They were gathered together - Επι το αυτο - they came together with one accord, or, for the same purpose; i.e. of ensnaring him in his discourse, as the Sadducees had done, Matthew 22:23 . The Codex Bezae and several of the Itala have επ ' αυτον , against him. Camen togidre into oon . - Old MS. Eng, Bib. read more
A lawyer - Νομικος , a teacher of the law. What is called lawyer, in the common translation, conveys a wrong idea to most readers: my old MS. renders the word in the same way I have done. These teachers of the law were the same as the scribes, or what Dr. Wotton calls letter-men, whom he supposes to be the same as the Karaites, a sect of the Jews who rejected all the traditions of the elders, and admitted nothing but the written word. See Wotton's Mishna, vol. i. p. 78. These are allowed... read more
Which is the great commandment - We see here three kinds of enemies and false accusers of Christ and his disciples; and three sorts of accusations brought against them. The Herodians, or politicians and courtiers, who form their questions and accusations on the rights of the prince, and matters of state, Matthew 22:16 . The Sadducees, or libertines, who found theirs upon matters of religion, and articles of faith, which they did not credit, Matthew 22:23 . 3. The Pharisees,... read more
Thou shalt love the Lord - This is a subject of the greatest importance, and should be well understood, as our Lord shows that the whole of true religion is comprised in thus loving God and our neighbor. It may not be unnecessary to inquire into the literal meaning of the word love. Αγαπη , from αγαπαω , I love, is supposed to be compounded either of αγαν and ποιειν , to act vehemently or intensely; or, from αγειν κατα παν , because love is always active, and will act in every... read more
This is the first and great commandment - It is so, In its antiquity, being as old as the world, and engraven originally on our very nature. In dignity; as directly and immediately proceeding front and referring to God. In excellence; being the commandment of the new covenant, and the very spirit of the Divine adoption. In justice; because it alone renders to God his due, prefers him before all things, and secures to him his proper rank in relation to them. In sufficiency; being... read more
Thou shalt love thy neighbor - The love of our neighbor springs from the love of God as its source; is found in the love of God as its principle, pattern, and end; and the love of God is found in the love of our neighbor, as its effect, representation, and infallible mark. This love of our neighbor is a love of equity, charity, succor, and benevolence. We owe to our neighbor what we have a right to expect from him - "Do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you," is a positive command... read more
On these two - hang all the law and the prophets - They are like the first and last links of a chain, all the intermediate ones depend on them. True religion begins and ends in love to God and man. These are the two grand links that unite God to man, man to his fellows, and men again to God. Love is the fulfilling of the law, says St. Paul, Romans 13:10 ; for he who has the love of God in him delights to obey the Divine precepts, and to do all manner of kindness to men for God's sake. read more
While the Pharisees were gathered together - Jesus asks a question in his turn, utterly to confound them, and to show the people that the source of all the captious questions of his opponents was their ignorance of the prophecies relative to the Messiah. read more
What think ye of Christ? - Or, What are your thoughts concerning The Christ - the Messiah; for to this title the emphatic article should always be added. Whose son is he? - From what family is he to spring? They say unto him, The son of David - This was a thing well known among the Jews, and universally acknowledged, see John 7:42 ; and is a most powerful proof against them that the Messiah is come. Their families are now so perfectly confounded that they cannot trace back any of... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 22:33
The multitude were astonished at his doctrine - God uses the infidelity of some for the edification of others. Had no false doctrine been broached in the world, we had not seen the full evidence of the true teaching. The opposition of deists and infidels has only served to raise up men in behalf of the truth of God, who not only have refuted them, but shown, at the same time, that the sacred testimonies are infinitely amiable in themselves, and worthy of all acceptation. Truth always gains... read more