MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:2 TRADITION OF THE ELDERS. Interpretations of Scripture given by rabbis and handed down from previous generations. THEY DO NOT WASH THEIR HANDS. Priests were required to wash their hands and feet prior to performing their duties. The Pharisees made this a matter of ceremon... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:3 Jesus makes a clear distinction between the OT (the COMMANDMENT OF GOD) and the Pharisaic TRADITION (human regulations). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:5 GIVEN TO GOD reflects a technical term for a formal vow (compare “Corban,” Mark 7:11). This allowed a person to be released from responsibilities such as caring for aging parents. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length,... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:6 The Pharisees have MADE VOID THE WORD OF GOD with their traditions and rulings: anyone who broke a vow (human law) in order to help needy parents (God’s law) would have committed a serious transgression, according to the Pharisees’ rulings. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.g... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:11 NOT WHAT GOES INTO... BUT WHAT COMES OUT. See note on Mark 7:19. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:14 BLIND GUIDES. The Pharisees are blind to their own hypocrisy. They lead the people astray because they cannot see the true meaning of the OT law. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:17 WHATEVER GOES INTO THE MOUTH. See note on Mark 7:19. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:22 For this CANAANITE WOMAN, the title LORD is probably just an expression of great respect. Her use of SON OF DAVID shows some knowledge of Jewish thoughts about him (see note on v. 27). “Canaanite” here means a non-Jewish person living in that region. The term occurs onl... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:24 ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. Later, through the apostles, the message of the gospel is to go to the Gentiles (Acts 1:8; Acts 22:21; Acts 26:17; see Luke 24:47; John 10:16). At this point, the focus is on the Jews and their spiritual need. See... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:26 DOGS. See note on 7:6, but the Greek word Jesus uses here suggests a more affectionate term for domestic pets. Jesus is not insulting the woman but testing her faith. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:27 The woman presses Jesus by referring to the extended blessings promised to the Gentiles through Abraham (see Genesis 12:3). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:32 Jesus goes to the Decapolis (see note on 4:25). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:34 The number SEVEN is usually symbolic of perfection or completion. Here the number may symbolize the fullness of God’s provision for all peoples, including Gentiles. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:35 For a similar occurrence, see note on 14:15–21. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 15:39 There are no historical or archaeological records of MAGADAN, which is mentioned only here in the NT. Most likely it is a variant spelling for Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene, in Jewish territory. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=... [ Continue Reading ]