Matthew 8:8-9 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 8:5-13

We have here an account of Christ's curing the centurion's servant of a palsy. This was done at Capernaum, where Christ now dwelt, Matt. 4:13. Christ went about doing good, and came home to do good too; every place he came to was the better for him. The persons Christ had now to do with were, 1. A centurion; he was a supplicant, a Gentile, a Roman, an officer of the army; probably commander-in-chief of that part of the Roman army which was quartered at Capernaum, and kept garrison there. (1.)... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 8:1-34

Of all the gospel writers Matthew is the most orderly. He never sets out his material haphazardly. If in Matthew one thing follows another in a certain sequence, there is always a reason for that sequence; and it is so here. In Matthew 5:1-48 ; Matthew 6:1-34 ; Matthew 7:1-29 Matthew has given us the Sermon on the Mount. That is to say, in these chapters he has given us his account of the words of Jesus; and now in Matthew 8:1-34 he gives us an account of the deeds of Jesus. Matthew... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered, and said ,.... This, according to Luke 7:6 was said by his friends in his name, when he understood that Christ had agreed to come to his house, with the elders of the Jews, he first sent to him; and after he was actually set out with them, and was in the way to his house; who, conscious of his own unworthiness, deputes some persons to him, to address him in this manner, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof . This is not said as rejecting... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority ,.... Of Caesar the Roman emperor, and of superior officers under him, as a tribune, &c.; having soldiers under me ; an hundred of them at least, for military service, and some of them were used by him as his domestics: and I say unto this man go, and he goeth, and to another come, and he cometh : for there is no disputing the commands of officers, by soldiers, in anything, in exercises, marches, battles, &c.; and to my servant , that was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 8:8

But speak the word only - Or instead of ειπε λογον read ειπε λογω , speak by word or command. This reading is supported by the most extensive evidence from MSS., versions, and fathers. See here the pattern of that living faith and genuine humility which ought always to accompany the prayer of a sinner: Jesus can will away the palsy, and speak away the most grievous torments. The first degree of humility is to acknowledge the necessity of God's mercy, and our own inability to help... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority - That is, under the authority of others. This verse has given considerable embarrassment to commentators and critics. I believe the paraphrase given above to be the true meaning of the evangelist. To make this matter more plain, let it be observed, that the Roman foot was divided into three grand parts, Hastati, Principes, and Triarii. Each of these grand divisions was composed of thirty manipuli or companies; and every manipulus made two centuries or... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 8:8

Verse 8 Matthew 8:8.Lord, I do not deserve that thou shouldest come under my roof Matthew’s narrative is more concise, and represents the man as saying this; while Luke explains more fully, that this was a message sent by his friends: but the meaning of both is the same. There are two leading points in this discourse. The centurion, sparing Christ by way of honoring him, requests that Christ will not trouble himself, because he reckons himself unworthy to receive a visit from him. The next... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 8:9

Verse 9 Matthew 8:9.For I am a man subject to the power of another This comparison does not imply equality between the two cases, but is taken from the less to the greater. He forms a higher conception of the divine power, which is manifested in Christ, than of the authority which was possessed by himself over servants and soldiers. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 8:1-13

The leper and the centurion. The miracles of our Lord are an integral and necessary part of God's revelation of himself to men. Christ came not so much to reveal God's power as to reveal God's disposition to use that power for us; not so much to show God's holiness as to show his desire and purpose to make us also holy. Miracles, therefore, lay as naturally and inevitably in the way of Christ's work as his teaching with authority did. I. THE HEALING OF THE LEPER is the first... read more