis.
devils = demons.
wonderful
works. Greek. dunamis (see
App-172.); in Septuagint in this sense only in Job 37:16.
Verse
23
knew = got to
know. Greek. ginosko. See App-132.
from = away
from. Greek. apo. App-104.
iniquity =
lawlessness. See App-128.
Verse
24
whosoever = every
one (as in Matthew 7:26).
Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6.
sayings = words.
Greek plural of logos. See note on Mark 9:32.
wise = prudent.
a = the.
rock = rocky
ground.
Verse
25
And. Note the
Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6), emphasizing each particular.
the rain descended = down
came the rain. Greek. broche. Occurs only here. On the roof.
floods. At the
foundation.
winds. At the
sides.
beat = broke
upon, dashed against (with great violence), as in Luke 6:48, in
contrast with "beat" in Matthew 7:27,
which is a much weaker word.
was = had
been.
Verse
27
beat upon = on the
roof; stumbled against, merely impinged, or lightly struck, in contrast
with Matthew 7:25.
fell = did fall.
Verse
28
ended. This marks
the end of the first period and subject of the Lord"s ministry. See the
Structure, p. 1315, and App-119.
people =
multitudes.
doctrines =
teaching.
Verse
29
taught = was
continually teaching.
having
authority: i.e.
possessing Divine authority. Greek. exousia. App-172. In the current
Hebrew literature of that time it denoted the Hebrew mippi hagg
burah = from the mouth of God. See notes on Matthew 26:64. Mark 14:62,
and Hebrews 1:3.
and not. Note the
Figure of speech Pleonasm (App-6). Jewish teachers always referred to
tradition, or to what some other teacher had said; and do so to this day.
Chapter 8
Verse
1
When = And
when.
from = away
from. Greek. apo.
Verse
2
behold. Figure of
speech Asterismos (App-6), for emphasis.
leper. See note
on Exodus 4:6.
worshipped = did
homage. See App-137. The variations in Mar 1, and Luk 5, are due to the fact
that they do not record the same miracle. See App-97.
Lord. App-98.
This is the first time that Jesus is called "Lord". In this
second period of His ministry, His Person is to be proclaimed as Messiah, both
Divine (here), and in Matthew 8:20 human. When once
they begin to call Him "Lord", they continue. Compare verses: Matthew 8:8, Matthew 8:6,
&c.
clean. See note
on Matthew 8:3. Not
the same miracle as in Mark 1:40 and Luke 5:12. Here
both without the city (Capernaum, App-169); there,
both within (probably Chorazin), for the leper was "full" and
therefore "clean" (Leviticus 13:12, Leviticus 13:13).
Here, the leper obeys and is silent; there, he disobeys, so
that the Lord could no more enter the city (Chorazin). The antecedents were
different, and the consequents also, as may be seen from the two records.
Verse
3
Jesus. All the
texts (App-94.) read "He".
I will = I am
willing. See App-102.
his leprosy
was cleansed. Figure
of speech Hypallage (App-6) = he was cleansed of his
leprosy. Kaharizo is found in the Papyri and in Inscriptions in this
sense.
Verse
4
no man = no one.
go. To
Jerusalem.
shew thyself,
&c. See Leviticus 14:4.
Moses. The first of
eighty occurrences of "Moses" in the
N.T. Thirty-eight in the Gospels (see the first occurrence in each
Gospel (Matthew 8:4. Mark 1:44. Luke 5:14. John 1:17); nineteen times
in Acts (see note on Acts 3:22); twenty-two times
in the Epistles (see note on Romans 5:14; once in
Revelation (Revelation 15:3).
See App-117.
Verse
5
Capernaum. See note
on Matthew 4:13, and
App-169.
there came,
&c. This
is in connection with the same centurion as in Luke 7:3, Luke 7:6, but on
a prior occasion. See notes there.
centurion. Commanding
100 men, the sixtieth part of a legion.
beseeching =
appealing to. Greek. parakaleo. App-131.
Verse
6
servant = young
man, in legal relation (like the French garcon),
Greek. pais. See App-108.
lieth = is
thrown down.
sick of the
palsy =
paralyzed.
Verse
8
worthy = fit.
Not "worthy" (morally),
but "fit" socially.
come = enter.
Verse
9
I = I also.
authority. Greek. exousia. App-172.
me = myself.
and. Note the
Figure of speech Polysyndeton in this verse, App-6.
this man = this
[soldier].
another: i.e. of
the same rank (see App-124.) = another [soldier].
servant =
bondservant.
Verse
10
marvelled. Only two
things that the Lord marvelled at: (1) faith (here); (2) unbelief (Mark 6:6).
Verily. Only
Matthew uses this Aramaic word here (supplementary). See note on Matthew 5:18.
no, not = not
even. Greek. oude. Related to ou. App-105.
Verse
11
many. Used by
Figure of speech Euphemismos for Gentiles (App-6), to avoid
giving offence at this stage of His ministry.
sit down = recline
as guests (in eating, or at a feast).
and. Note the
Figure of speech Polysyndeton
the kingdom of
heaven. See
App-114.
Verse
12
children = sons.
Greek. huios. App-108. (and heirs). A Hebraism, denoting those who were
related by any ties of friendship: e.g. followers, learners, inhabitants,
&c.
outer = the
outer. Gr. exoteros. Occ only in Matthew (here, and in Matthew 22:13,
and Matthew 25:30).
Outside the place where the feast was going on in Matthew 8:11.
weeping and
gnashing =
the weeping and the grinding. The Articles denoting not a state but a definite
occasion and time when this event shall take place. Used by the Lord seven
times (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 13:50; Matthew 22:13; Matthew 24:51; Matthew 25:30. Luke 13:28). A study
of these will show that the occasion is "the end of the age",
when "the Lord and His servants shall have come", and when He will
deal with the "wicked" and "unprofitable" servants, and sit
down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in His kingdom.
Verse
13
hast believed = didst
believe.
selfsame = that.
Verse
14
Peter"s
house. The
Lord was in Capernaum, so that He was probably lodging with Peter.
Compare Mark 1:29. See App-169.
laid -laid out
for death. A
Hebraism.
Verse
16
When = And
when.
the even. Probably
the Sabbath, for they came straight out of the Synagogue and waited for the end
of the Sabbath.
devils = demons:
i.e. evil spirits. App-101.
spirits. App-101.
with His word = by a
word. Supply "a" instead
of "His".
sick = in evil
case. App-128.
Verse
17
That = So that.
by = by means
of. Greek. dia.
Esaias = Isaiah.
See App-79.
saying. Quoted from
the Hebrew of Isaiah 53:4.
Compare 1 Peter 2:24.
took . . .
bare. The
two words together fulfill the sense of the Hebrew (Isaiah 53:4). The
Inspirer of Isaiah adapts and deals as He pleases with His own words.
bare = to take
up for one"s self; to bear our infirmities as in Luke 14:27. Romans 15:1. Galatians 1:5, Galatians 1:10; Galatians 6:17.
Compare John 4:6.
sicknesses. Greek. nosos diseases.
Verse
18
about =
around. Greek peri. App-104.
other side = farther
side, not either of the words in App-124.
Verse
19
a = one. A
Hebraism for "a".
Master = Teacher.
App-98. Matthew 8:1.
goest = mayest
go.
Verse
20
unto him. No
Preposition.
air = heaven.
nests = roosts.
the Son of
Man. He
Who has dominion in the earth. The first of eighty-seven occurrences. See App-98.
to lay = He may lay. Compare Revelation 14:14. Revelation 14:21
another = a different
one: Greek. heteros. i.e. a disciple, not a "scribe" (Matthew 8:19).
App-124.
suffer me,
&c. =
allow me, &c. This was, and is to-day, a polite way of excusing one"s
self, it being well understood as such, because all knew that the dead are
buried on the day of the death, and no one leaves the house.
first. No!
See Matthew 6:33.
Verse
22
let = leave.
the dead = corpses.
Note the-well-known Figure of speech Antanaclasis (App-6), by which
one word is used twice in the same sentence with two meanings
which clash against each other: "leave the dead to bury their own
corpses". See App-139.
Verse
23
a ship = the
ship. Referring to Matthew 8:18.
Verse
24
behold. Figure of
speech Asterismos (App-6), to call attention to another stage
of "the
great conflict". See App-23. This is not the same tempest as
that recorded in , and Luke 8:23-25.
This was before the calling of the Twelve: the other
was after that event. There is no "discrepancy", if we note
the differences on p. 1325, and App-97.
tempest =
earthquake. Always so rendered in the other thirteen occurrences. In the later
event it was a squall (Greek. lailaps).
was covered = was
getting covered. Hence it was a decked boat. In the later miracle it
was an open boat, "filled".
with = by.
Greek. hupo.
asleep =
sleeping.
Verse
25
perish = are
perishing.
Verse
26
Why . . . ? Figure of
speech Erotesis (App-6). Here the danger was not so imminent, for He
first rebuked the disciples. In the later miracle the danger was greater, and
He rebuked the storm first. See App-97.
O ye of little
faith. The
second occurrence of this word (oligopistoi). See note on Matthew 6:30.
was = became.
Verse
27
marvelled. In Matthew 14:33 "worshipped".
manner, &c. = kind of a
Being.
Verse
28
when He was
come. This
miracle of the two demoniacs was not the same as that recorded
in and Luke 8:26-40.
Here, there were two men; in the later miracle there was one;
here, they landed opposite the place whence they set sail (Gergesenes); there,
the Gadarenes (not Gadera) not opposite; here, no name is asked; there, the
name is "Legion";
here, no bonds used; there, many; here, the two were not afterwards
used, and the Twelve not yet called; there, the one man was used, and
the Twelve had been called. The consequents also are different. See App-97.
to = into.
Greek. eis.
Gergesenes. Probably
Girgashites, so called from one of the original Canaanite nations (Genesis 10:16; Genesis 15:21; Deuteronomy 7:1. Joshua 3:10; Joshua 24:11. 1 Chronicles 1:14. Nehemiah 9:8).
Not Gadarenes, as in Mark and Luke. "Gergesenes is the reading of the vast
majority of MSS. of both families; of the Coptic, Ethiopic, and Armenian
versions". Origen is the great authority; but Wetstein
"imagined" that it was Origen"s "gratuitous
conjecture". Critics have followed Wetstein, but Scrivener is right (as
usual in retaining Gergesenes.
two. In the
later miracle only one. Compare "we", Matthew 8:29.
possessed with
devils: i.e.
demoniacs. Greek. daimonizomai. .
no man might
pass =
one was not able to pass.
Verse
29
What have we
to do with Thee? A
Hebraism. See note on 2 Samuel 16:10.
Occurs in Mark 1:24; Mark 5:7. Luke 4:34; Luke 8:28;
and John 2:4.
Jesus. All the
texts (App-94.) omit "Jesus" here. "Jesus"
omitted here by the texts probably out of respect for His name being
spoken by demons. Demons irreverently use this sacred name, as is done by so
many today: but His own disciples and friends called Him "Lord, "or
"Master, "&c. See John 13:13.
Son of God. See App-98.
before. Greek. pro. App-104.
Verse
31
devils = demons.
If. Assuming
that He would do so.
Verse
32
Go. Greek. hupago
= go forth, i.e. out of the man.
a = the.
Evidently, the well-known precipice.
perished = died.
Those who defiled the temple (Matthew 21:12, Matthew 21:12. John 2:14-16)
lost their trade; and those who defiled Israel (here) lost their animals.
Verse
34
the whole. Put by
Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for the greater part.
to meet = for a
meeting with. Greek. sunantesis. Occurs only here, but L T Tr. WH
read hupantesin, which occurs also as the same reading in Matthew 25:1 and John 12:13.
besought. Same word
as in verses: Matthew 8:5, Matthew 8:31. See
note on Mark 5:12.
out of = away
from. Greek. apo. App-104.
Chapter 9
Verse
1
a ship the boat.
The one already mentioned in Mat 8.
His own. See note
on "private" (2 Peter 1:20).
city. Capernaum.
See note on Matthew 4:13, and
App-169.
Verse
2
behold. Figure of
speech Asterismos. App-6.
a man sick of
the palsy =
a paralytic.
bed = couch.
seeing = on
seeing. See App-133.
their faith. Including
of course that of the paralytic.
Son = Child.
Greek. teknon.
be forgiven = stand
remitted. L T Tr. and WH read the Indicatives "have been and are forgiven",
marking the Lord"s authority. Not the ambiguous "be forgiven".
Verse
4
knowing =
perceiving. Greek. oida. App-132. Same word as "seeing" in Matthew 9:2. Not
the same as "know", Matthew 9:6, or
as in Matthew 9:30.
evil =
mischief. Greek. poneros.
in, &c. = among
[you] in your hearts.
Verse
6
the Son of
man. See
App-98. XVT.
power =
authority. See App-172.
earth = the
earth. Greek. ge. App-129.
unto. Greek. eis. Same
as "into", Matthew 9:1.
Verse
7
to. Greek. eis.
Same as "unto", Matthew 9:6.
Verse
8
multitudes = crowds.
So verses: Matthew 9:33, Matthew 9:36; "people" in
verses: Matthew 9:23, Matthew 9:25.
Verse
9
forth = along.
Matthew. An Aramaic
word. See App-94.
at = over.
Greek. epi.
the receipt of
custom =
the custom-house.
Verse
10
And it came to
pass. A
Hebraism: frequent in O. T See note on Genesis 1:2.
sat at meat = was
reclining
the house = his
house:
he. Matthew"s
house. Compare Luke 5:29; so
in Matthew 9:28.
publicans =
tax-gatherers.
sinners. Especially
in a religious sense. This usage is common in the Inscriptions in Asia Minor
(Deiss-mann).
Verse
11
Pharisees. See
App-120.
Master = Teacher.
Verse
12
They that be,
&c. Figure
of speech Paroemia (App-6).
whole = strong.
Eng. "whole" is
from Anglo-Saxon hael = our "hale", healthy or strong.
Verse
13
But, &c. This is
the application. Hosea 6:6 is
quoted with evident reference to Hosea 6:1; Hosea 5:13 with Hosea 7:1. See
App-117.
go ye. To your
teachers.
meaneth = is.
will have = require.
mercy =
compassion. Greek. eleos.
I am not come = I came
not.
the righteous = just
ones.
to repentance. All the
texts omit: also wanting in Syriac and Vulgate both here and in Mark 2:17.
Verse
14
came = come.
fast oft. Compare Luke 18:12.
Verse
15
Can, &c. Figure of
speech Paroemia.
the children,
&c. A
Hebraism. Used in various connections. Compare Matthew 23:15. Deuteronomy 13:13. 1 Samuel 2:12 (margin); Matthew 20:31. 2 Samuel 12:5 (margin) John 17:12. Acts 3:25.
children = sons.
Greek plural of huios.
shall = will.
Verse
16
No man = No one.
new cloth = new
flannel: i.e. undressed or unfulled. In this condition it is less supple and
will tear away.
unto = on or
upon. Greek. epi.
that which is
put in, &c. =
the insertion: i.e. the patch put on.
taketh = teareth
away.
the rent is
made worse =
a worse rent takes place.
Verse
17
new = freshly
made: i.e. young. Greek. neos = new as to time.
old bottles = old or
dried skins.
bottles = wine
skins.
else = otherwise.
break = burst.
perish = are
ruined.
new bottles = fresh
wineskins of newer quality or character. Greek. kainos.
preserved =
preserved together.
Verse
18
a certain = one. A
Hebraism.
ruler = a civil
ruler. Not the same miracle as that in Mark 5:22,
and Luke 8:41. See
App-138.
worshipped = began
doing homage. App-137.
is even now
dead =
hath just now died.
live = come to
life again. Especially to live again in resurrection. See Mark 16:11. Luke 24:5, Luke 24:23. John 11:25, John 11:26. Acts 1:3; Acts 9:41; Acts 25:19. Romans 6:10. 2 Corinthians 13:4. Revelation 1:18; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 20:4, Revelation 20:5.
Verse
20
a woman,
&c. Not
the same miracle as in Mark 5:25 and Luke 8:43. See
App-138.
an issue of
blood =
a hemorrhage. Greek. haimorroeo. Occ only here.
hem: the tassel
at one of the four corners, to touch which was a mark of profound respect. But
see App-188, and compare .
Verse
21
said = kept
saying.
within
herself. The
second woman seems to have spoken to others.
If I may,
&c. See
App-118. The condition being quite hypothetical.
whole = saved:
i.e. healed. A Hebraism. Compare Psalms 42:11; Psalms 43:5; Psalms 67:2 =
saving health. Not the same word as in Matthew 9:12.
Verse
22
comfort = courage.
made thee
whole =
saved. As in Matthew 9:21.
Verse
23
minstrels =
flute-players, or pipers.
people = crowd.
See Matthew 9:8.
making a noise = loudly
wailing.
Verse
24
Give place = Go out
[of the room].
maid. Greek. korasion. The
same as "damsel" in Mark 6:22, Mark 6:28 :
not the same as "damsel" in Mark 5:39 (App-108.
IX), which is paidion (App-108. V).
sleepeth. Greek. katheudo. App-171.
Verse
26
fame hereof = this
report.
Verse
27
Son of David. The second
of nine occurrences in Matthew. See notes on Matthew 1:1; Matthew 21:9; Matthew 22:42.
See App-98.
Verse
28
the house, or
his house. See
note on e. 10.
said = say.
Verse
29
According to.
Greek. kata. App-104.
Verse
31
when they were
departed. . . (32) As
they went out = when they had gone out . . . but as they were leaving.
spread . . .
fame =
made Him known.
Verse
32
As they went = As they
were going.
possessed with
a devil =
a demoniac.
Verse
33
devil = demon.
Verse
34
through = by.
Greek. en. App-104. See note on "with", Matthew 3:11.
Verse
35
synagogues. See
App-120.
preaching =
heralding. Greek. kerusso. See App-121.
the gospel of
the kingdom =
the glad tidings of the kingdom. See App-140.
gospel = glad
tidings, good news.
of =
concerning. Genitive of Relation. App-17.
every. Figure of
speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6. Put for every kind.
sickness. Greek. malakia. Occurs
only in Matthew (here; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 10:1).
among the
People. All
the texts omit these words.
on =
concerning. Greek. peri. fainted = were wearied. All the texts (App-94.)
read "were
harassed".
as. Figure of
speech Simile. App-6.
no. Greek. me. App-105.
Read this with having = feeling as if they had, &c.
Verse
37
truly = indeed.
plenteous = great.
Verse
38
Pray. Greek. deornai. App-134.
power =
authority. See App-172.
against = over.
Greek Genitive of Relation. App-17.
spirits. Plural of
Greek. pneuma. See App-101.
to = so as
to.
all manner of = every.
Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for all kinds
of, as in Matthew 9:35.
sickness. See note
on Matthew 9:35.
Chapter 10
Verse
2
apostles =
those sent forth. See note on Mark 3:14.
Zebedee. See
note on Matthew 4:21.
Verse
3
Bartholomew,
Thomas, and Matthew . . . Alphaeus . . . Thaddaeus. These are all Aramaic
words. See App-94.
the
publican = the tax-gatherer. Note the Figure of
speech Ampliatio. App-6.
Alphaeus. Hebrew. halphah. Same
root as Cleophas; and probably the same name, if not the same person, as John 19:25.
Verse
4
Canaanite. The
Aramaic word for the Greek Zelotes (Luke 6:15. Acts 1:13)
= Zealot: so called from his zeal for the Law. See App-94. Josephus
(Bell. Jud. Matthew 4:3, Matthew 4:9)
says the sect of "Zealots" did not arise till just before
the fall of Jerusalem.
Judas
Iscariot. The only apostle not from Galilee. He belonged to Judah.
also
betrayed Him = even betrayed Him.
betrayed =
delivered up.
Verse
5
Go
not = Go not abroad: i.e. from the land.
Verse
6
to. Greek. pros.
lost
sheep. Compare Ezekiel 34:16;
and Matthew 15:24; Matthew 18:11. Luke 19:10.
the
house of Israel. A Hebraism = the family of Israel. See note
on 1 Kings 12:17.
Verse
7
preach =
herald. Greek. kerusso. See App-121.
The
kingdom of heaven. See App-114.
heaven =
the heavens. See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
is
at hand = is drawn nigh. Compare Matthew 4:17.
Verse
8
the
sick = sick ones.
the
lepers = leprous ones.
the
dead = dead people. See App-139.
devils =
demons. Compare Matthew 10:1.
Verse
9
gold
. . . silver . . . brass. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of
Cause), App-6, for the money made from them.
purses =
girdles, some of which contain pockets for money and valuables.
Verse
10
scrip =
that which is written: then a small wallet that holds such a writing.
Greek. pera. Only here, Mark 6:8. Luke 9:3; Luke 10:4,
and Luke 22:35, Luke 22:36.
Not a "purse", because no money: not a "bread bag"
because no bread (Luke 9:4.
Deissmann quotes an Inscription at Kefr-Hauar, in Syria, in which a
slave of a temple, "sent by the lady" on a begging expedition,
brought back each journey seventy bags (pera) of money which he had collected.
The Lord means they were not to beg.
shoes =
sandals (i.e. not a spare pair).
Staves =
a staff (for walking), not clubs. See note on Matthew 26:47.
meat. Put
by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for all kinds of
food.
Verse
11
town =
village, as in Matthew 9:35.
Verse
12
an
house = a man"s house.
salute
it: i.e. make your salaam = pronounce "peace".
Verse
13
peace. Referring
to the salaam of Matthew 10:12.
Verse
14
shake
off, &c. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6. Compare Matthew 18:17.
See Acts 13:51.
Verse
15
Verily,
&c. See note on Matthew 6:18.
the
day of judgment. Which the Lord spoke of as imminent, and coming at the
end of that dispensation, had the nation repented.
Verse
16
Behold. Figure
of speech Asterismos (App-6), for emphasis.
sheep
. . . wolves. No Art., for all sheep are not in the
midst of wolves.
be
ye = become ye.
serpents
. . . doves. With Art., because all serpents are prudent, and all doves
harmless.
harmless =
guileless.
Verse
17
of =
away from: i.e. beware [and keep] away from. Greek. apo. App-104.
men. Plural
of anthropos. App-123.
you. This
was true of the Twelve ("them that heard Him": Hebrews 2:3)
in the dispensation of the Acts.
to =
unto.
the
councils = councils. Courts of justice.
Verse
18
And =
Yea and; or And . . . kings also.
before. Greek. epi.
for
My sake = on account of Me. Greek. heneken.
for =
with a view to.
against =
unto.
Gentiles =
nations.
Verse
19
they
deliver you up. All texts read "they shall have delivered you
up".
take
no thought = be not anxious (as in Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:27, Matthew 6:28, Matthew 6:31, Matthew 6:34).
shall =
should.
Verse
20
the
Spirit = the Spirit (Himself). See App-101.
Verse
21
child
. . . children. Greek plural of teknon. App-108.
against. Greek. epi.
App-104. Not the same as in Matthew 10:18.
cause
them to be put to death = will put them to death.
Verse
22
shall =
will.
of =
by. Greek. hupo.
all. Put
by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for the greater
part.
for =
on account of. Greek. dia.
end. Greek. telos
(not sunteleia). See notes on Matthew 24:3,
and App-114): i.e. of that dispensation, which would have thus ended had the
nation repented at the call of Peter (Acts 3:19-26).
As it did not repent, this is of course now future. Compare 1 Corinthians
1:8.
shall
be saved = he shall be saved (escape or be delivered). Compare .
Verse
23
another =
into the other: i.e. the next. Greek. allos (App-124.), but all texts
read heteros. App-124.
not =
by no means; in no wise. Greek. ou me.
gone
over = completed, or finished [going over].
till. See
the four: Matthew 10:23; Matthew 16:28; Matthew 28:39; Matthew 24:34.
the
Son of man. See App-98.
be
come = may have come. This is rendered hypothetical by the
Particle an (which cannot be translated), because His coming depended
on the repentance of Israel (). It would then have been (and will now yet be)
the judicial coming of "the Son of Man". Compare Acts 17:31.
Verse
24
The
disciple = a pupil.
above. Greek. huper.
master =
teacher. App-98. Matthew 10:4.
servant =
bondservant.
lord =
master.
Verse
25
enough =
sufficient.
be =
become.
have
called. All the texts read "have surnamed".
Beelzebub. Aramaic, Beelzeboul. App-94.
Beelzebub =
the lord of flies (2 Kings 1:2),
was the god of the Ekronites. It was changed in contempt by the Israelites to
Baalzebel = lord of the dunghill, and thence used of the prince of the demons.
shall
they call. These italics are unnecessary.
them
of his household. Greek. oikiakos. Occurs only here, and Matthew 10:36.
Verse
26
Fear
. . . not = Ye should not fear.
covered =
concealed.
Verse
27
darkness =
the darkness.
that. For
this word italics are not needed.
light =
the light.
hear
in the ear. A Hebraism. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6.
Compare Genesis 20:8; Genesis 23:16. Exodus 10:2. Isaiah 5:9. Acts 11:22.
in =
into. Greek. eis.
upon. Greek. epi.
App-104.
housetops. The
usual place of proclamation.
Verse
28
fear
not. Hebrew. yare"min. Deuteronomy
1:29; Deuteronomy
5:5. Psalms 3:6; Psalms 27:1.
them =
[and flee] from them. Greek. apo.
kill. Man
causes the loss of life, but he cannot kill:
i.e. "destroy" it. Only God can do that.
the
soul. Greek. psuche. See App-110.
destroy. Note
the difference. Not "kill" merely. Compare Luke 12:4, Luke 12:5.
hell. Greek. geenna. See
note on Matthew 5:22,
and App-131.
Verse
29
for
a farthing. Greek. assarion. Compare Luke 12:6, "five
sold for two assarions" is not the same; but the difference may
arise from the market price, which varied from time to time. Deissmann tells us
that a fragment of a papyrus was discovered at Aegira (in Achaea, on the
Corinthian gulf), in 1899, containing part of a market tariff of Diocletian
(third century, A.D.), showing that sparrows were sold in tens. The
tariff fixed the maximum price of ten for
sixteen denarii (about 31/2 d. Eng. In our Lord"s day,
therefore, the market value would be Neh 1d. Eng.) See App-51.
of =
from among Greek. ek.
on. Greek. epi.
without
your Father: i.e. without His knowledge or will.
Verse
30
hairs
. . . numbered. Note the Figure of speech Parechesis. App-6. In
Aramaic, hairs = mene.
numbered = mana.
Verse
32
confess
Me. Greek confess in (en. App-104.) Me. Aramaic idiom.
I
confess also = I also confess. Compare Matthew 10:33.
Verse
34
I
am come = I came. Compare Matthew 10:6,
and Matthew 15:24.
send =
cast, as seed. Compare Mark 4:26.
earth. Greek. ge. See
App-129.
sword. Put
by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6,
for "war" or "fightings".
Verse
35
set
. . . at variance. Greek. dichazo. Occurs only here. Quoted
from Micah 7:6.
the
daughter, &c. See App-117.
Verse
37
loveth =
is fonder of. See App-135.
more
than = above. Greek. huper.
Verse
38
cross. Greek. stauros. See
App-162. All criminals bore their own cross (John 19:17).
Compare Matthew 16:25.
Verse
39
He
that findeth = He that has found. Note the Introversion in this
verse (find, lose; lose, find).
life =
soul. See App-110.
loseth =
has lost.
for
My sake = on account of Me. Luke 14:14; Luke 20:35, Luke 20:36. John 5:29; John 11:25.
find
it. In resurrection. Compare 1 Peter 4:19.
Verse
40
you. Those
to whom the Lord spoke cannot be excluded.
receiveth. Note
the Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6), in verses: Matthew 10:40, Matthew 10:41.
Verse
41
a
prophet. See App-49.
in
the name of: i.e. because he is. A Hebraism (b"shem). Exodus 5:23. Jeremiah
11:21.
in. Greek. eis. As
in Matthew 10:27.
Verse
42
these
little ones: i.e. the Twelve. Compare Matthew 18:6.
of =
full of or containing. Genitive of the contents. App-17.
in
no wise. See App-105.