The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 327

EXPOSITION. answer to those who insisted on fasting CHAPTER VIII. (eh. ix. 9-17). Ver. 1-ch. ix. 84 -MEeSIAH's Wou: AS 4. The completeness of his healing power COMPLEMENTARY TO BIB TEAOIIING. We (eh. ix. 18-8-1). retum in this section to me.tter which re- Vers, 1-17.-1. OhriBt', miraclu of heal- sembles tho.t of Mark nnd Luke, e.nd un- ing, and the secret of his ability to perform doubtedly belongs to the Framework (tride them. Observe: (1) The ve.riety in the Introduction). po.tients. (a) One of the chosen people, who St. Matthew has given a lengthy summary bad lost all socio.l nnd religious privileges; of the teaching of the Christ, e.nd be now (b) a Gentile, an outsider by birth ; (c) tha supplements it by a summary of his do.ily near relation of a persoue.l follower; (d) work. Ila is not concemed with tho multitudes. (2) The ve.riety in the requestii chronological connexion of the incidents for bis aid. ( a) The request by the sufferer; here ne.rrated, for this is evidently to him (b) the request by another; (o) nppe.rently a matter of but seconde.ry importance. He no request, yet the persone.l follower ha.a only desires to bring out different aspects Obrist with him; ( d) the sufferers e.re brought of the Lord's life. Thus he notices- to him. !, Ohriet's miracles of bee.ling, and the Vere. 1-4.-Healing the leper. Parullel secret of bis ability to perform them (vers. pnssagee: Mork i. 40-45: Luke v. 12-16. 1-17). Observe in this miracle (1) the Lord's 2. The personal trials th11t Christ incurred sympo.thy, running counter to popular pre- in his work (ver, 18-ob. ix. 8). judice (tride E<lersbeim, • Life,' i. 495): (2) 8. The liberty of the gospel as shown by hie full acceptance of the Law (eh, v. 17); Cbrist'e treatment of the outcast, and his cf. ver, 4, note. JlA.TTBEW, y 1122 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MA.Tl'HEW. [on. vm. 1-34.