1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And again - After having been in desert places for some time, he returned privately to the city. In the house - In Peter's house.
McArther Bible Commentary
This conflict episode is the first of five conflict episodes (Mar 2:1-12; Mar 2:13-17, Mar 2:18-22, Mar 2:23-28; Mar 3:1-6). He was in the house. This is better translated, "He was at home." This home was likely Peter's home, where Jesus had taken up temporary residence (cf. Mat 4:13).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:13 Mark 1:45 Mark 2:2 Mark 3:20 Mark 7:17 Mark 9:28 Luke 4:23

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And immediately many were gathered together - Hitherto continued the general impression on their hearts. Hitherto, even at Capernaum, all who heard received the word with joy.
McArther Bible Commentary
the word. The good news of the gospel, that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, for the forgiveness of sins.
Bible Cross References
Mark 1:45 Mark 2:1 Mark 2:13

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 9:2) ; (Luke 5:18) .
McArther Bible Commentary
a paralytic. Since he was lying on a bed, the man's paralysis was severe-perhaps he was a quadriplegic.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:24 Matthew 9:2 Luke 5:18

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They uncovered the roof - Or, took up the covering, the lattice or trap door, which was on all their houses, (being flat roofed.) And finding it not wide enough, broke the passage wider, to let down the couch.
McArther Bible Commentary
they uncovered the roof. Most homes in Palestine had flat roofs used for relaxation in the cool of the day and for sleeping on hot nights, and there was usually an external stairway that extended to the roof. Often, as here, the roof was made of slabs of burnt or dried clay that were placed on supporting beams which stretched from wall to wall. The builder then spread a uniform coat of fresh, wet clay over those slabs of hardened clay to serve as a seal against the rain. The paralytic's friends took him up to the top of such a house and dug out the top coat of clay, removing several of the slabs until they made enough room to lower him down into Jesus' presence. the paralytic. See note on verse Mar 2:3.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:24 Luke 5:19

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
McArther Bible Commentary
When Jesus saw their faith. The aggressive, persistent effort of the paralytic's friends was visible evidence of their faith in Christ to heal. Son, your sins are forgiven you. Many Jews in that day believed that all disease and affliction was a direct result of one's sins. This paralytic may have believed that as well; thus, he would have welcomed forgiveness of his sins before healing. The Greek verb for "are forgiven" refers to sending or driving away (cf. Psa 103:12; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:19). Thus, Jesus dismissed the man's sin and freed him from its guilt (see note on Mat 9:2).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:5 Mark 2:6 Luke 7:48 John 5:14

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
But certain of the scribes - See whence the first offence cometh! As yet not one of the plain unlettered people were offended. They all rejoiced in the light, till these men of learning came, to put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Wo to all such blind guides! Good had it been for these if they had never been born. O God, let me never offend one of thy simple ones! Sooner let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!
McArther Bible Commentary
the scribes. See note on Mat 2:4; cf. Mar 1:22.
Bible Cross References
Mark 2:5 Mark 2:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
McArther Bible Commentary
this Man … blasphemies. The scribes were correct in saying that only God can forgive sins (cf. Isa 43:25), but incorrect in saying Jesus blasphemes. They refused to recognize Jesus' power as coming from God, much less that He Himself was God.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 43:25 Matthew 9:3 Mark 2:6 Mark 2:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
McArther Bible Commentary
in His spirit. This can also be translated, "by His spirit." This phrase refers not to the Holy Spirit, but to the omniscient mind of the Savior.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:15 Matthew 16:7 Mark 2:7 Mark 2:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
McArther Bible Commentary
Which is easier. It is much easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven you." No human can disprove that such a thing actually occurred since it is invisible. Commanding a paralytic to walk would be more difficult to say convincingly, however, because the actions of the paralytic would immediately verify the effect (healed or not healed) of the command (see note on Mat 9:5).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:24 Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:5 Mark 2:8 Mark 2:10 Luke 7:48

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
McArther Bible Commentary
But that you may know. Jesus' power to heal the paralytic's physical infirmities proved the veracity of His claim and power to forgive sins. Son of Man. Jesus used this term for Himself to emphasize His humiliation (see notes on Mar 14:62; Mat 8:20). It appears fourteen times in Mark (Mar 2:10, Mar 2:28; Mar 8:31, Mar 8:38; Mar 9:9, Mar 9:12, Mar 9:31; Mar 10:33, Mar 10:45; Mar 13:26; Mar 14:21 (twice), Mar 2:41, Mar 2:62).
Bible Cross References
Mark 2:9 Mark 2:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
Bible Cross References
Mark 2:10 Mark 2:12 John 5:8

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ heals one sick of the palsy.
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They were all amazed - Even the scribes themselves for a time.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:8 Matthew 9:33 Mark 2:11

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.
Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All the multitude came to him - Namely, by the sea side. And he as readily taught them there as if they had been in a synagogue.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 13:1 Mark 1:45 Mark 2:2 Mark 4:1 Mark 10:1

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.
Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Luke 5:29.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 9:9) ; (Luke 5:27) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Levi the son of Alphaeus. One of the Twelve, more commonly known as Matthew (see Introduction to Matthew: Title). tax office. Matthew was a publican, a tax collector, a despised profession in Palestine because such men were viewed as traitors. Publicans were Jews who had bought tax franchises from the Roman government. Any amount they collected over what Rome required, they were allowed to keep. Thus, many publicans became wealthy at the expense of their own people (see notes on Mat 5:46; Mat 9:9). he arose and followed Him. This simple action of Matthew signified his conversion. Because his response was so immediate, it is likely that Matthew was already convicted of his sin and recognized his need of forgiveness.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 8:22 Matthew 9:9 Mark 2:15 Luke 5:27

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.
Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Luke 5:29.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Many publicans and notorious sinners sat with Jesus - Some of them doubtless invited by Matthew, moved with compassion for his old companions in sin. But the next words, For there were many, and they followed him, seem to imply, that the greater part, encouraged by his gracious words and the tenderness of his behaviour, and impatient to hear more, stayed for no invitation, but pressed in after him, and kept as close to him as they could.
McArther Bible Commentary
dining. This can also be translated, "reclining at table," a common posture for eating when guests were present. According to Luk 5:29, this was a feast that Matthew gave in Jesus' honor. tax collectors. There were two categories of tax collectors: (1) gabbai, who collected general taxes on land and property, and on income, referred to as poll or registration taxes; (2) mokhes, who collected a wide variety of use taxes, similar to our import duties, business license fees, and toll fees. There were two categories of mokhes: Great mokhes hired others to collect taxes for them, while small mokhes did their own assessing and collecting. Matthew was a small mokhe. It is likely that representatives of both classes attended Matthew's feast. All of them were considered both religious and social outcasts. sinners. A term the Jews used to describe people who had no respect for the Mosaic Law or rabbinic traditions, and were, therefore, the most vile and worthless of people. sat together. Lit. "were reclining with." Jesus' willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners by sharing in the feast with them deeply offended the scribes and Pharisees.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:46 Matthew 9:10 Mark 2:14 Mark 2:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.
Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And the scribes and Pharisees said - So now the wise men being joined by the saints of the world, went a little farther in raising prejudices against our Lord. In his answer he uses as yet no harshness, but only calm, dispassionate reasoning.
McArther Bible Commentary
scribes and Pharisees. Lit. "the scribes of the Pharisees." This phrase indicates that not all scribes were Pharisees (on scribes, see note on Mat 2:4). Pharisees were a legalistic sect of Jews known for their strict devotion to the ceremonial law (see note on Mat 3:7).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:46 Matthew 9:11 Mark 2:15 Luke 5:30 Acts 23:9

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.
Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-gatherers an ill name. But such as these our blessed Lord did not hesitate to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. And it is no new thing for that which is both well done and well designed, to be slandered, and turned to the reproach of the wisest and best of men. Christ would not withdraw, though the Pharisees were offended. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. We must not keep company with ungodly men out of love to their vain conversation; but we are to show love to their souls, remembering that our good Physician had the power of healing in himself, and was in no danger of taking the disease; but it is not so with us. In trying to do good to others, let us be careful we do not get harm to ourselves.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 9:12, 13.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I came not to call the righteous - Therefore if these were righteous I should not call them. But now, they are the very persons I came to save.
McArther Bible Commentary
I did not come to call the righteous. The words "to repentance" do not appear in the better manuscripts. They do appear, however, in Luk 5:32, a parallel passage. The repentant person-the one who recognizes he is a sinner and who turns from his sin-is the object of Jesus' call. The person who is sinful but thinks he is righteous refuses to acknowledge his need to repent of his sin. See notes on Mat 9:12-13; Joh 9:39-41.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 17:9 Matthew 9:12 Matthew 9:13 Luke 5:31 Luke 5:32 1 Timothy 1:15

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Why Christ's disciples did not fast.
Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 9:14) ; (Luke 5:33) .
McArther Bible Commentary
disciples of John. Those followers of John the Baptist who did not transfer their allegiance to Jesus (cf. Joh 3:30; Act 19:1-7). At this time John was is in prison (Mat 4:12). Their question indicates that they were observing the Pharisaic traditions (cf. Mat 9:14). the Pharisees. See note on verse Mar 2:16. The association of John's disciples with the Pharisees indicates that both groups were disturbed about the problem raised by Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners (cf. Mar 2:15). fasting. The twice-a-week fast was a major expression of orthodox Judaism during Jesus' day (cf. Luk 18:9-14). Yet, the OT prescribed only one fast, and that on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29, Lev 16:31).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:14 Mark 2:19 Luke 5:33

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Why Christ's disciples did not fast.
Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.
McArther Bible Commentary
friends of the bridegroom fast. In Jesus' illustration, the "friends of the bridegroom" were the attendants the bridegroom selected to carry out the wedding festivities. This was certainly not a time to fast. Fastisng was usually associated with mourning or times of great spiritual need. Jesus' point was that the ritual practiced by John's disciples and the Pharisees was out of touch with reality. There was no reason for Jesus' followers to mourn and fast while enjoying the unique reality of His presence among them.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:15 Mark 2:18 Mark 2:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Why Christ's disciples did not fast.
Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.
McArther Bible Commentary
taken away from them. This refers to a sudden removal or being snatched away violently-an obvious reference to Jesus' capture and crucifixion. then they will fast. An appropriate time for mourning was to be at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:15 Mark 2:19 Mark 2:21 Luke 5:35 Luke 17:22

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Why Christ's disciples did not fast.
Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jesus offered two parables to illustrate that His new and internal gospel of repentance from and forgiveness of sin could not be connected to or contained in the old and external traditions of self-righteousness and ritual (see note on Mat 9:17).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:16 Mark 2:20 Mark 2:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Why Christ's disciples did not fast.
Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 9:17.
McArther Bible Commentary
new wineskins. Newly made and unused wineskins provided the necessary strength and elasticity to hold up as wine fermented.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:17 Mark 2:21 Mark 2:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 12:1) ; (Luke 6:1) .
McArther Bible Commentary
grainfields. The roads in first-century Palestine were primarily major arteries; once travelers left those main roads, they walked along wide paths that bordered and traversed pastures and grain fields. on the Sabbath. Sabbath transliterates a Hebrew word that refers to a ceasing of activity or rest. In honor of the day when God rested from His creation of the world (Gen 2:3), the Lord declared the seventh day of the week to be a special time of rest and remembrance for His people, which He incorporated into the Ten Commandments (see note on Exo 20:8). But hundreds of years of rabbinical teaching had added numerous unbearable and arbitrary restrictions to God's original requirement, one of which forbade any travel beyond three thousand feet of one's home (cf. Num 35:5; Jos 3:4). pluck the heads of grain. Travelers who did not take enough food for their journey were permitted by the Mosaic Law to pick enough grain to satisfy their hunger (Deu 23:24-25; see note on Mat 12:2).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:25 Matthew 12:1 Mark 2:22 Luke 6:1

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
McArther Bible Commentary
what is not lawful on the Sabbath. Rabbinical tradition had interpreted the rubbing of grain in the hands (cf. Luk 6:1) as a form of threshing and had forbidden it. Reaping for profit on the Sabbath was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Exo 34:21), but that profit-seeking was obviously not the motive here (see note on Mat 12:2). Actually, the Pharisees' charge was is itself sinful since they were holding their tradition on a par with God's Word (see notes on Mat 15:2-9).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:2 Mark 2:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
McArther Bible Commentary
He said to them, "Have you never read …" Jesus' sarcasm pointed out the main fault of the Pharisees, who claimed to be experts and guardians of Scripture, yet were ignorant of what it actually taught (cf. Rom 2:17-24). what David did. David and his companions were fleeing for their lives from Saul when they arrived at Nob, where the tabernacle was located at that time. Because they were hungry, they asked for food (cf. 1Sa 21:1-6).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:2 Mark 2:24 Mark 2:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the days of Abiathar the high priest - Abimelech, the father of Abiathar, was high priest then; Abiathar himself not till some time after. This phrase therefore only means, In the time of Abiathar, who was afterward the high priest. (1 Samuel 21:6) .
McArther Bible Commentary
in the days of Abiathar the high priest. The phrase "in the days" can mean "during the lifetime." According to 1Sa 21:1, Ahimelech was the priest who gave the bread to David. Abiathar was Ahimelech's son, who later was the high priest during David's reign. Since Ahimelech died shortly after this incident (cf. 1Sa 22:19-20), it is likely that Mark simply added this designation to identify the well-known companion of David who later became the high priest, along with Zadok (2Sa 15:35). the showbread. Twelve loaves of unleavened bread (representing the twelve tribes of Israel) were placed on the table in the sanctuary of the tabernacle and, at the end of the week, replaced with fresh ones. The old loaves were to be eaten only by the priests. While it was not normally lawful for David and his companions to eat this showbread, neither did God want them to starve; so, nowhere does Scripture condemn them for eating this bread (see note on Mat 12:4).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 24:9 1 Samuel 21:1 2 Samuel 8:17 1 Chronicles 24:6 Matthew 12:4 Mark 2:25

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Sabbath was made for man - And therefore must give way to man's necessity.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Sabbath was made for man. God instituted the Sabbath to benefit man by giving him a day to rest from his labors and to be a blessing to him. The Pharisees turned it into a burden and made man a slave to their myriad of man-made regulations.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:12 Deuteronomy 5:12 Deuteronomy 5:14 Mark 2:28 Colossians 2:16

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Moreover the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath - Being the supreme Lawgiver, he hath power to dispense with his own laws; and with this in particular.
McArther Bible Commentary
also Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus claimed that He was greater than the Sabbath, and thus was God. Based on that authority, Jesus could, in fact, reject the Pharisaic regulations concerning the Sabbath and restore God's original intention for Sabbath observance to be a blessing, not a burden.
Bible Cross References
Mark 2:27 Mark 3:1