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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The secrets of faith. A blended good and evil characterizes the present state of man. Ever since our first parents ate of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" their children have been eating of it. The hovel is found under the very shadow of the palace. What a scene of glory was that of the Transfiguration! What a scene of misery is this at the foot of the mountain! "And when they were come to the multitude," etc. Learn— I. THAT THE POWER OF FAITH IS UNLIMITED . 1 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:15

This verse in the Vulgate is contained in Matthew 17:14 . Have mercy on my son. According to St. Luke, the father makes his plea more touching by adding that he was his only son—an appeal to which the Saviour's tender heart was always open, as when he stopped the bier at Nain, and said to the childless widow, "Weep not." He is lunatic ( σεληνια ì ξεται ). The Revised Version most unnecessarily renders the verb, he is epileptic . Doubtless the case in many respects simulated... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:16

I brought him to thy disciples. He had come with the multitude, hoping to find Jesus, and, being disappointed, he had applied to the nine to relieve his misery. When the apostles were sent forth with commission to heal the sick, they returned with joy to report the success of their tour: they cast forth many devils; they noted with glad surprise that the very demons were subject to them in the Name of Jesus ( Matthew 10:1 ; Luke 10:17 ). It was different now. They could not cure him. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:16

Causes of failure in spiritual power. "I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him." Now, these very disciples had been able to heal and cure and restore, when on their trial mission. They had returned to their Lord greatly excited, and saying," Even the devils are subject to us in thy Name." It does not, however, appear that they had healing powers when their Master was present. True, he was not present on this particular occasion, but he was only temporarily absent, and he... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 17:15

Lord, have mercy - The word “Lord” here means “Sir,” a title of civility, not implying divinity.My son - This was an only son (Luke). He was possessed with a devil. This calamity was attended with the following symptoms: he was lunatic (see the notes at Matthew 4:24); he was sore vexed; that is, he suffered greatly, or was greatly afflicted; he fell often suddenly, in the manner of persons having epileptic fits; he was dumb - that is, he was mute except when the seizure was coming upon him, for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 17:16

And I brought him to thy disciples ... - That is, not to the apostles, for they had power over unclean spirits Matthew 10:8, but to others of his followers who attempted to work miracles. It is probable that many of his disciples attempted this who were not personal attendants on his ministry, Mark 9:38. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 17:14-18

Matthew 17:14-18. And when they were come to the multitude Namely, the day following, Luke 9:37, there came a certain man, kneeling down to him In great humility before Jesus, and with deep reverence for him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son Compassionate his miserable condition, for he is lunatic and sore vexed With terrible fits. “This man’s disease,” says Dr. Campbell, “we should, from the symptoms, call epilepsy, rather than lunacy. The appellation given it (... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

76. Healing of an uncontrollable boy (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43)While the faith of the three apostles on the mountain was being strengthened, the faith of the other nine on the plain below was failing. They were unable to cure a boy who suffered from sudden fits that made him uncontrollable (Mark 9:14-18). After the heavenly experiences on the mountain, Jesus felt the frustration of work in a world that was full of human failure (Mark 9:19). Nevertheless, he did not despise... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 17:15

mercy = pity. he is lunatick = moonstruck: i.e. epileptic, because epilepsy was supposed to be caused by the moon. Greek. seleniazomai. Occurs only in Matthew, here, and Matthew 4:24 . sore vexed = suffers miserably. read more

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