Matthew 19 - Introduction
Matthew 19:1. See also Mark 10:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 19:1. See also Mark 10:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
COASTS OF JUDEA BEYOND JORDAN - The narrative here refers to the last journey of the Saviour from Galilee to Jerusalem, to attend the last Passover which he celebrated. A considerable lapse of time occurred between his last discourse in the preceding chapter and what is recorded here, and several im... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PHARISEES CAME - See the notes at Matthew 3:7. TEMPTING HIM - This means, to get him, if possible, to express an opinion that should involve him in difficulty. IS IT LAWFUL ... - There was the more art in the captious question which they proposed, as at that time the people were very much divid... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID ... - Instead of referring to the opinions of either party, Jesus called their attention to the original design of marriage, to the authority of Moses an authority acknowledged by them both. HAVE YE NOT READ? - Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:21. “And said, For this cause,” etc., G... [ Continue Reading ]
WHY DID MOSES ... - To this they objected that Moses had allowed such divorces Deuteronomy 24:1; and if he had allowed them, they inferred that they could not be unlawful. See the notes at Matthew 5:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SAITH UNTO THEM ... - Jesus admits that this was allowed, but still he contends that this was not the original design of marriage. It was only a temporary expedient growing out of a special state of things, and not designed to be perpetual. It was on account of the hardness of their hearts. Moses... [ Continue Reading ]
AND I SAY UNTO YOU - Emphasis should be laid here on the word “I.” This was the opinion of Jesus - this he proclaimed to be the law of his kingdom this the command of God ever afterward. Indulgence had been given by the laws of Moses; but that indulgence was to cease, and the marriage relation to be... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS DISCIPLES SAY ... - The disciples were full of Jewish notions. They thought that the privilege of divorcing a wife when there was a quarrelsome disposition, or anything else that rendered the marriage unhappy, was a great privilege; and that in such cases to be always bound to live with a wife w... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL MEN CANNOT RECEIVE THIS SAYING - The minds of people are not prepared for this. This saying evidently means what the disciples had just said that it was good for a man not to marry. It might be good in certain circumstances - in times of persecution and trial, or for the sake of laboring in the... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THERE ARE SOME EUNUCHS ... - Jesus proceeds to state that there were some who were able to receive that saying and to remain in an unmarried state. Some were so born; some were made such by the cruelty of men; and there were some who voluntarily abstained from marriage for the kingdom of heaven’... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN WERE BROUGHT LITTLE CHILDREN - See also Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15. Probably these were brought by some of his followers, who desired not only to devote themselves to Jesus, but all that they had - their children as well as themselves. All the Jews were accustomed to devote their children to God by... [ Continue Reading ]
JESUS SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, ... - Mark adds, he was much displeased at what the disciples said. It was a thing highly gratifying to him, and which he earnestly sought, that children should be brought to him, and a case where it was very improper that they should interfere. OF SUCH IS THE KIN... [ Continue Reading ]
HE LAID HIS HANDS ON THEM - Mark says he blessed them. That is, he pronounced or sought a blessing on them.... [ Continue Reading ]
This account is found also in Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18. Matthew 19:16 ONE CAME - This was a young man, Matthew 19:20. He was a ruler (Luke); probably a ruler in a synagogue, or of the great council of the nation; a place to which he was chosen on account of his unblemished character and promising ta... [ Continue Reading ]