CHAP. XII. The return of an three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [unclean spirit. than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with mother. (A) himself seven other spirits more wicked EXPOSITION. (A) Ver. 38-50. The Scribes and PhaTees demand a sign from heaven, but are refused and reproved.-In-demanding "a "a generation (or brood) of vipers," as in ver. 34. sign," or miracle, which in another evan- logous to that of the prophet Jonas; for, as gelist is called A sign, however, they shall have, ana men had probably in their recollection the sign given to John Baptist on the bank of which was a phrase used by the Hebrews, rather part of "three days and nights," Jonlau, to which he bare witness on a for mer occasion, (John i. 31-34), and of Expos. Jonah ch. i.), so should the Son of which they now seem to require a repeti- man remain for the like period in the they had witnessed many miracles wrought which would be a sign more decisive in tion. Considering that, previously to this, bowels of the earth; his resurrection from by Jesus, on the sick, the lame, the blind, its nature, and more influential in its conand those possessed by demons, this ap- sequences, than any sign which heaven pears a most unreasonable request, and had hitherto displayed. as analogous to our day of 24 hours (see is, therefore, very properly refused; and they are called, in the language of Isaiah (ch. Ivii. 3.), an evil and adulterous What follows, relative to unclean spirits, connects immediately with our Lord's preceding discourse, in answer to the charge generation;" that is, as Doddridge explains of his casting out demons by a diabolical it," a spurious brood," grossly" degene- power; and it appears to us to relate parrated from the piety of their ancestors;" ticularly to the exorcisms of the Jews themand from "a chosen generation," become selves, in which the unclean spirit might NOTES. if it was done on the third or seventh day from that last mentioned. (Comp. 1 Kings xx. 29; 2 Chron. 15,12; and Luke ii. 21.).. .... So that, to say a tain that the Jews used the term bret thing happened after three days and three nights, Joseph, the reputed father of Jest was the same as to say, it happened "after three days," or on the third day. (Comp. Esth. iv. 16 with 3.1; Gen. vii, 12; Exod. xxiv. 18, and xxxiv. 28.) and two daughters by a former w In the whale's belly.-See Note on Jonah i. 17. Alpheus), and Ver, 42. The queen of the south-that is, of Sheba. Ver.1. Empty-that is, uninhabited.-Swept and garnished-or "adorned," as Doddridge. Ver. His mother and his brethren.-It is cer Stackhouse's H he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not, therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [carefulness. the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in 28 And fear not them which kill heaven. EXPOSITION-Chapter X. Continued. tian church (says Mr. Ward), as it came from the forming hand of its founder, was unquestionably missionary." Jesus was the sent of the Father; and he sent forth Apostles, or Missionaries, to evangelize Judea. These primitive missionaries were endowed with the power of working miracles, and of healing all manner of diseases; but the gift of tongues appears to have been reserved for the day of Pentecost, when their commission was extended" unto all the world." At present, their message was "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel only they were not allowed to go unto either the Gentiles or the Samaritans. They were also not suffered to make any provision for their journey; nor, except in necessary food and clothing, to receive any reward: Freely ye have received; freely give." One part of their directions is peculiar: "Into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence." The worthiness here referred to, is evidently that of character: they were to enquire for persons of repute for piety, benevolence, and hospitality, and then receive their offered kindness; not wandering from house to house, with idle curiosity, but saluting them with words of peace, and imploring on them all its blessings. But if any refused to admit them, all the resentment they were allowed to show, was the shaking the dust from off their feet: an awful witness against them in the day of judgment. Our Lord now warns his disciples of the treatment they must expect to meet with from the world, and how to comport themselves under it. They were "as sheep among wolves," and must expect to be treated with injury and outrage. They were allowed, however, to exercise prudence, to avoid the snares laid for them by their enemies, but they must not retaliate the injuries received. They may be "wise as serpents," but they must also be "harmless as doves." Without wisdom (or with but a very small portion of it) they may be Christians, but not without " innocence," or moral purity of conduct. This, united with wisdom and prudence, does honour to the Christian name. But in this address of our Lord to his disciples, he refers particularly to the case of persecution, of which he candidly warns them; and, instead of promising them exemption, assures them of direction and support. They shall be hated, accused, betrayed, martyred, "but he that endureth to the end, shall be saved." In the mean time, they are not to provoke persecution; but rather to avoid it, when it can be done without injury to their Master's cause. Yet when they fly, it must not be to seek inglorious ease, but rather to spread the news of salvation from place to place; for such was the extent of their itinerating labours, that they would scarcely be able to visit every part of Judea before the Son of man should come, and visit the nation with the most awful judgments. NOTES. Ver. 25. Beelzebub-(or Baalzebub) primarily the god-fly worshipped at Ekron, 2 Kings i. 2, but afterwards applied to Satan by the Jews; and (horrible to relate) applied by Jews also to the Son of God himself. See ch. xii. 24. Ver. 27. In darkness — i. e. privately-in light -i. e. publicly. "In open day," as we say. Ver. 29. A farthing nearly equal to three halfpence of our money. Ver. 34. Peace on the earth- Doddr. " On the land," namely, of Judea; and certainly the words apply in a peculiar manner to that country, where the gospel met, in the first instance, with the most inveterate opposition from those for whose salvation it was peculiarly designed. It is the gospel of peace; but men war against it. Ver. 38. That taketh not his cross-alluding to criminals being compelled to bear their own cross, as was our Saviour in the first instance. John xix. 17. Ver. 41. A prophet - that is, a messenger from God, whether under the Old Testament or the New. 2 Whom Christ] CHAP. XI. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her motherin-law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and be that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. [will acknowledge. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (T) CHAP. XI. AND it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, EXPOSITION. (T) Ver. 24-42. Encouragement under persecution.-In the former part of this chapter, our Lord has been warning his disciples to expect persecution: here he offers several reasons to animate and support them under it. 1. "The disciple is not above his master:" it is surely enough if he fare as well. If they call the master Beelzebub, is it wonderful if they cast the same reproach upon his followers? If he who was without fault, and "in whose mouth was no guile," be subjected, not only to reproach, but pains and death also, surely it is not to be wondered that sinful men (as we all are) are called to drink the same cup of anguish. 2. Remember, that the utmost which men can do, affects the body only; they cannot reach the soul; to risk, therefore, the divine displeasure, in order to escape the anger of men, is folly in the extreme. 3. We are all and always under the immediate eye and care of God, "Who sees with equal eye, as God of all, Even "the hairs of our head are all numbered" by that wisdom which cannot possibly overlook an atom in creation. 4. All our actions must be brought into judgment before God. If we deny Christ before men, and repent not, most assuredly will he deny us before his heavenly Father. 5. The nature of the gospel dispensation implies the necessity of persecution. It must needs be that offences come. (Matt. xviii. 7.) The very proclamation of mercy to mankind, enkindles all the evil passions of wicked men and "unclean spirits." When Jesus holds out the sceptre of mercy, Satan draws the sword of persecution; and it is in vain to hope, by trimming and prevarication, to avoid it: for, 6. He that thus attempts to preserve his life, risks the salvation of his soul; while, on the other hand, whosoever loses his life in this world for Christ's sake, shall surely find it in the world to come. 7. Persecution, in one form or other, is necessary to the completion of the Christian character: for he that" doth not take up his cross and fol low me (says the Saviour), is not worthy of me," or fit to be ranked among my disciples. Lastly, whatever is done to Christ's disciples in his name, is done to himself, and will as such be recompensed at the last great day, when "every man shall be rewarded according to his works;" and when "a cup of cold water," trifling as the boon may seem to us, if given in Christian charity, shall by no means be forgotten. NOTES. CHAP. X1. Ver. 2. When John had heard.--John was this time in prison, and soon after suffered for the freedom and fidelity with which he reproved Herod, as we shall hereafter see. Jesus bear's] S. MATTHEW. 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there CHAP. XI. [testimony to John, hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (U) 20 ¶ Then began he to upbraid the EXPOSITION. (U) Ver. 1—19. John sends two disciples to visit Jesus, who bears testimony concerning John.-When the Baptist heard, iu prison, the miraculous works of Jesus, he deputed two of his disciples to visit him, and to inquire into his character and mission; not for his own satisfaction, we may believe, for he had been certified by a voice from heaven that Jesus was indeed the Son of God; but for theirs, that they also might be satisfied. Instead of returning to John a verbal answer, Jesus de sires them simply to relate what they saw, and to take John's opinion as to the proper inference they should draw. When, however, John's disciples had returned back to their master, Jesus began to speak to the Jews of his extraordinary character: "What went ye into the wilderness to see?" Was it a reed shaken by the wind? Had that been bis character, he would not have been now confined; for it was on account of his fidelity aud firmness that Herod had shut him up in prison. Was it to see a man of delicate habits, and deli NOTES-Chap. XI. Con. Ver. 3. He that should come—namely, the Messiah. See chap. iii. 11. Ver. 5. The poor have the gospel preached to them-a circumstance little less singular than the miracles which Jesus wrought; for neither Rabbins nor philosophers ever condescended to teach the lower classes. Ver 6. Offended in me- Doddr. "Scandalized (or stumbled) at me." The same Messiah who was promised as the foundation-stone of his church, was also predicted as a stumbling-stone to those who rejected him through unbelief. See ch. xxi. 44. Ver. 8. A man clothed in soft raiment➡“ An effe minate courtier, accustomed to fawning and flattery. You may expect to find such persons in palaces, not in a wilderness." Wesley. Ver. 12. Suffereth violence-Marg. "Is gotten by force, and they that thrust men, take it by force." Ver. 15. He that hath ears, &c. — that is, "Let those who are disposed to learn, attend." See Deut. xxix. 4; Ezek. xii. 2. It is a kind of proverbial expression. Ver. 17 We have mourned--Camp. "Sung mournful songs." Compare chap. ix. 23, and Note. Ver. 20. He began to upbraid.--This is the first time he had done so. At first they received him joy. cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty Works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. 25 At that time Jesus answered and [and heavy-laden. said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (X) EXPOSITION. of heaven by storm. At the same time he reproves the Jews for their fickle and inconsistent conduct; and compares them to children playing in the market-place; and continually complaining of one another: for John came "neither eating nor drinking;" that is, leading a most solitary and abstemious life, and they said he had a demon. Jesus, on the contrary, came 66 cately clothed? Such they might look for eating and drinking;" that is, mixing in every class of society, that he might benefit all; and they said, behold "a glutton and a wine-bibber! a friend of publicans and sinners!" But "wisdom is justified of her children;" that is, those who are divinely instructed, will see, or at least admit, the propriety of all God's dispensations:He hath done all things well." (X) Ver. 20-30. Jesus upbraids the Galileans for their inattention to his ministry; offers thanksgiving to God his heavenly Fa NOTES. Ally, but after a while, not only became inattentive, bat persecuted him, as we shall have occasion to Ver. 23. Exalted unto heaven—that is, very highly favoured.-Down to hell-this, in opposition to the peling phrase, means, to the most degrading situ Ver 25. Jesus answering. This expression, in Scriptare, does not always imply a previous queste Doddr. in this place renders it, "Took occakan to say," &C. Ind. I thank thee-Campbell, "I adore thee;" Every thing in which I discover thy will, [ receive, not with acquiescence only, but with veneration. Thou hast hid-Camp." That having hidden." From the wise and prudent-Camp. "From sages and the learned." —— Unto babesDoddr. "Infants," i. e, in knowledge. Ver. 27. All things are delivered unto me-that is, all things relative to Christ's mediatorial kingdom, which, at its completion, shall be delivered back unto the Father, 1 Cor. xv.25-28. Among the all things here mentioned, must particularly be included, the revelation of the Father's will to man, which to the Son only is fully and confidentially intrusted. Ibid. No man knoweth—Doddr. Fully knoweth.” Dr. J. P. Smith says, "The word used by Matthew, signifies such knowledge as is peculiarly intimate and accurate, full and perfect." Messiah, vol. ii. p. 58, 59. |