_SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES_ On St. Matthew’s use of the expression “_the kingdom of heaven_”—In regard to the meaning of this expression, I go along with Schürer in explaining that it is only in the Jewish custom of using some circumlocution for the name of God, and of specially using the term heaven for... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 3:1. IN THOSE DAYS.—Of Christ’s secluded life at Nazareth (see Luke 3:1, etc.) St. Matthew passes over a period of nearly thirty years (Luke 3:23). PREACHING.—Lt heralding; making, by command, a royal proclamation. WILDERNESS OF JUDÆA.—The name was commonly applied to the t... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 3:13. JESUS … BAPTISED.—He received the rite as ratifying the mission of the great forerunner, and He also received it as the beautiful symbol of moral purification, and the humble inauguration of a ministry which came not to destroy the law but to fulfil (_Farrar_). Matth... [ Continue Reading ]