HE DEPARTED THENCE TO TEACH AND PREACH (μετεβη εκειθεν του διδασκειν κα κηρυσσειν). In five instances (Matthew 7:28; Matthew 11:1; Matthew 13:53; Matthew 19:1; Matthew 26:1) after great discourses by Jesus "the transition to what follows is made with the formula, 'And it came to pass when Jesus ha... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN HEARD IN THE PRISON (ο δε Ιωανης ακουσας εν τω δεσμωτηριω). Probably (Luke 7:18) the raising of the son of the widow of Nain. The word for prison here is the place where one was kept bound (Acts 5:21; Acts 5:23; Acts 16:26). See Matthew 4:12. It was in Machaerus east of the Dead Sea which at... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT COMETH (ο ερχομενος). This phrase refers to the Messiah (Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; Luke 19:38; Hebrews 10:37; Psalms 118:26; Daniel 7:13). Some rabbis applied the phrase to some forerunner of the kingdom (McNeile). Was there to be "another" (ετερον) after Jesus? John had been in prison "long... [ Continue Reading ]
THE THINGS WHICH YE DO HEAR AND SEE (α ακουετε κα βλεπετε). This symbolical message was for John to interpret, not for them.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE DEAD ARE RAISED UP (κα νεκρο εγειροντα). Like that of the son of the widow of Nain. Did he raise the dead also on this occasion? "Tell John your story over again and remind him of these prophetic texts, Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 61:1" (Bruce). The items were convincing enough and clearer than m... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSOEVER SHALL FIND NONE OCCASION OF STUMBLING IN ME (ος αν μη σκανδαλισθη εν εμο). Indefinite relative clause with first aorist passive subjunctive. This beatitude is a rebuke to John for his doubt even though in prison. Doubt is not a proof of superior intellect, scholarship, or piety. John wa... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THESE WENT THEIR WAY (τουτων πορευομενων). Present participle genitive absolute. The eulogy of Jesus was spoken as the two disciples of John were going away. Is it a matter of regret that they did not hear this wondrous praise of John that they might cheer him with it? "It may almost be called... [ Continue Reading ]
AND MUCH MORE THAN A PROPHET (κα περισσοτερον προφητου). Ablative of comparison after περισσοτερον itself comparative though meaning exceeding (surrounded by, overflowing). John had all the great qualities of the true prophet: "Vigorous moral conviction, integrity, strength of will, fearless zeal... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT IS BUT LITTLE (ο μικροτερος). The Authorized Version here has it better, "he that is least." The article with the comparative is a growing idiom in the vernacular _Koine_ for the superlative as in the modern Greek it is the only idiom for the superlative (Robertson, _Grammar of the Greek... [ Continue Reading ]
SUFFERETH VIOLENCE (βιαζετα). This verb occurs only here and in Luke 16:16 in the N.T. It seems to be middle in Luke and Deissmann (_Bible Studies_, p. 258) quotes an inscription "where βιαζομα is without doubt reflexive and absolute" as in Luke 16:16. But there are numerous papyri examples where... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS ELIJAH (αυτος εστιν Ελειας). Jesus here endorses John as the promise of Malachi. The people understood Malachi 4:1 to mean the return of Elijah in person. This John denied as to himself (John 1:21). But Jesus affirms that John is the Elijah of promise who has come already (Matthew 17:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN SITTING IN THE MARKET PLACES (παιδιοις καθημενοις εν ταις αγοραις). This parable of the children playing in the market place is given also in Luke 7:31. Had Jesus as a child in Nazareth not played games with the children? He had certainly watched them often since. The interest of Christ i... [ Continue Reading ]
WISDOM IS JUSTIFIED BY HER WORKS (εδικαιωθη απο των εργων αυτης). A timeless aorist passive (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 836f.). The word "justified" means "set right" Luke (Luke 7:35) has "by all her children" as some MSS. have here to make Matthew like Luke. These words are difficult, but understan... [ Continue Reading ]
MOST OF HIS MIGHTY WORKS (α πλειστα δυναμεις αυτου). Literally, "His very many mighty works" if elative as usual in the papyri (Moulton, _Prolegomena_, p. 79; Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 670). But the usual superlative makes sense here as the Canterbury translation has it. This word δυναμις for mirac... [ Continue Reading ]
CHORAZIN (Χοραζειν). Mentioned only here and in Luke 10:13. Proof of "the meagreness of our knowledge of Judaism in the time of Christ" (Plummer) and of the many things not told in our Gospels (John 21:25). We know something of Bethsaida and more about Capernaum as places of privilege. But (πλην,... [ Continue Reading ]
AT THAT SEASON JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ειπεν). Spoke to his Father in audible voice. The time and place we do not know. But here we catch a glimpse of Jesus in one of his moods of worship. "It is usual to call this golden utterance a prayer, but it is at once prayer,... [ Continue Reading ]
WELLPLEASING IN THY SIGHT (ευδοκια εμπροσθεν σου). "For such has been thy gracious will" (Weymouth).... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED UNTO ME OF MY FATHER (παντα μο παρεδοθη υπο του πατρος μου). This sublime claim is not to be whittled down or away by explanations. It is the timeless aorist like εδοθη in Matthew 28:18 and "points back to a moment in eternity, and implies the pre-existence of the M... [ Continue Reading ]
COME UNTO ME (δευτε προς με). Verses 28 to 30 are not in Luke and are among the special treasures of Matthew's Gospel. No sublimer words exist than this call of Jesus to the toiling and the burdened (πεφορτισμενο, perfect passive participle, state of weariness) to come to him. He towers above all... [ Continue Reading ]
TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN OF ME (αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ'υμας κα μαθετε απ'εμου). The rabbis used yoke for school as many pupils find it now a yoke. The English word "school" is Greek for leisure (σχολη). But Jesus offers refreshment (αναπαυσιν) in his school and promises to make the burden l... [ Continue Reading ]