Matthew 15
WesleyMatthew 15:3
He constrained his disciples - Who were unwilling to leave him. Mark 6:45; John 6:15.
Matthew 15:5
In the evening - Learned men say the Jews reckoned two evenings; the first beginning at three in the afternoon, the second, at sunset. If so, the latter is meant here.
Matthew 15:6
The fourth watch - The Jews (as well as the Romans) usually divided the night into four watches, of three hours each. The first watch began at six, the second at nine, the third at twelve, the fourth at three in the morning. If it be thou - It is the same as, Since it is thou. The particle if frequently bears this meaning, both in ours and in all languages. So it means, John 13:14,17. St. Peter was in no doubt, or he would not have quitted the ship.
Matthew 15:11
He was afraid - Though he had been used to the sea, and was a skilful swimmer. But so it frequently is. When grace begins to act, the natural courage and strength are withdrawn.
Matthew 15:14
Thou art the Son of God - They mean, the Messiah.
Matthew 15:16
Matthew 15:19
Matthew 15:20
The elders - The chief doctors or, teachers among the Jews.
Matthew 15:21
They wash not their hands when they eat bread - Food in general is termed bread in Hebrew; so that to eat bread is the same as to make a meal.
Matthew 15:22
Honour thy father and mother - Which implies all such relief as they stand in need of. Exodus 20:12; 21:17.
Matthew 15:23
It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest have been profited by me - That is, I have given, or at least, purpose to give to the treasury of the temple, what you might otherwise have had from me.
Matthew 15:25
Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying - That is, the description which Isaiah gave of your fathers, is exactly applicable to you. The words therefore which were a description of them, are a prophecy with regard to you.
Matthew 15:26
Their heart is far from me - And without this all outward worship is mere mockery of God. Isaiah 29:13.
Matthew 15:27
Teaching the commandments of men - As equal with, nay, superior to, those of God. What can be a more heinous sin?
Matthew 15:31
Every plant - That is, every doctrine.
Matthew 15:32
Let them alone - If they are indeed blind leaders of the blind; let them alone: concern not yourselves about them: a plain direction how to behave with regard to all such. Luke 6:39.
Matthew 15:35
Are ye also yet without understanding - How fair and candid are the sacred historians? Never concealing or excusing their own blemishes.
Matthew 15:37
First evil thoughts - then murders - and the rest. Railings - The Greek word includes all reviling, backbiting, and evil speaking.