_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 16:1. THE PHARISEES ALSO WITH THE SADDUCEES.—The presence of members of the latter sect, who do not elsewhere appear in our Lord’s Galilean ministry, is noticeable. It is probably explained by St. Mark’s version of the warning in Matthew 16:6, where “the leaven of Herod” ap... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 16:9. BASKETS.—See notes on Matthew 14:20, Matthew 15:37. Matthew 16:12. DOCTRINE.—_Teaching_ (R.V.). Not so much the formulated dogmas of the sect as its general drift and tendency (_Plumptre_). _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Matthew 16:5_ Unlearned learners.—When t... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 16:13. COASTS.—_Parts_ (R.V.). _I.e_. neighbourhood. There were various inhabited places in the locality (see Mark 8:27). CÆSAREA PHILIPPI.—Probably on the site of the Old Testament _Baalgad_ (Joshua 11:17), at the foot of Hermon, built by Philip the tetrarch, and distinguis... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 16:20. TELL NO MAN.—Jesus had not, even to His Apostles, said that He was the Christ, but He left it that they might discover it themselves from the testimony of facts. It was not suitable, therefore, that that should be openly told by the Apostles to others before His resur... [ Continue Reading ]