_When Jesus had made an end of commanding_, that is, of giving instruction to _his twelve disciples_, and thereby of preparing them for the service they were now to undertake, _he departed to teach and preach in their cities_ The other cities of Israel, being unwearied and constant in his great work... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now when John had heard in the prison_ (into which he had been cast by Herod Antipas, a little after he began his public ministry, chap. Matthew 4:12, and Matthew 14:3, &c.) _of the works of Christ_ That is, of some of his many miracles, &c. _He sent two of his disciples_ Not, as is probable, becau... [ Continue Reading ]
_And as they departed_ Or, as Luke has it, _when they were departed, Jesus began to say concerning John_ What he would not say concerning him in the hearing of these his disciples, lest he should seem to flatter him, or to compliment him into an adherence to his former testimony. To avoid all suspic... [ Continue Reading ]
_Among them that are born of women_ That is, among the whole race of mankind in all former ages, _there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist_ As John, with regard to his religious and moral character, was the best of men, so he had some peculiar honours superior to any prophet of former ge... [ Continue Reading ]
_And from the days of John the Baptist_ That is, from the time he had borne his public testimony to the approach of the Messiah, or from the time when he had fulfilled his ministry, _the kingdom of heaven_ The dispensation which admits all persons equally, upon their repentance and faith, _suffereth... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whereunto shall I liken this generation_ That is, the men of this age? They are like those froward children, of whom their fellows complain that they will be pleased no way. _Saying, We have piped unto you_, &c. “It was usual in Judea, at feasts, to have music of an airy kind, accompanied with danc... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then began he to upbraid the cities_ Which he had often blessed with his presence, and in which he had preached many awakening sermons, and performed many astonishing miracles. It is observable, he had never upbraided them before. Indeed, at first they had received him with all gladness, Capernaum... [ Continue Reading ]
_At that time Jesus answered_, &c. This word does not always imply that something had been spoken, to which an answer is now made. It often means no more than the _speaking in reference_ to some action or circumstance preceding. The following words Christ speaks in reference to the case of the citie... [ Continue Reading ]
_All things are delivered unto me_, &c. Here our Lord seems to address, not so much his disciples, as those of the people that stood near him, with a reference to what he had last spoken. As if he had said, Do not be led, by the example of your great and learned men, to slight and despise me; for me... [ Continue Reading ]
_Come unto me_ Our Lord here shows to whom he is pleased to reveal the Father, and the things said above to be hid from the wise and prudent; to those _that labour_, or, _are weary_, as κοπιωντες may be rendered, and _are heavy laden;_ namely, those that are weary of the slavery of sin and Satan, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Take my yoke upon you_ Believe in and obey me: hearken to me as a teacher, rely on me as a Saviour, and be subject to me as a governor. _And learn of me_ Μαθετε απ ' εμου, _Be my disciples; be taught by me_, namely, all things pertaining to your acceptance with God, your duty, and your happiness: _... [ Continue Reading ]