_There were present at that season_ When Christ spake the foregoing words; _some that told him of the Galileans_ The followers of Judas Gaulonites, whose story Josephus has given us at large, _Antiq., Luke 18:1_. It appears he was the head of a sect who asserted God to be their only sovereign, and w... [ Continue Reading ]
_Or those eighteen_, &c. The case here referred to seems to have occurred lately, and may seem, in some respects, more to the purpose than the former, as there was no human interposition attending the death of these men; so that their destruction appeared to be more immediately from Providence than... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he spake also this parable_ With a view to awaken them more effectually to a deep and serious repentance: _A certain man had a fig-tree in his vineyard_ And because it was planted in good soil, _he came and sought fruit thereon_ Having good reason to expect it. Observe, he did not send, but cam... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he said, Let it alone this year also_ Here we have the vine-dresser's intercession for the barren fig-tree. Thus Christ the great Intercessor interceded for the Jewish Church and people, and thus, as he ever liveth, he continues to intercede for all unfruitful professors, and other sinners. And... [ Continue Reading ]
_He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath_ Our Lord Jesus spent his sabbaths in the synagogues, and we should make conscience of doing so; that is, of attending places of worship, as we have opportunity, and not think that we can spend our sabbaths as well at home, in praying and read... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the ruler of the synagogue_ Instead of joining in acknowledgments of the divine power and goodness, displayed in this gracious action of our Lord; _answered_ The woman's praises, _with indignation_ As if Christ had committed some heinous crime in healing this poor woman! He endeavoured, however... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like?_ After the Lord had thus silenced the ruler of the synagogue, and while he observed the rejoicings of the people, he reflected with pleasure on the reason and truth which so effectually supported his kingdom. For he delivered a second time the par... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he went through the cities and villages_, &c. Being on his way to Jordan from the northeast parts of Peræa; _teaching_ Wheresoever he came; _journeying toward Jerusalem_ To which he had now begun to steer his course, intending to be there at the approaching feast of dedication, (John 10:22,) an... [ Continue Reading ]
_When once the master of the house is risen up_ Christ is the master of the house, that will take cognizance of the character and conduct of all that belong to it, or occasionally have a place in it. It now seems as if he left things at large, and made no distinction between his faithful servants an... [ Continue Reading ]
_There shall be weeping_, &c. Here he repeats what he had said when he commended the centurion's faith. See on Matthew 8:11. As if he said, How little soever you may now regard it, the awful word, _Depart from me_, &c., will wound you to the heart, and throw you into agonies of everlasting despair,... [ Continue Reading ]
_The same day there came certain of the Pharisees_ Who pretended friendship, and a great concern for his safety; _saying, Get thee out and depart hence_ Withdraw from this country into the territories of some other prince; _for Herod_ In whose dominions thou now art; _will kill thee_ Greek, θελει σε... [ Continue Reading ]
_Nevertheless, I must walk to-day_, &c. Notwithstanding all that he can do, I shall, for the short time I have left, do the works of Him that sent me, without being afraid of any man; because my life cannot be taken from me till the time come, which is appointed of God. When that period is arrived,... [ Continue Reading ]