And charged them that they should not make him known . Publicity as such was rather hindering to his work than otherwise. Only those who had no spiritual affinity with him ( John 7:3-5 ), or at most but little ( Matthew 9:31 ), desired him to have it. read more
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying ( Isaiah 42:1-4 ). The following quotation is not taken from the LXX ., but from the Hebrew, and this it largely paraphrases. read more
Behold my servant . Primarily, as would appear, Israel in its ideal, up to which true Israelites came in measure, but only One came fully. Whom I have chosen ( ὃν ᾑρέτισα ). The Hebrew denotes "lay hold of" ( דמת ) ), i.e. for myself. Bengel has a beautiful note on the εἰς ὅν of the Received Text, " εἰς , in , denotat perpeluam mentis paternae tendentiam erga dilectum, 2 Peter 1:17 ." According to the LXX . of 1 Chronicles 29:1 , David's expression... read more
He shall not strive, nor cry . In Isaiah the clause is, "He shall not cry aloud nor lift up his voice ( אשי אלו קעצי אל );" and so the LXX . But "strive" would represent one very frequent connotation of "cry aloud" and its synonyms, for in Eastern lands disputants use their voice much more loudly than we do. This close connexion between the two ideas is seen also in the Syriac Version of Isaiah,. where "lift up his voice " is translated narib , a word meaning... read more
The power that may be in silent farces. This passage from Isaiah is given to show that one most characteristic feature of our Lord's ministry was anticipated in prophecy. He avoided publicity; he shrank from contentions; he would not thrust himself into danger; he was absolutely content to do a quiet work, by personal influence, daily teachings, and kindly deeds of helpfulness, and of "heavenly, Divine charity." Silent forces are the mightiest. Silent light does more than bursting lightning;... read more
This account is found also in Mark 3:6-12.Matthew 12:14The Pharisees ... held a council ... - Mark adds that the Herodians also took a part in this plot. They were probably a “political” party attached firmly to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, tetrarch of Galilee. He was the same man who had imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist, and to whom the Saviour, when arraigned, was sent by Pilate. See the notes at Luke 3:1. He was under Roman authority, and was a strong advocate of Roman... read more
Matthew 12:14-15. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him They were so incensed at the affront which they imagined they had received, in our Lord’s neglecting their censure, and intimating his knowledge of the evil purposes of their hearts, (Luke 6:8,) that they were no longer able to bear the place, and therefore withdrew. Luke says, They were filled with madness, and communed with one another what they might do to Jesus; or, as Matthew and Mark express it, how they... read more
Matthew 12:16-21 . And charged them that they should not make him known Partly that he might avoid the envy and rage of his persecutors, and partly because the time was not yet come for him to declare himself openly to be the Messiah. That it might be fulfilled, &c. Here the evangelist assigns another reason why the Lord Jesus prosecuted his ministry in this humble, meek, quiet, and unostentatious way: it was, that he might fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy, Isaiah 42:1-4, in which it was... read more
35. Man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-21; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11)If an animal fell into a pit on the Sabbath day, the Jews would not hesitate to rescue it the same day. Yet they criticized Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. Although no list of rules sets out all that a person should or should not do to keep the Sabbath holy, it is always right to do good on the Sabbath. To save life is better than to kill, and in this case Jesus was helping to save life. The Pharisees, by contrast,... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15-21
The patience of Christ. I. HIS RETIREMENT . 1 . Its reason. It was not fear; his hour was not yet come. He fled, it has been said, not only from his enemies, but for them. He would not bring upon them the guilt of his death; he would give them time, "yet another year;" he would try what could be done by patience and gentleness and self-denying love. He would not stimulate their malice by remaining m their neighbourhood. When men are heated in disputes and controversies, it is... read more