Matthew 16:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20

We have here a private conference which Christ had with his disciples concerning himself. It was in the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, the utmost borders of the land of Canaan northward; there in that remote corner, perhaps, there was less flocking after him than in other places, which gave him leisure for this private conversation with his disciples. Note, When ministers are abridged in their public work, they should endeavour to do the more in their own families. Christ is here catechising his... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 16:20-23

16:20-23 He gave orders to his disciples to tell no one that he was God's Anointed One. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day. Peter caught hold of him, and began to urge upon him: "God forbid that this should happen to you! This must never come to you!" He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are putting a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 16:20-23

Before we leave this passage, it is interesting to look at two very early interpretations of the phrase: "Get behind me, Satan!" Origen suggested that, Jesus was saying to Peter: "Peter, your place is behind me, not in front of me. It is your place to follow me in the way I choose, not to try to lead me in the way you would like me to go." If the phrase can be interpreted in that way, something at least of its sting is removed, for it does not banish Peter from Christ's presence; rather it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples ,.... When Peter had so freely and fully confessed him to be the Messiah, and which was the sense of all the disciples; and when Christ had expressed his approbation of his confession, and had promised such great and excellent things upon it, he gave a strict charge unto his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ . The word Jesus is not in some copies; and is left out in the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions; nor does it seem... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples - ΔιεϚειλατο , he strictly charged them. Some very good MSS. have επετιμησεν , he severely charged - comminatus est , - he threatened. These are the readings of the Cod. Bezae, both in the Greek and Latin. The Christ - The common text has Jesus the Christ; but the word Jesus is omitted by fifty-four MSS., some of which are not only of the greatest authority, but also of the greatest antiquity. It is omitted also by the Syriac, later Persic, later... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 16:20

Verse 20 Having given a proof of his future glory, Christ reminds his disciples of what he must suffer, that they also may be prepared to bear the cross; for the time was at hand when they must enter into the contest, to which he knew them to be altogether unequal, if they had not been fortified by fresh courage. And first of all, it was necessary to inform them that Christ must commence his reign, not with gaudy display, not with the magnificence of riches, not with the loud applause of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20

The climax of recognition of Christ ' s true nature declared in the great confession of Peter. ( Mark 8:27-30 ; Luke 9:18-21 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20

The true confession. "Who's who?" This is, generally speaking, a question of very little consequence. When the "Son of man" is concerned, it is of infinite moment. Everlasting issues turn upon the manner in which it is answered. From this important text we learn— I. THAT THE FAITH WHICH IS HUMAN IS UNCERTAIN . 1 . It may take colour from the distraction of guilt. 2 . It may be influenced by the spirit of the world. 3 . It may be distorted by the vanity of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples. Immediately after Peter's confession and Jesus' promise. St. Matthew's word "charged" ( διεστείλατο ) becomes more emphatic in the other synoptists ( ἐπετίμησεν ), implying a command with a rebuke attached to it on its infringement; Vulgate, comminatus est ( Mark 8:30 ). That they should tell no man that he ( αὐτὸς )was [ Jesus ] the Christ. The received text inserts the word "Jesus," but very many good manuscripts omit it; and it seems... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:20-28

The cross. I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMING SUFFERING . 1 . Lord. Two figures come prominently into contrast—the Lord and Peter: the Lord looking forwards with sweet and holy calmness to agony and shame and death; Peter, eager and impetuous, burning with zeal for what seemed to him his Master's honour. The Lord bade the apostles tell no man that he was the Christ. The people were not ready for the announcement; if they accepted it, they would in their present temper... read more

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