Matthew 12:12-28

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:14

The perils of faithfulness. That he might be "in all points tempted like as we are," our Lord had the experience of rousing enmity even in doing faithfully the duty of the hour. It was his life-work to heal and save. He was not going to allow himself to be hindered, in doing his great life-work, by the claims of merely rabbinical rules. But the penalty came, which comes to all men who are persistently faithful to their sense of right: "The Pharisees went out, and held a council against him,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15

Matthew 12:15 , Matthew 12:16 are found essentially in Mark 3:7 , Mark 3:12 ; the remainder of this section, the application of prophecy. here only. But when Jesus knew it; and Jesus perceiving it (Revised Version). Whether by his own unaided powers, or by intelligence brought him, is not stated. He withdrew himself (cf. Matthew 4:12 , he departed , note) from thence . We see from the next clause that this withdrawal was not into any very retired spot, but rather away... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15-21

Jesus withdraws, and although many follow him and are healed by him, he charges them not to make him known, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Ideal Israelite, who is the object of God's love and delight, and will receive his Spirit and declare the revelation of him to the Gentiles; he will not strive or exalt himself, or use harshness towards the weak; and his meekness shall last until he has succeeded in his purpose of revealing God to men; for he shall succeed, and he shall be the object... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:16

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:17

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:18

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:20

A bruised reed shall he not break, and-smoking flax shall he not quench. Though what more feeble than a cracked reed or a wick just flickering? Yet he reckons neither as useless; he allows for possibilities of improvement. His treatment of the believer who is weakest, and, so to speak, least alive, is marked by long-suffering and gentleness. Observe that read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:20

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