Matthew 17:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

We have here the miraculous cure of a child that was lunatic and vexed with a devil. Observe, I. A melancholy representation of the case of this child, made to Christ by the afflicted father. This was immediately upon his coming down from the mountain where he was transfigured. Note, Christ's glories do not make him unmindful of us and of our wants and miseries. Christ, when he came down from the mount, where had conversation with Moses and Elias, did not take state upon him, but was as easy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 17:21

Howbeit, this kind goeth not out ,.... The Vulgate Latin renders it, "is not cast out"; and so do the Arabic version, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel; and which confirm the more commonly received sense of these words, that they are to be understood of that kind of devils, one of which was cast out of the lunatic, and was of the worst sort, of a fierce and obstinate kind; and having had long possession, was not easily ejected: and that there is a difference in devils, some are worse and more... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 17:21

This kind goeth not out but by prayer, etc. - Τουτο το γενος , this kind, some apply to the faith which should be exercised on the occasion, which goeth not out, doth not exert itself, but by prayer and fasting; but this interpretation is, in my opinion, far from solid. However, there is great difficulty in the text. The whole verse is wanting in the famous Vatican MS., one of the most ancient and most authentic perhaps in the world; and in another one of Colbert's, written in the 11th or... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 17:21

Verse 21 21.This kind goeth not out, (492) By this expression Christ reproved the negligence of certain persons, in order to inform them that it was not an ordinary faith which was required; for otherwise they might have replied that they were not altogether destitute of faith The meaning therefore is, that it is not every kind of faith that will suffice, when we have to enter into a serious conflict with Satan, but that vigorous efforts are indispensably necessary. For the weakness of faith he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

Healing of the demoniac boy. ( Mark 9:16-29 ; Luke 9:37-42 .) The account of the miracle is much curtailed in our Gospel; the fullest narrative is given by St. Mark, to whom we must refer for the complete details. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The maniac boy. I. THE FAILURE OF THE NINE APOSTLES . 1 . The descent from the mount . The morning had come, and the Lord with the three chosen apostles came down from the Mount of the Transfiguration to rejoin those whom he had left behind. As he drew near to them he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them ( Mark 9:14 ). It was a strange contrast. He had just left the peace of the mountain side and the glory of the heavenly radiance.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The lunatic lad. This incident is memorable chiefly on account of three truths it impresses on the mind. I. THE APPARENTLY UNLIMITED RANGE OUR LORD GIVES TO FAITH . Promise, rebuke, and surprise are mingled in his reply. "if thou canst, all things are possible," etc. As if he said, "You do not surely question my power; it is no question of power, it is a question of faith; have you faith to receive, to evoke the power?" As clearly as possible he says to this man, "The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:14-21

The secrets of faith. A blended good and evil characterizes the present state of man. Ever since our first parents ate of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" their children have been eating of it. The hovel is found under the very shadow of the palace. What a scene of glory was that of the Transfiguration! What a scene of misery is this at the foot of the mountain! "And when they were come to the multitude," etc. Learn— I. THAT THE POWER OF FAITH IS UNLIMITED . 1 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:21

This verse is omitted in many good manuscripts and by the Revised Version, it being considered to have been introduced from the parallel passage of St. Mark. It gives the second reason for the failure of the nine. This kind … fasting. Though all things are possible to faith, some works are more difficult of accomplishment than others. This kind can mean only this kind of evil spirit, or demons generally. But the latter interpretation is excluded by the fact that the apostles had already... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:21

Self-discipline the secret of moral power. "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. There is some uncertainty about the word "fasting." The Revised Version omits the verse altogether. It is found, however, in Mark's Gospel, and introduces a valuable topic, which finds other expression in our Lord's teaching. A man can only be ready for a time of strain by constant and careful training. A man, to be always ready, must be always disciplining himself. And if his work is to... read more

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