Bible Commentaries

In the prophets; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:3; Matthew 11:10.

John the Baptist. Matthew 3:1-12. For the reception of spiritual blessings, preparation is needful; and those things which tend to hinder men from feeling this, and making preparation, should be carefully avoided.

The more men receive of the illuminating and purifying influences of the Holy Spirit, the more humble will be their views of themselves, and the more exalted their views of the Redeemer.

Jesus baptized. Matthew 3:13-17.

Driveth him; constraineth or inclineth him. The same word, in Matthew 9:38, is translated "send forth."

No situation in this world is free from temptation; and in solitude men are often more exposed to it than in company. There may be solicitations to evil, and no inclination to comply with them; and thus men may be strongly tempted, and yet not commit sin. Resistance of temptation may increase their holiness, and better fit them for the duties of life. James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Put in prison; Matthew 14:3.

The time is fulfilled; the time for the coming of the Messiah, as predicted. Daniel 9:24-27.

Disciples of Christ called. Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11; Luke 5:27-28

Those whom Christ calls to preach the gospel, should forsake whatever would hinder them; and though they relinquish their prospects of temporal gain on earth, they may expect, if faithful, eternal gain in heaven.

As one that had authority; Matthew 7:29.

To destroy us; he speaks in the name of himself and the other demons.

The Holy One of God; the Messiah.

Hold thy peace; the demons everywhere recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but he uniformly commanded them to hold their peace. It was neither the time to proclaim his Messiahship, nor were they the proper heralds.

Torn him; convulsed him. Luke adds that he "hurt him not," Mark 4:35.

New doctrine; it was not merely the new revelations of truth that Jesus made which excited their astonishment, but also the new manifestations of divine power that accompanied it.

With authority; in his own name, and with sovereign power: he commanded, and they obeyed.

Simon’s wife’s mother; Matthew 8:14-15. Whatever may be the maladies of body or soul, of ourselves or our friends, there is encouragement to apply to Jesus Christ for relief, and no difficulties are so great that he cannot remove them.

They knew him; they knew that he was the Messiah, but he did not wish them to proclaim it. See note on verse Mark 1:25.

Early rising, for the purpose of engaging in secret prayer before entering on the duties of the day, is the dictate of true wisdom, and is highly conducive to health, excellence, usefulness, and enjoyment.

All men; this is a specimen of the manner in which the word all is sometimes used in the Bible, meaning, not literally every individual, but very many, as in verse Mark 1:5.

Therefore came I forth; that he might preach the gospel in various places.

If thou wilt; Matthew 8:2-4. This was an acknowledgment of his divine power.

I will; this was the claiming and exercising of divine power.

Straitly; strictly.

Say nothing to any man; about the cure. See note on Matthew 8:4.

Show thyself to the priest; Leviticus 14:2. This would show the priest that the cure was real, and give to him, as well as others, evidence that Jesus was the Messiah.

Blaze abroad; openly and publicly proclaim it.

Could no more; this shows the manner in which could, could not, and other words denoting ability or inability, are sometimes used in the Bible-referring not to natural power, but to difficulties which stand in the way, and the disposition of a person to encounter and overcome them. It was said of Joseph’s brethren, Genesis 37:4, that they "could not speak peaceably unto him." This was for want of disposition, not of power.