matthew-11:7-15-nkjv,nlt

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:11

A critical estimate of John. One does not readily associate the idea of criticism, and especially criticism of persons, with our Divine Lord. We forget that there are both good and bad criticisms, and that estimates of character which bring out the good are just as truly criticisms as those which bring out the bad. Here we have one of the few estimates formed by our Lord which have been preserved in the Gospels. Everybody had talked about John. Everybody had formed some opinion... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:12

It is curious that in St. Luke's account of this speech of our Lord's he should omit our verses 12-14 (on verse 15, see note there), thus leaving out all Christ's plainer and more direct teaching about the relation of John to himself. St. Luke places ( Luke 16:16 ) our verses 12 and 13 in what appears to be merely a cento of sayings. Possibly the original occasion has been recorded by neither evangelist, but in Matthew the passage certainly brings out the thought upon which our Lord was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:12

Violent entrance into the kingdom. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." It is difficult to accept restfully any of the explanations offered of this very bold figure. We cannot think who had been showing such "violence" in pushing into Christ's new kingdom. Evidently our Lord is dealing with John's mistake. He was filled with doubts because Christ's ways were so gentle. If Jesus meant to establish the Messianic kingdom, John felt that he would have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:13

For . It is only right that there should be such a seizing of the kingdom of heaven, for in a certain sense the function of the prophets and the Law ceased with John. All . Not one alone, but all, however various their teaching. The prophets and the law . In Luke ( Luke 16:16 ) the Law is mentioned first, because the context is there dealing chiefly with the Law. Here our Lord has said that John was more than a prophet, and he naturally continues to speak of prophets first. The mention... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:14

In Matthew only. And if ye will receive it . Our Lord gives the information plainly, but doubts if it will be of any use to them. Will ( θέλετε ). For the reception of a truth depends upon the attitude of the will In this case to acknowledge John as Elijah would mean to accept the present consequences of that reformation which Elijah was to bring about ( Malachi 4:6 ). But "the human will has a natural disinclination to cultivate and sharpen the conscience in combination with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear . A solemn exhortation, often spoken by our Lord at the close of an utterance. See Matthew 13:9 , 43; Mark 4:23 ; Luke 14:35 . It means—You are all formed by nature to learn God's commands; answer, therefore, to your powers, and obey him. See Psalms 40:6 (cf. Hebrews 10:5 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:7

And as they departed ... - Jesus took occasion, from the inquiries made by John’s disciples, to instruct the people respecting the true character of John. Multitudes had gone out to hear him when he preached in the desert Matthew 3:0, and it is probable that many had been attracted by the novelty of his appearance or doctrines, or had gone simply to see and hear a man of singular habits and opinions. Probably many who followed Christ had been of that number. He took occasion, therefore, by some... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:8

Clothed in soft raiment - The kind of raiment here denoted was the light, thin clothing worn by effeminate persons. It was made commonly of fine linen, and was worn chiefly for ornament. Christ asks them whether they were attracted by anything like that. He says that the desert was not the place to expect it. In the palaces of kings, in the court of Herod, it might be expected, but not in the place where John was. This kind of clothing was an emblem of riches, splendor, effeminacy, feebleness... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:9

A prophet? - He next asks whether they went to see a prophet. They had regarded him as such, and Jesus tells them that in this their apprehensions of him were correct.More than a prophet - Sustaining a character more elevated and sacred than the most distinguished of the ancient prophets. Those had been regarded as the most eminent of the prophets who had most clearly predicted the Messiah. Isaiah had been distinguished above all others for the sublimity of his writings, and the clearness with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:10

For this is he ... - The passage of Scripture here quoted is found in Malachi 3:1. The substance of it is contained also in Isaiah 40:3.Prepare thy way - That is, to prepare “the people;” to make them ready, by proper instructions, to receive the Messiah. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:9

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:10

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