Bible Commentaries

Second Sabbath after the first; the first was that which occurred on the second day of the feast of the Passover. The second Sabbath was the next, and was the first of the seven that were to precede the feast of Pentecost. Leviticus 23:15-21. Works of needful mercy, and that attention to our bodily and mental wants which the appropriate duties of the Sabbath require, were always permitted by the fourth commandment, and are not forbidden under the gospel. Numbers 28:9-10; John 7:22-23.

Plucking corn on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:1-19; Mark 2:23-28.

Healing the withered hand. Matthew 12:10-13; Mark 3:1-5

Men may make their scrupulous observance of the Sabbath, and their attention to other external duties of religion, a ground of self righteousness, and a cover under which they may indulge in great wickedness.

Great zeal for human traditions and the commandments of men may consist with enmity to God and deep malignity against those who obey him.

Apostles chosen. Matthew 10:1.

Virtue; healing power. Doing good to the bodies of men often opens the way for benefiting their souls; and the one should be done for the sake of promoting the other.

Blessed be ye poor; for the meaning of these beatitudes and their opposite woes, ver Luke 6:20-26, see notes on the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12.

See sermon on mount. Matthew 5:39-48; Matthew 7:1-27; Matthew 10:24; Matthew 12:35; Matthew 15:14

Patience under trials, especially when occasioned by those whom we have labored to benefit, and a disposition to do them good in all practicable ways notwithstanding their opposition, are peculiarly pleasing to God, and prepare the soul for the special enjoyment of his love.

You that are rich; rich in this world’s goods, and trust in them for happiness.

You that are full; are satisfied with earthly enjoyments, and desire nothing better.

Laugh; live in thoughtlessness and sinful mirth.

When all men shall speak well of you; on account of your conformity to this world in your teaching and conduct.

A frequent recognition of the manner in which we ought to wish that others should treat us, will help us to see the way in which we should treat them; and all hopes of heaven which do not lead us to strive habitually to do to others as we would that they should do to us, will fail at the giving up of the ghost. Job 11:20; Proverbs 10:28; Matthew 25:40-46

The disciple is not above his master; this maxim was repeatedly used by our Lord, in different connections. Compare Matthew 10:24-25; John 13:16; John 15:20. Here its obvious meaning is, that the disciple cannot be expected to go beyond his master in attainments. If the master be blind, the disciple must be blind also.

That is perfect; fully instructed in the doctrine of his master.