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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

We have here the miraculous cure of a child that was lunatic and vexed with a devil. Observe, I. A melancholy representation of the case of this child, made to Christ by the afflicted father. This was immediately upon his coming down from the mountain where he was transfigured. Note, Christ's glories do not make him unmindful of us and of our wants and miseries. Christ, when he came down from the mount, where had conversation with Moses and Elias, did not take state upon him, but was as easy... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 17:14-20

17:14-20 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him and fell at his feet and said, "Sir, have pity on my son, for he is an epileptic, and he suffers severely; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water; and I brought him to your disciples, and they were not able to cure him." Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me!" And Jesus spoke sternly to him, and the demon came out of him,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 17:15

Lord, have mercy on my son ,.... He addressed him with great marks of honour and respect, not only by gesture, but by words; he craves mercy, pity, and compassion; for the case he had to present, was a miserable one; and his earnestness and importunity he hoped might be excused, since it was for a child of his own. Luke adds "for he is mine only child"; and therefore his affection for him must be thought to be very strong, and he greatly concerned for its grievous affliction, and earnestly... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 17:16

And I brought him to thy disciples ,.... To the nine, whilst Christ was with the other three upon the mountain: no doubt but his design was to bring him to Christ first; but he being absent, he applied to his disciples, and, desired them to make use of their power to heal him; and which they attempted, but without success: and they could not cure him . This he said, partly to show the malignity and stubbornness of the disease, and partly to accuse the disciples of weakness; when he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 17:15

My son - is lunatic - Σεληνιαζεται . One who was most affected with this disorder at the change and full of the moon. See on Matthew 4:24 ; (note). But this lunacy was occasioned by a demon, see Matthew 17:18 , and Mark 9:17 ; Luke 9:38 . In this case, the devil intended to hide himself under the appearance of a natural disorder, that no supernatural means might be resorted to for his expulsion. See a remarkable account on Luke 9:39 ; (note). Falleth ofttimes into the fire,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 17:16

Thy disciples could not cure him - No wonder, when the cure must be effected by supernatural agency, and they had not faith enough to interest the power of God in their behalf, Matthew 17:20 . A spiritual disorder must have a spiritual remedy: natural means, in such cases, signify just - nothing. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-18

The disciples' failure. It has often been pointed out—as Raphael has shown in his famous picture—that the distressing occurrence of the disciples' failure happened just when Christ was away from them, transfigured on the mountain. Then clearly it would not have been good to build three tabernacles, and so retain the heavenly vision. The world needs Christ; it was well that he returned to the world. I. A PARENT IN TROUBLE . This parent is greatly distressed because his son is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

Healing of the demoniac boy. ( Mark 9:16-29 ; Luke 9:37-42 .) The account of the miracle is much curtailed in our Gospel; the fullest narrative is given by St. Mark, to whom we must refer for the complete details. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The maniac boy. I. THE FAILURE OF THE NINE APOSTLES . 1 . The descent from the mount . The morning had come, and the Lord with the three chosen apostles came down from the Mount of the Transfiguration to rejoin those whom he had left behind. As he drew near to them he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them ( Mark 9:14 ). It was a strange contrast. He had just left the peace of the mountain side and the glory of the heavenly radiance.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The lunatic lad. This incident is memorable chiefly on account of three truths it impresses on the mind. I. THE APPARENTLY UNLIMITED RANGE OUR LORD GIVES TO FAITH . Promise, rebuke, and surprise are mingled in his reply. "if thou canst, all things are possible," etc. As if he said, "You do not surely question my power; it is no question of power, it is a question of faith; have you faith to receive, to evoke the power?" As clearly as possible he says to this man, "The... read more

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