Matthew 15:32-39. Jesus called his disciples, and said, I have compassion, &c. For some observations on the contents of these verses, see the notes on Mark 8:1-9. read more
71. Ministry in the Decapolis (Matthew 15:29-39; Mark 7:31-8:10)From the Mediterranean towns of Phoenicia, Jesus returned to the region around the Sea of Galilee, then continued on into the Decapolis, where the population was largely Gentile. It seems that for a period his ministry was mainly among Gentiles, and many became believers in the God of Israel (Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 7:31). One of the people he healed was a deaf and dumb man. Because of the man’s deafness, Jesus used actions rather... read more
brake. See note on Matthew 14:19 . to = [gave] to. Supplying the Ellipsis from the preceding clause. read more
Matthew 15:32-38. I have compassion on the multitude— Σπλαγχνιζομαι, a very expressive word, signifying My bowels yearn, or are moved, see ch. Matthew 9:36. It is pleasing to remark the strong compassion which our blessed Lord continually discovered in all his actions toward mankind. The multitude, it is probable, intent on hearing Christ and seeing his miracles, had lodged two nights together in thefields, as the season of the year was pleasant, this event happening quickly after the passover:... read more
6. The public ministry to Gentiles 15:29-39Matthew again recorded a summary of Jesus’ general healing ministry (cf. Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 12:15-21; Matthew 14:34-36) following opposition (Matthew 13:54 to Matthew 14:12; Matthew 15:1-20) and discipleship training (Matthew 14:13-33; Matthew 15:21-28). Opposition and discipleship training did not occupy His attention so exclusively that He had no time to heal the multitudes compassionately. read more
Jesus’ feeding of the 4,000 15:32-39 (cf. Mark 8:1-10)Jesus had previously fed 5,000 men, but that was near the northeast coast of Lake Galilee, where the people were mainly Jews (Matthew 14:13-21). Now He fed 4,000 men on the east coast of Lake Galilee, where the people were mainly Gentiles.Feeding the 5,000Feeding the 4,000Primarily JewsPrimarily GentilesIn Galilee near BethsaidaIn the DecapolisFive loaves and two fishSeven loaves and a few fish12 baskets of scraps7 baskets of scrapsPeople... read more
Matthew wrote that this time the disciples gathered the remaining scraps in a different type of basket. The Greek word spyridas describes baskets made of rushes that the Gentiles used to carry fish and other food (cf. Acts 9:25). In Matthew 14:20 the disciples used kophinous, baskets the Jews used to carry kosher food, at least in Rome. [Note: A. E. J. Rawlinson, The Gospel According to St. Mark, p. 87.] This is another clue that the audience here was mainly Gentile.Possibly there is some... read more
The Traditions of the Elders. The Canaanitish Woman. Feeding the Four Thousand1-20. Unwashed hands and the traditions of the elders (Mark 7:1). In this important controversy Jesus defined His position, (1) towards rabbinical traditions about the Law; (2) towards the Law itself. The first part of our Lord’s discourse (Matthew 15:3-9) is addressed to the Pharisees. In it He admits (or at least does not dispute) the binding character of the Law itself, but denies the authority of rabbinical... read more
Matthew 15:13 If I had not had a hope fixed in me that this Cause and Business was of God, I would many years ago have run from it If it be of God, He will bear it up. If it be of man, it will tumble; as everything that hath been of man since the world began hath done. And what are all our Histories, and other Tradition of Actions in former times, but God manifesting Himself, that He hath shaken, and tumbled down, and trampled upon, everything that He had not planted? Cromwell to the... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 15:32-39
The miracle recorded here - the feeding of the four thousand - took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. The same account is recorded in Mark 8:1-10. The circumstances of the miracle are so similar to the one recorded in Matthew 14:14-21, as to need little additional explanation.Matthew 15:32Three days, and have nothing to eat - This is not, perhaps, to be taken literally, but only that during that time they had been deprived of their ordinary or regular food.They had had only a very... read more