Matthew 12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:9-21

The mission of Christ. In the last paragraph we learn how Jesus showed that works of necessity are lawful on the sabbath day. In the paragraph before us we see that works of mercy also are lawful. If under the Law the spirit of the sabbath was binding rather than the letter, how much more so under the gospel! The subject teaches us that Christ came amongst men— I. TO VANQUISH MALIGNITY . 1 . Malignity was embodied in the Pharisees. 2 . Malignity is vanquished by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:10

And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered; and behold a man having a withered hand (Revised Version, with Westcott and Hort). For the quotation by Jerome from "the Gospel which the Nazarenes and Ebionites use", in which this man tells our Lord, " Coementarius (a mason) eram, manibus vietum quaeritans ," see especially Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 379. And they asked him, saying . In the narrative of healing the man with the dropsy, found in Luke 14:1-6 ( vide supra ), a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:11

Matthew alone on this occasion, but comp. Luke 14:5 . And he said unto them . Christ's answer appeals from intellectual and theoretical difficulties to the practical common sense of ordinary morality (cf. Romans 3:5-7 ). Their own feelings would guide them to help a brute, much more a man. According to the parallel passages, our Lord first set the man in the midst of them, wishing, perhaps, to draw out their sympathy, and only afterwards spoke this verse of censure (see Chrysostom). ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? ( Matthew 6:26 ; Matthew 10:31 ). Wherefore it is lawful to do well ( to do good , Revised Version) on the sabbath days. He answers their question about healing ( Matthew 12:10 ) by enunciating a general principle which would cover more. "Doing good" (perhaps merely "well-doing," Acts 10:33 ; 1 Corinthians 7:37 ; but probably "doing good to" another, cf. Luke 6:26 , Luke 6:27 ; and the parallel passages here, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:13

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand . He is bid use his strength before he is told that it is given. The intellectual difficulties that might have occurred to him lose themselves fir the action. In the somewhat similar ease in Matthew 9:5 , Matthew 9:6 there had been the preparation of forgiveness of sins. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Power is linked to obedience. Whole ; i.e. sound, in complete health and vigour. The word... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:13

Power allied to obedience. "Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." The man did as he was bidden, and found himself able to do what he was bidden to do. And this illustrates a great, comprehensive, ever-working law. Every man can do what he ought to do. He who tries to obey will surely find himself able to obey. This man was bidden to do precisely what, to all appearance, he could not do. He did it,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:14

Then the Pharisees went out ( ἐξελθόντες δὲ οἱφαρισαῖοι ) . Probably at once, before the service was over. Note the emphatic position of ἐξελθόντες . They will no longer stay in the same building with one who does such a thing, and held a council ; and tool : counsel ; cf. Matthew 22:15 ; Matthew 27:1 , Matthew 27:7 ; Matthew 28:12 . Against him, how they might destroy him. We learn from Mark that the Herodians also took part in the deliberation. Professor... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:14

The perils of faithfulness. That he might be "in all points tempted like as we are," our Lord had the experience of rousing enmity even in doing faithfully the duty of the hour. It was his life-work to heal and save. He was not going to allow himself to be hindered, in doing his great life-work, by the claims of merely rabbinical rules. But the penalty came, which comes to all men who are persistently faithful to their sense of right: "The Pharisees went out, and held a council against him,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15

Matthew 12:15 , Matthew 12:16 are found essentially in Mark 3:7 , Mark 3:12 ; the remainder of this section, the application of prophecy. here only. But when Jesus knew it; and Jesus perceiving it (Revised Version). Whether by his own unaided powers, or by intelligence brought him, is not stated. He withdrew himself (cf. Matthew 4:12 , he departed , note) from thence . We see from the next clause that this withdrawal was not into any very retired spot, but rather away... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:15-21

Jesus withdraws, and although many follow him and are healed by him, he charges them not to make him known, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Ideal Israelite, who is the object of God's love and delight, and will receive his Spirit and declare the revelation of him to the Gentiles; he will not strive or exalt himself, or use harshness towards the weak; and his meekness shall last until he has succeeded in his purpose of revealing God to men; for he shall succeed, and he shall be the object... read more

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