_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 ]