it may be inferred that Joseph had long been dead, and that Mary had lived in obscurity. — Mapia^ — 'laxw/3oc, Mary — James) They speak of them thus as if they had nothing but a name, by which name they were well known.
56. 'AdsXpa/, sisters) These they do not condescend even to name.
57. 'EaxavdaXifyvro, they were offended) as it happens with those who observe one thing, but neglect to observe another, which ought rather to have been observed. — fl-popjjrjjs, x.r.X., a prophet, etc.) In a prophet there are two parts : the one which he possesses in common with others, ordinary, natural, domestic ; the other, which is peculiar to his calling, heavenly, spiritual, public. Those who know the former do not observe the latter. Familiarity breeds contempt. Such is the case in our own country, much more so in our home. — «r//o.oj, contemned) The contempt which a prophet meets with elsewhere, is not con tempt if it be compared with that which he meets with in his own country ; elsewhere he certainly receives some honour.
58. 'Acr/<rr/ai', unbelief) The reason why many miracles are not performed at present, is not so much planted Christianity, as reigning infidelity.1
1. 'Ev sxtivy rSj KatpZ) at that time) It wras now about a year from the commencement of our Lord's public ministry. — faovaev, heard) The ears and courts of kings resound with news ; but spiritual matters, however widely published, scarcely ever arrive there.2
1 In the original, " nontam est^idfesplantata quam infidelitas regnans ; i.e. it is not so much that Christianity, having been already planted, does not require the aid of miracles, as that the wide prevalence of unbelief prevents their being performed. — (I. B.)
2 And if they do reach them at all, they appear in an imperfect form and blended with what is false ; nor are they easily turned to good purpose. Nevertheless, at times, a joyful exception to this is to be met with. — V. g.