Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 8:21
And another of his disciples ... - The word “disciple” properly signifies “learner,” and was given to the followers of Jesus because they received him as their teacher. See the notes at Matthew 5:1. It does not of necessity mean that a “disciple” was a pious man, but only one of the multitude, who, for various causes, might attend on his instructions. See John 6:66; John 9:28.Suffer me first to go and bury my father - This seemed to be a reasonable request, as respect for parents, living or... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 8:21
And another of his (Revised Version, the ) disciples said unto him . Disciples in the wider sense ( Matthew 5:1 , note),whether the twelve had or had not been chosen. In the latter case, the man may have been Thomas (Trench, loc. cit. ), but hardly Philip (Clem. Alex.) after John 1:43 . Yet it is precarious to see in him the despondency of Thomas ( John 11:6 ; John 20:24 , John 20:25 ) merely because his father is dead, and he has scruples about immediately following... read more