Matthew 4:16
Verse
Context
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Bill McLeod
Erlo Stegen
John Nelson Darby
John Bunyan
G. Campbell MorganDavid WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up--The prophetic strain to which these words belong commences with the seventh chapter of Isaiah, to which the sixth chapter is introductory, and goes down to the end of the twelfth chapter, which hymns the spirit of that whole strain of prophecy. It belongs to the reign of Ahaz and turns upon the combined efforts of the two neighboring kingdoms of Syria and Israel to crush Judah. In these critical circumstances Judah and her king were, by their ungodliness, provoking the Lord to sell them into the hands of their enemies. What, then, is the burden of this prophetic strain, on to the passage here quoted? First, Judah shall not, cannot perish, because IMMANUEL, the Virgin's Son, is to come forth from his loins. Next, one of the invaders shall soon perish, and the kingdoms of neither be enlarged. Further, while the Lord will be the Sanctuary of such as confide in these promises and await their fulfilment, He will drive to confusion, darkness, and despair the vast multitude of the nation who despised His oracles, and, in their anxiety and distress, betook themselves to the lying oracles of the heathen. This carries us down to the end of the eighth chapter. At the opening of the ninth chapter a sudden light is seen breaking in upon one particular part of the country, the part which was to suffer most in these wars and devastations--"the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee and the Gentiles." The rest of the prophecy stretches over both the Assyrian and the Chaldean captivities and terminates in the glorious Messianic prophecy of the eleventh chapter and the choral hymn of the twelfth chapter. Well, this is the point seized on by our Evangelist. By Messiah's taking up His abode in those very regions of Galilee, and shedding His glorious light upon them, this prediction, He says, of the Evangelical prophet was now fulfilled; and if it was not thus fulfilled, we may confidently affirm it was not fulfilled in any age of the Jewish ceremony, and has received no fulfilment at all. Even the most rationalistic critics have difficulty in explaining it in any other way.
John Gill Bible Commentary
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say,.... Not from the time he dwelt in Capernaum; for he had preached in Nazareth before he came there, Luk 4:16 nor from the time of John's being cast into prison; for he had preached, and made disciples, who were baptized by his orders, before John's imprisonment, Joh 3:22 Joh 4:1 but from the time that Satan left tempting him; as soon as that combat was over, immediately he went into Galilee, began to preach, and called his disciples. The words with which he began his ministry are the same with which John begun his; which shows the entire agreement between them, in that they not only preached the same doctrine, but in the same words; See Gill on Mat 3:2 Matthew 4:18 mat 4:18 mat 4:18 mat 4:18And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee,.... Not for his recreation and diversion, or by accident: but on purpose to look out for, and call some, whom he had chosen to be his disciples. And as he was walking about, to and fro, he "saw two" persons; and as soon as he saw them, he knew them to be those he had determined to make his apostles: and these are described by their relation to each other, "brethren"; not merely because they were of the same nation, or of the same religion, or of the same employ and business of life, but because they were of the same blood; and by their names, "Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother". Simon is the same name with "Simeon"; and so he is called, Act 15:14 and which, in the Jerusalem dialect, is read "Simon". His surname "Peter", which was afterwards given him by Christ, Mat 16:18 is Greek, and answers to "Cephas", signifying a "rock": though this name is to be met with in the Talmudic (d) writings, where we read of R. Jose, , "bar Petros". This his surname is added here, to distinguish him from Simon, the Canaanite. The name of his brother Andrew is generally thought to be Greek; though some have derived it from "to vow", and is also to be observed in the writings of the Jews (e); where mention is made of R. Chanina, bar Andrei. They are further described by the work they were at, or business they were employed in, casting a net into the sea; either in order to catch fish in it, or to wash it, Luk 5:2 and the reason of their so doing is added; "for they were fishers". Of this mean employment were the very first persons Christ was pleased to call to the work of the ministry; men of no education, who made no figure in life, but were despicable and contemptible: this he did, to make it appear, that they were not qualified for such service of themselves; that all their gifts and qualifications were from him; to show his own power; to confound the wisdom of the wise; and to let men see, that none ought to glory in themselves, but in him. The Jews have a notion of the word of God and prophecy being received and embraced only by such sort of persons: says R. Isaac Arama (f), "his word came to heal all, but some particular persons only receive it; and who of all men are of a dull under standing, , "fishermen, who do business in the sea": this is what is written; "they that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord": these seem not indeed fit to receive anything that belongs to the understanding, because of their dulness; and yet these receive the truth of prophecy and vision, because they believe his word.'' I cannot but think, that some respect is had to these fishers, in Eze 47:10 "it shall come to pass that fishers shall stand upon it": that is, upon, or by the river of waters, said in Eze 47:8 to "issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert": which both R. Jarchi and Kimchi understand of the sea of Tiberias; the same with the sea of Galilee, by which Christ walked; and where he found these fishers at work, and called them. See also Jer 16:16 (d) T. Hieros. Moed Katon, fol 82. 4. Avoda Zara, fol 42. 3. (e) T. Hieros. Megilla, fol. 75. 2. & Geracot, fol. 2. 3. (f) Apud Galatin. de Arcan. Cathol. ver. l. 3. c. 5. p. 119. & Crocium de Messia Thes. 213. p. 62, 63.
Matthew 4:16
Jesus Begins His Ministry
15“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Whatever Happened to Repentance Preaching
By David Wilkerson4.1K46:43MAT 4:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of repentance preaching. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and repenting of one's sins. The speaker refers to the story of the jailer in the Bible who asked what he must do to be saved, highlighting the need for a genuine recognition of sin and a desire for salvation. The sermon concludes with a prayer for listeners to accept God's love and have faith in Him.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Mind the Light
By Erlo Stegen1.4K1:00:15Light Of GodEXO 33:20ISA 6:1MAT 4:16ROM 13:11EPH 5:11EPH 5:141JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's own life and the impact they have on others. He urges listeners to consider whether they are living according to the Bible and if they are shining the light of God's holiness in the world. The preacher acknowledges the darkness and immorality present in the world but encourages believers to be lighthouses and spread the gospel. He shares a personal experience of a powerful repentance moment and highlights the urgency of repentance and turning away from sin. The sermon also touches on the issue of people not listening and falling asleep in church, leading to spiritual death. The preacher warns against the influence of false teachings, such as the denial of hell, and emphasizes the richness of Africa, not in material wealth but in spiritual potential.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Light
By John Bunyan0SalvationSpiritual IlluminationGEN 1:3MAT 4:162CO 4:6HEB 10:32John Bunyan emphasizes the significance of light in God's creation, illustrating how it parallels the spiritual illumination necessary for salvation. He explains that just as God commanded light to exist, the Holy Spirit first enlightens our understanding to reveal our true state, the consequences of sin, and the merits of Jesus Christ. This divine light allows us to grasp the faithfulness of God and the promises of the gospel. Bunyan draws connections between the creation of light and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, as seen in Paul's writings to the Corinthians.
The Darkness of Golgotha
By G. Campbell Morgan0The CrossSpiritual DarknessISA 45:3MAT 4:16MAT 6:23MAT 8:12MAT 27:46LUK 23:46JHN 1:9JHN 19:28JHN 19:30EPH 2:2G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound significance of the three hours of darkness at Golgotha, emphasizing that this period was not merely incidental but central to the crucifixion narrative. He reflects on how this darkness symbolizes the ultimate struggle against evil and the depth of Christ's suffering, revealing a transformation in the hearts of those present. Morgan highlights the psychological shift in the crowd, who moved from mockery to pity, and the significance of Jesus' final words as He emerged from the darkness. He asserts that the darkness represents a spiritual reality that transcends human understanding, ultimately leading to the treasures of forgiveness and redemption that arise from Christ's sacrifice. The sermon concludes with the affirmation that through His suffering, Jesus chose to save humanity rather than Himself.
A Glorious Christmas Reminder!
By David Wilkerson0ResurrectionEternal LifeHOS 13:14MAT 4:16JHN 6:38JHN 11:25ROM 6:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that the birth of Jesus in the manger is intrinsically linked to His resurrection, highlighting that He was fully human yet a manifestation of the eternal. He references prophecies from Hosea and the teachings of Jesus, illustrating that His purpose was to grant eternal life to believers. The sermon encourages the faithful to remember the significance of resurrection during the Christmas season, viewing the manger as a bridge to eternal life with Christ. Wilkerson reminds us that resurrection life is available to us now, urging a celebration of both Christ's birth and His victory over death.
Treasures of Darkness
By Raymond Golsworthy0JOB 35:10PSA 16:7PSA 27:4ISA 45:3MAT 4:16JHN 14:21ACT 7:55EPH 1:171PE 4:12Raymond Golsworthy preaches about finding treasures in darkness, emphasizing that dark times of trial and testing are opportunities to encounter God's treasures, such as new songs of praise, deeper understanding of spiritual truths, and fresh encounters with Jesus. He highlights how God gives songs in the night, spiritual revelations in darkness, and the presence of Christ in our darkest moments, leading to a richer and more intimate relationship with the Lord.
Matthew 4:12-17. Christ Takes Up His Abode at Capernaum.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 51:17PSA 119:105ISA 9:1MAT 4:16LUK 10:13ACT 3:19Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes how Jesus chose to dwell in the most neglected and ignorant parts of Canaan out of pity for the marginalized, inspiring us to follow His example by reaching out to the forgotten and overlooked in society. By fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy in Zebulon and Naphtali, Jesus brought glory to these once afflicted regions through the preaching of the Gospel, highlighting the transformative power of God's Word. The Gospel is likened to a great light that brings peace and joy, contrasting the darkness and despair of those who have not heard it, underscoring the importance of sharing the message of salvation. Despite the light of Christ shining upon them, some cities like Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida faced judgment for their lack of repentance, serving as a warning for us to continually seek repentance as the foundation of true religion.
Lessons From the Ministry of Jesus
By Timothy Tow0ISA 64:6MAT 4:16MAT 4:23JHN 9:32ACT 20:21Timothy Tow emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example in ministry, particularly in preaching the message of the Kingdom of Heaven and calling people to repentance. He highlights the need for pastors to deliver God's Word faithfully to nourish the souls of believers. Tow also stresses the significance of training and equipping disciples to continue the work of spreading the Gospel, as seen in Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles. Additionally, he discusses the role of healing ministries in the context of modern medical facilities and the potential impact of medical missions in areas like Cambodia.
Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful
By C.H. Spurgeon0ISA 42:16ISA 49:6MAT 4:16MAT 9:27LUK 1:79LUK 4:18JHN 1:4JHN 5:3ACT 13:11ROM 1:16ROM 2:19PHP 2:152PE 1:9REV 3:17In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignorant, slow of understanding, and incapable of comprehending spiritual truth. Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His time as 'blind guides' for leading people away from the Light of the world. The Jews were meant to be a light to the Gentiles, but many failed in this role until figures like Paul stepped in to fulfill God's purpose of bringing salvation to all nations.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up--The prophetic strain to which these words belong commences with the seventh chapter of Isaiah, to which the sixth chapter is introductory, and goes down to the end of the twelfth chapter, which hymns the spirit of that whole strain of prophecy. It belongs to the reign of Ahaz and turns upon the combined efforts of the two neighboring kingdoms of Syria and Israel to crush Judah. In these critical circumstances Judah and her king were, by their ungodliness, provoking the Lord to sell them into the hands of their enemies. What, then, is the burden of this prophetic strain, on to the passage here quoted? First, Judah shall not, cannot perish, because IMMANUEL, the Virgin's Son, is to come forth from his loins. Next, one of the invaders shall soon perish, and the kingdoms of neither be enlarged. Further, while the Lord will be the Sanctuary of such as confide in these promises and await their fulfilment, He will drive to confusion, darkness, and despair the vast multitude of the nation who despised His oracles, and, in their anxiety and distress, betook themselves to the lying oracles of the heathen. This carries us down to the end of the eighth chapter. At the opening of the ninth chapter a sudden light is seen breaking in upon one particular part of the country, the part which was to suffer most in these wars and devastations--"the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee and the Gentiles." The rest of the prophecy stretches over both the Assyrian and the Chaldean captivities and terminates in the glorious Messianic prophecy of the eleventh chapter and the choral hymn of the twelfth chapter. Well, this is the point seized on by our Evangelist. By Messiah's taking up His abode in those very regions of Galilee, and shedding His glorious light upon them, this prediction, He says, of the Evangelical prophet was now fulfilled; and if it was not thus fulfilled, we may confidently affirm it was not fulfilled in any age of the Jewish ceremony, and has received no fulfilment at all. Even the most rationalistic critics have difficulty in explaining it in any other way.
John Gill Bible Commentary
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say,.... Not from the time he dwelt in Capernaum; for he had preached in Nazareth before he came there, Luk 4:16 nor from the time of John's being cast into prison; for he had preached, and made disciples, who were baptized by his orders, before John's imprisonment, Joh 3:22 Joh 4:1 but from the time that Satan left tempting him; as soon as that combat was over, immediately he went into Galilee, began to preach, and called his disciples. The words with which he began his ministry are the same with which John begun his; which shows the entire agreement between them, in that they not only preached the same doctrine, but in the same words; See Gill on Mat 3:2 Matthew 4:18 mat 4:18 mat 4:18 mat 4:18And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee,.... Not for his recreation and diversion, or by accident: but on purpose to look out for, and call some, whom he had chosen to be his disciples. And as he was walking about, to and fro, he "saw two" persons; and as soon as he saw them, he knew them to be those he had determined to make his apostles: and these are described by their relation to each other, "brethren"; not merely because they were of the same nation, or of the same religion, or of the same employ and business of life, but because they were of the same blood; and by their names, "Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother". Simon is the same name with "Simeon"; and so he is called, Act 15:14 and which, in the Jerusalem dialect, is read "Simon". His surname "Peter", which was afterwards given him by Christ, Mat 16:18 is Greek, and answers to "Cephas", signifying a "rock": though this name is to be met with in the Talmudic (d) writings, where we read of R. Jose, , "bar Petros". This his surname is added here, to distinguish him from Simon, the Canaanite. The name of his brother Andrew is generally thought to be Greek; though some have derived it from "to vow", and is also to be observed in the writings of the Jews (e); where mention is made of R. Chanina, bar Andrei. They are further described by the work they were at, or business they were employed in, casting a net into the sea; either in order to catch fish in it, or to wash it, Luk 5:2 and the reason of their so doing is added; "for they were fishers". Of this mean employment were the very first persons Christ was pleased to call to the work of the ministry; men of no education, who made no figure in life, but were despicable and contemptible: this he did, to make it appear, that they were not qualified for such service of themselves; that all their gifts and qualifications were from him; to show his own power; to confound the wisdom of the wise; and to let men see, that none ought to glory in themselves, but in him. The Jews have a notion of the word of God and prophecy being received and embraced only by such sort of persons: says R. Isaac Arama (f), "his word came to heal all, but some particular persons only receive it; and who of all men are of a dull under standing, , "fishermen, who do business in the sea": this is what is written; "they that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord": these seem not indeed fit to receive anything that belongs to the understanding, because of their dulness; and yet these receive the truth of prophecy and vision, because they believe his word.'' I cannot but think, that some respect is had to these fishers, in Eze 47:10 "it shall come to pass that fishers shall stand upon it": that is, upon, or by the river of waters, said in Eze 47:8 to "issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert": which both R. Jarchi and Kimchi understand of the sea of Tiberias; the same with the sea of Galilee, by which Christ walked; and where he found these fishers at work, and called them. See also Jer 16:16 (d) T. Hieros. Moed Katon, fol 82. 4. Avoda Zara, fol 42. 3. (e) T. Hieros. Megilla, fol. 75. 2. & Geracot, fol. 2. 3. (f) Apud Galatin. de Arcan. Cathol. ver. l. 3. c. 5. p. 119. & Crocium de Messia Thes. 213. p. 62, 63.