Matthew 12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:11

Verse 11 11.What man shall there be among you who shall have a sheep? Christ again points out what is the true way of keeping the Sabbath; and, at the same time, reproves them for slander, in bringing as a charge against him what was a universal custom. For if any man’s sheep had fallen into a ditch, no person would have hindered it from being taken out: but in proportion as a man is of more value than a sheep, so much the more are we at liberty to assist him. It is plain, therefore, that if... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:14

Verse 14 Matthew 12:14.Then the Pharisees took counsel. How obstinate is the rage which drives the wicked to oppose God! Even after having been convinced, they pour out their venom more and more. It is truly monstrous and shocking, that the most distinguished teachers of the Law, who were entrusted with the government of the Church, are engaged, like robbers, in contriving murder. But this must happen, whenever the malice of men reaches such a height, that they wish to destroy every thing that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:16

Verse 16 Matthew 12:16.And he threatened them. The expression used by Mark conveys, in a still more pointed manner, that he restrained the unclean spirits, (89) who were exclaiming, Thou art the Son of God. We have formerly explained the reason why he did not choose to have such witnesses. (90) And yet there is no room to doubt, that divine power extorted from the devils this confession; but having made it evident that they were subject to his dominion, Christ properly rejected their testimony.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:17

Verse 17 17.That it might be fulfilled which was spoken Matthew does not mean that this prediction was entirely fulfilled by Christ’s prohibiting loud and general reports to be circulated respecting his power (93), but that this was an exhibition of that mildness which Isaiah describes in the person of the Messiah. Those wonderful works which Christ performed in presence of a few, and which he did not wish to be announced in pompous terms, were fitted to shake heaven and earth, (Hebrews 12:26.)... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:18

Verse 18 18.Lo, my servant, whom I have chosen. To fix our attention more closely on his will, God points out by the finger, as it were, the person whom he is about to send; and this is the design of the exclamation, Lo! A similar reason may be assigned for the epithets that follow, when God calls him his servant, his elect in whom his soul is well pleased. For whence comes it, that men venture to measure Christ by their own sense, but because they do not consider that their redemption depends... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:19

Verse 19 19.He will not strive The general meaning is, that the coming of Christ will not be attended by noise, will have nothing of royal splendor and magnificence. He presently adds, that this will turn to the advantage of men, by inducing them to love that mildness which the world everywhere despises. And certainly it is an astonishing display of the folly of men, that their sentiments with regard to Christ are less respectful, because he mildly and voluntarily accommodates himself to their... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:20

Verse 20 20.Till he send out judgment into victory. The words of the prophet are a little different, he will bring forth the judgment unto truth. But the term employed by Matthew is very emphatic, and is intended to inform us, that justice is not established in the world without a great struggle and exertion. The devil throws all possible difficulties in the way, which cannot be removed without violent opposition. This is confirmed by the word victory, for victory is not obtained in any other... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:21

Verse 21 21.And in his name shall the Gentiles trust Instead of these words the prophet has, The isles shall wait for his law. But though Matthew has changed the words, the meaning is the same, that the grace of Christ will be shared by the Gentiles. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:22

Verse 22 Matthew 12:22.Then was brought to him. Luke explains from the effect, that the devil by which the man was possessed was dumb; but Matthew says, that a twofold plague had been inflicted on the man. Many persons, no doubt, are blind and deaf on account of natural defects; but it is evident, that this man had become blind, and had been deprived of the use of speech, though there was no defect in his optical nerves, (104) or in the proportion of his tongue. We need not wonder that so much... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:23

Verse 23 23.And all the people were astonished. Hence we infer, that there was a visible display of the power of God, which drew upon him the admiration of the great body of the people, who were not at all actuated by any wicked disposition. For how came it that all admired, but because the fact compelled them to do so? And certainly there is not one of us, who does not see in this narrative, as in a mirror, an unwonted power of God: and hence it follows, that a diabolical venom must have... read more

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