There is. three-fold sense and interpretation given of these words by expositors; 1. Some refer the words to the times of the gospel after Christ's resurrection and ascension, when the gospel was spread and propagated far and near, and THE KINGDOM OF GOD CAME WITH POWER. Learn hence, That where the... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the history of our Saviour's transfiguration, when he laid, as it were, the garments of our frail humanity aside for. little time, assuming to himself the robes of majesty and glory, to demonstrate and testify the truth of his divinity; for this divine glory was an evidence of his divin... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That to confirm the disciples faith in the truth of Christ's divine nature, he was pleased to suffer the rays of his divinity to dart forth before their eyes, so far as they were able to bear it. His face shined with. pleasing brightness, and his raiment with such. glorious lustre,... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The strict injunction given by Christ to his disciples, not to publish or proclaim this glorious vision at his transfiguration, till after his resurrection; because being now in. state of humiliation, he would have his divine majesty and glory veiled and concealed. Learn hence, Tha... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The person brought to Christ for help and healing; one bodily possessed by Satan, who had made him deaf and dumb from his childhood, and oft-times cast him into the fire and water, but rather to torment than to dispatch him.. how does Satan, the malicious tyrant, rejoice in doing hu... [ Continue Reading ]
Observable it is, how frequently our Saviour forewarned his disciples of his approaching sufferings; and as the time of his sufferings drew near, he did more frequently warn them of it. But all was little enough to warn them against the scandal of the cross, and to reconcile their thoughts to. suffe... [ Continue Reading ]
It may justly seem. wonder, that when our blessed Saviour discoursed so frequently with his disciples about his sufferings, they should at the same time be disputing among themselves about precedency and pre-eminency, which of them should be the greatest, the first in place, and the highest in digni... [ Continue Reading ]
The Evangelist here sets down. conference betwixt our Saviour Christ and St. John his disciple. Where observe, 1. St. John's relation of. matter of fact to Christ, namely, his for bidding one to cast out devils in Christ's name, that did not follow Christ as they did, being his professed disciples.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the former verse our Saviour dissuaded from the sin of scandal, or giving offence to the serious and sincere Christians, threatening. very grievous judgment against such as should any ways offend them; now in these six verses he prescribes. remedy against that and all other sins, namely, by avoid... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYONE SHALL BE SALTED WITH FIRE; that is, everyone of them mentioned in the foregoing verses, who refuses to CUT OFF. RIGHT HAND, and PLUCK OUT. RIGHT EYE; that is, to mortify their bosom lusts, and beloved corruptions, which are as dear as. right hand or. right eye; every such wicked and unmorti... [ Continue Reading ]
Our blessed Saviour here compares Christians in general, and his ministers in particular, unto salt, for. double reason. First, Because it is the nature of salt to preserve things from corruption and putrefaction, and to render them savoury and pleasant. Thus are the ministers of Christ to labour a... [ Continue Reading ]