_And he began to teach by the seaside_ See notes on Matthew 13:1. _He taught them many things by parables_ After the usual manner of the eastern nations, to make his instructions more agreeable to them, and to impress them the more upon attentive hearers. A parable signifies not only a simile, or co... [ Continue Reading ]
_When he was alone_ That is, retired apart from the multitude. _Unto them that are without_ So the Jews termed the heathen: so our Lord terms all obstinate unbelievers; for they shall not enter into the kingdom; they shall abide in outer darkness. _So that seeing they may see, and not perceive_ They... [ Continue Reading ]
_Know ye not this parable_ Which is, as it were, the foundation of all those that I shall speak hereafter; and is so easy to be understood? See notes on Matthew 13:19. _The desires of other things choke the word_ A deep and important truth! The desire of any thing, otherwise than as it leads to happ... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he said, Is a candle_, &c. As if he had said, I explain these things to you, I give you this light, not to conceal, but to impart it to others. And if I conceal any thing from you now, it is only that it may be more effectually manifested hereafter. _Take heed what ye hear_ That is, attend to w... [ Continue Reading ]
_So is the kingdom of God_ The gospel dispensation, whereby God overthrows the kingdom of Satan, collects subjects to himself, and erects and establishes his own kingdom. The grace of God in the soul is also included, erecting that kingdom which is _within_ men, and is _righteousness, peace, and joy... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God_, &c. See notes on Matthew 13:31. _He spake the word unto them as they were able to hear it_ Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers, and speaking as plainly as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The same day, when the even was come_ See note on Matthew 8:18. _They took him even as he was in the ship_ They carried him immediately, in the same vessel from which he had been preaching to the people. _And there arose a great storm_ See note on Matthew 8:23. _He was asleep in the hinder part of... [ Continue Reading ]