Matthew 9:1

IX.

(1) Here, again, the order of the facts narrated varies so much in the three Gospels that the labours of the harmonist are baffled.

ST. MATTHEW.

ST. MARK.

ST. LUKE.

(1.) The Paralytic, Matthew 9:1.

Mark 2:1.

Luke 5:18.

(2.)

The call of Matthew, &c., Matthew 9:9.

Mark 2:13.

Luke 5:27.

(3.)

Jairus, and the woman with an issue of blood, Matthew 9:18.

Mark 5:21.

Luke 8:41.

(4.)

The two blind, Matthew 9:27.

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—

(5.)

The dumb, Matthew 9:32.

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Luke 11:14.

It will be seen that (1) and (2) are grouped together in all three, as are the two events in (3), but beyond this we cannot trace any systematic order, and the apparent notes of sequence are so far misleading. In this case. St. Matthew makes the return to Capernaum follow the healing of the Gadarene demoniacs. St. Mark and St. Luke place it after that of the leper, but as if they were uncertain as to its exact position, “after certain days,” or “on one of the days.”

Ship. — Better, boat.

Into his own city. — St. Mark states definitely Capernaum, which had become His “own city” since His departure from Nazareth (Matthew 4:13). That city, though the home of His childhood, is never so described.