_As the people pressed upon him_, with great eagerness, _to hear the word of God_ Insomuch that no house could contain them: they perceived Christ's word to be the _word of God_, by the divine power and evidence that accompanied it, and therefore they were eager to hear it. It seems the sermons whic... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all,_ &c. Doubtless, before this the disciples entertained a high idea of their Master, as they believed him to be the Messiah, and had followed him, John 1:43; till now, however, they did not forsake all, but continued to work at their or... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold a man full of leprosy_ Of this miracle, see the notes on Matthew 8:2, and Mark 1:45. _And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed_ The original expression, ην υποχωρων εν ταις ερημοις, και προσευχομενος, implies that he frequently did this. Though no one was ever more busily emplo... [ Continue Reading ]
_And on a certain day, as he was teaching_ Not on a sabbath day, as it appears, but on a week-day; and not in the synagogue, but in a private house. Preaching and hearing the word of God is good work, if it be performed properly, on any day in the week, as well as on the sabbath days; and in any con... [ Continue Reading ]
_They were all amazed_ Greek, εκστασις ελαβεν απαντας, _astonishment seized all_, that is, the Pharisees and doctors of the law, as well as the people: _and they glorified God_ Matthew says, _who had given such power unto men;_ power not only to heal diseases, but to forgive sins. For they could not... [ Continue Reading ]
_He went forth and saw a publican_, &c. Having performed this great miracle on the paralytic, Jesus thought proper to allow the Pharisees and doctors an opportunity of conferring upon it among themselves, and of making what observations they pleased concerning it, in the hearing of the common people... [ Continue Reading ]
_But their scribes and Pharisees murmured_ The Pharisees of Capernaum, who knew both Matthew's occupation and the character of his guests, were highly offended that Jesus, who pretended to be a prophet, should have deigned to go into the company of such men; so offended that they could not forbear c... [ Continue Reading ]
The contents of these verses occur Matthew 9:14, where they are explained at large. _The disciples of John fast and make prayers_ Long and solemn prayers: _but thine eat and drink_ Freely, though thou professest a high degree of righteousness. _And he said, Can ye make_, &c. That is, Is it proper to... [ Continue Reading ]