Mateus 22
Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 22
Wuest writes that "Agapao speaks of a love which is awakened by a sense of value in an object which causes one to prize it. It springs from an apprehension of the preciousness of an object. It is a love of esteem and approbation. The quality of this love is determined by the character of the one who loves, and that of the object loved. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) Vine - Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God’s love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1 John 4:9, 10. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects, Ro 5:8 (note). It was an exercise of the divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself, cp. Deuteronomy 7:7, 8. Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2Co 5:14; Ep 2:4 (note); Ep 3:19 (note); Ep 5:2 (note); Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, Galatians 5:22 (note). Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1Jn 2:5; 5:3; 2Jn 6. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) AGAPAO - 110V - Matt. 5:43; Matt. 5:44; Matt. 5:46; Matt. 6:24; Matt. 19:19; Matt. 22:37; Matt. 22:39; Mk. 10:21; Mk. 12:30; Mk. 12:31; Mk. 12:33; Lk. 6:27; Lk. 6:32; Lk. 6:35; Lk. 7:5; Lk. 7:42; Lk. 7:47; Lk. 10:27; Lk. 11:43; Lk. 16:13; Jn. 3:16; Jn. 3:19; Jn. 3:35; Jn. 8:42; Jn. 10:17; Jn. 11:5; Jn. 12:43; Jn. 13:1; Jn. 13:23; Jn. 13:34; Jn. 14:15; Jn. 14:21; Jn. 14:23; Jn. 14:24; Jn. 14:28; Jn. 14:31; Jn. 15:9; Jn. 15:12; Jn. 15:17; Jn. 17:23; Jn. 17:24; Jn. 17:26; Jn. 19:26; Jn. 21:7; Jn. 21:15; Jn. 21:16; Jn. 21:20; Rom. 8:28; Rom. 8:37; Rom. 9:13; Rom. 9:25; Rom. 13:8; Rom. 13:9; 1 Co. 2:9; 1 Co. 8:3; 2 Co. 9:7; 2 Co. 11:11; 2 Co. 12:15; Gal. 2:20; Gal. 5:14; Eph. 1:6; Eph. 2:4; Eph. 5:2; Eph. 5:25; Eph. 5:28; Eph. 5:33; Eph. 6:24; Col. 3:12; Col. 3:19; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Thess. 4:9; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:16; 2 Tim. 4:8; 2 Tim. 4:10; Heb. 1:9; Heb. 12:6; Jas. 1:12; Jas. 2:5; Jas. 2:8; 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 Pet. 2:17; 1 Pet. 3:10; 2 Pet. 2:15; 1 Jn. 2:10; 1 Jn. 2:15; 1 Jn. 3:10; 1 Jn. 3:11; 1 Jn. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:18; 1 Jn. 3:23; 1 Jn. 4:7; 1 Jn. 4:8; 1 Jn. 4:10; 1 Jn. 4:11; 1 Jn. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:19; 1 Jn. 4:20; 1 Jn. 4:21; 1 Jn. 5:1; 1 Jn. 5:2; 2 Jn. 1:1; 2 Jn. 1:5; 3 Jn. 1:1; Jude 1:1; Rev. 1:5; Rev. 3:9; Rev. 12:11; Rev. 20:9 Heart (2588) kardia does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. No outward obedience is of the slightest value unless the heart turns to God. Kardia as stated above refers not to the physical organ (over 800 mentions and none refer to the physical organ!), but is always used figuratively to center of our personality, to so to speak to our "control center" (to make a play on the "air traffic control center" at the airport which carefully guards and guides what flies in and what flies out. How applicable to our "hearts" which are so prone to wander!). In short kardia refers to the the affective center of our being wherein lies the capacity of moral preference and volitional desire. The kardia generates thoughts that make the decisions which the mind works out. In other words, our logic flows out of our heart-decisions and not vice versa. Gleason Archer called the kardia, the "desire-producer that makes us tick" for it is the place where our "desire-decisions" occur, and which establish who we really are. WHO ARE YOU? HAVE YOU HAD A HEART CHECK UP RECENTLY? We are assiduous to do this medically, but woefully lax in doing it spiritually (beloved, I speak from experience!). At regeneration God reverses the spiritual atherosclerosis of our old sinful heart by giving us a total heart transplant! Daily confession and repentance are thereafter necessary to avoid "spiritual atherosclerosis" and gradual, subtle hardening (and becoming cold to the things of God) of our heart! (Read and practice daily "preventative maintenance" = 1 Jn 1:9+, Pr 28:13+). Gary Hill rightly reminds us that "Life is a continuous contest, waged and won in the heart. As the heart goes, so goes the rest of us. This is true in "both directions": negatively (Jn 14:1, 27; Acts 7:51, 8:21; Ro 1:21) and positively (Acts 16:14; Ro 2:29; Heb 10:22). The heart, as the seat of decision-making, also involves emotions (desires) that are key to making choices....Cognition (the use of the "mind") is vital, but the heart "steers our being" as the primary organ of decision-making. The heart forges our personality ("soul"), intellect ("mind"), and actions ("strength"). Accordingly, the heart is the primary (driving) force in preferring good (Mt 5:28; Ro 6:17), or evil (Mt 5:28). The mind (reasoning) reacts to (works out) heart-choices ("internal persuasions"), but making choices (core-decisions) comes from the heart." (Discovery Bible) QUESTION - What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? ANSWER - “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). This is known as the Shema, taken from the first word “hear” in Hebrew. Modern Jews consider the recital of the Shema both evening and morning to be one of their most sacred duties. It was cited by Jesus as the “greatest commandment in the Law” (Matthew 22:36–37). This command seems to be impossible to obey. That’s because, in the natural state of man, it is impossible. There is no greater evidence of the inability of man to obey God’s Law than this one commandment. No human being with a fallen nature can possibly love God with all his heart, soul, and strength 24 hours a day. It’s humanly impossible. But to disobey any commandment of God is sin. Therefore, even without considering the sins we commit daily, we are all condemned by our inability to fulfill this one commandment. This is the reason Jesus continually reminded the Pharisees of their inability to keep the Law of God. He was trying to get them to see their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their need for a Savior. Without the cleansing of sin that He provides, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit who lives in the hearts of the redeemed, loving God to any degree is impossible. But, as Christians, we have been cleansed from sin and we do have the Spirit. So how do we begin to love God the way we should? Just as the man in Mark 9:24 asked God to help his unbelief, so too we can ask God to help us in areas where we don’t love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is His power that we need to do the impossible, and we begin by seeking and appropriating that power. In most cases, our love and affection for God grows more intense as time goes by. Certainly, young Christians newly saved are very much aware of the love of God and their love for Him. But it is through the witness of God’s faithfulness during times of struggle and trial that a deep love for God grows and grows. Over time, we witness His compassion, mercy, grace, and love for us, as well as His hatred for sin, His holiness, and His righteousness. We cannot love someone we don’t know, so knowing Him should be our first priority. Those who pursue God and His righteousness, who take seriously the command to love Him above all else, are those who are consumed with the things of God. They are eager to study God’s Word, eager to pray, eager to obey and honor God in all things, and eager to share Jesus Christ with others. It is through these spiritual disciplines that the love for God grows and matures to the glory of God. GotQuestions.org F B
Mateus 22
Wuest comments that "This election does not imply the rejection of the rest (those not chosen out), but is the outcome of the love of God lavished upon those chosen-out." ) EKLETOS - 22V - Matt. 22:14; Matt. 24:22; Matt. 24:24; Matt. 24:31; Mk. 13:20; Mk. 13:22; Mk. 13:27; Lk. 18:7; Lk. 23:35; Rom. 8:33; Rom. 16:13; Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:10; Tit. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1; 1 Pet. 2:4; 1 Pet. 2:6; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Jn. 1:1; 2 Jn. 1:13; Rev. 17:14 Related Resources: Unconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.org What is the doctrine of election? | GotQuestions.org Who are the elect of God? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if I am one of the elect? | GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What does “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14 mean? gotquestions.org WATCH VIDEO ANSWER - This statement is the conclusion to the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Jesus spoke this parable to show what the kingdom of heaven will be like when the end of the age comes. In the parable, the king sends his servants out to gather the wedding guests to the wedding feast. But those invited refused to come, some because they were too busy with their own worldly pursuits and some because they were positively hostile toward the king. So the king commands his servants to go out and invite anyone they find, and many come and fill the wedding hall. But the king sees one man without wedding clothes, and he sends him away. Jesus concludes by saying that many are called/invited to the kingdom, but only those who have been “chosen” and have received Christ will come. Those who try to come without the covering of the blood of Christ for their sins are inadequately clothed and will be sent into “outer darkness,” (v. 13) i.e., hell. Many people hear the call of God coming through His revelation of Himself through creation, the conscience, and the preaching of the Word. But only the “few” will respond because they are the ones who are truly hearing. Jesus said many times, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8, 14:35). The point is that everyone has ears, but only a few are listening and responding. Not everyone who hears the gospel receives it but only the “few” who have ears to hear. The “many” hear, but there is no interest or there is outright antagonism toward God. Many are called or invited into the kingdom, but none are able to come on their own. God must draw the hearts of those who come; otherwise they will not (John 6:44). 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” God creates life, grants repentance and gives faith. Man is totally unable by himself to do these things which are necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven. Ephesians 1:4-6: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Salvation is by God’s will and pleasure for His glory. John 6:37-39, 44-45: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day…No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.” So, all of God’s “chosen” will be saved without exception; they will hear and respond because they have spiritual ears to hear the truth. God’s power makes this certain. Romans 8:28-30: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew (loved) he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” How do we know if we are among the few that have ears to hear? By responding to the call. Assurance of this certain call, this chosen call, is from the Holy Spirit. Consider Philippians 1:6, which says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13.) If we listen with our spiritual ears and respond to the invitation, there will be fear and trembling in our souls as we recognize that it was God’s work in us that caused our salvation. Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. KJV Matthew 22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. BGT Matthew 22:15 Τότε πορευθέντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι συμβούλιον ἔλαβον ὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ. NET Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. CSB Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. ESV Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. NIV Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. NLT Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. NRS Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. NJB Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap him in what he said. NAB Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech. YLT Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees having gone, took counsel how they might ensnare him in words, MIT Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees conferred and concocted a scam by which they would entrap him in something he would say. went and plotted together : Ps 2:2 Mk 12:13-17 Lu 20:20-26 how: Ps 41:6 56:5-7 57:6 59:3 Isa 29:21 Jer 18:18 20:10 Lu 11:53,54 Heb 12:3 PHARISEES PREPARE A VERBAL TRAP FOR JESUS Then (tote - time phrase) - Then marks progress in a narrative and in this case it was as if the religious leaders had heard enough! The three previous parables had clearly incriminated and in a sense judged them which motivated them to take more direct measures to get rid of Jesus. In this context Then (tote) primarily indicates a sequence of events, but there is also a logical aspect in that the Pharisees were taking counsel together because of what had just occurred. The Pharisees (pharisaios) went (poreuo) and plotted together (sumboulion) how they might trap (pagideuo) Him in what He said (logos - "ensnare Him in words") - Went (poreuo) literally means to go from one place to another and here indicates this brood of vipers left the area where Jesus was teaching (probably gathering privately in another part of the Temple) to concoct their scheme. Plotted together (sumboulion) indicates these religious hypocrites sought to engage in joint planning so as to devise a course of common action with an evil purpose to of catching Jesus off guard, catching Him in a mistake and entrapping Him by provoking Him to speak without forethought. The first group to try their hand at outwitting Jesus is a tag-team of Pharisees and Herodians normally not on friendly terms. NET NOTE - Pharisees were members of one of the most important and influential religious and political parties of Judaism in the time of Jesus. There were more Pharisees than Sadducees (according to Josephus, Ant. 17.2.4 [17.42] there were more than 6,000 Pharisees at about this time). Pharisees differed with Sadducees (ED: ANTI-SUPERNATURALISTS) on certain doctrines and patterns of behavior. The Pharisees were strict and zealous adherents to the laws of the OT and to numerous additional traditions such as angels and bodily resurrection. Matthew Henry Concise Mt 22:15-22. The Pharisees sent their disciples with the Herodians, a party among the Jews, who were for full subjection to the Roman emperor. Though opposed to each other, they joined against Christ. What they said of Christ was right; whether they knew it or not, blessed be God we know it. Jesus Christ was a faithful Teacher, and a bold reprover. Christ saw their wickedness. Whatever mask the hypocrite puts on, our Lord Jesus sees through it. Christ did not interpose as a judge in matters of this nature, for his kingdom is not of this world, but he enjoins peaceable subjection to the powers that be. His adversaries were reproved, and his disciples were taught that the Christian religion is no enemy to civil government. Christ is, and will be, the wonder, not only of his friends, but of his enemies. They admire his wisdom, but will not be guided by it; his power, but will not submit to it. Pharisees (5330) pharisaios is transliterated from the Hebrew parash (06567 - to separate) from Aramaic word peras (06537) ("Peres" in Da 5:28-note), signifying to separate, owing to a different manner of life from that of the general public. After the resettling of the Jewish people in Judea on their return from the Babylonian captivity, there were two religious groups among them. One party contented themselves with following only what was written in the Law of Moses. These were called Zadikim, the righteous. The other group added the constitutions and traditions of the elders, as well as other rigorous observances, to the Law and voluntarily complied with them. They were called Chasidim or the pious. From the Zadikim the sects of the Sadducees and Karaites were derived. From the Chasidim were derived the Pharisees and the Essenes. In I Mac2:42, among the persons who joined Mattathias against Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), about 167 b.c., are named the Asideans (Asidaíoi), who are described as voluntarily devoted to the law. The Asideans are mentioned also in I Mac 7:13; II Mac14:6. In the time of our Lord, the Pharisees were the separatists of their day, as well as the principal sect among the Jews. The Pharisees considered themselves much holier than the common people (Lu 18:11, 12). They wore special garments to distinguish themselves from others. PRINCIPLE TENETS OF PHARISEES: In opposition to those of the Sadducees, and the former group maintained the existence of angels and spirits and the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:8), which the latter party denied (Mt 22:23; Mk 12:18; Lu 20:27). The Pharisees made everything dependent upon God and fate (Josephus, The Jewish Wars, ii.8.14). However, they did not deny the role of the human will in affecting events (Josephus, Antiquities, xviii.1.3). ZEAL FOR TRADITION: The Pharisees distinguished themselves with their zeal for the traditions of the elders, which they taught was derived from the same fountain as the written Word itself, claiming both to have been delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai (Mt 15:1-6; Mk 7:3-5). See also parádosis, tradition, and éntalma, a religious precept versus entole, commandment. (See more detailed notes from William Barclay) Jesus’s strongest invective is directed toward the Pharisees (esp. Matt. 5:20; 9:11, 34; 12:2, 14, 24, 38; 15:1, 12; 16:1, 6, 11–12; 19:3; 21:45; 22:15, 34, 41; 23:2, 13, 15, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29; 27:62). PHARISAIOS IN MATTHEW - Matt. 3:7; Matt. 5:20; Matt. 9:11; Matt. 9:14; Matt. 9:34; Matt. 12:2; Matt. 12:14; Matt. 12:24; Matt. 12:38; Matt. 15:1; Matt. 15:12; Matt. 16:1; Matt. 16:6; Matt. 16:11; Matt. 16:12; Matt. 19:3; Matt. 21:45; Matt. 22:15; Matt. 22:34; Matt. 22:41; Matt. 23:2; Matt. 23:13; Matt. 23:14; Matt. 23:15; Matt. 23:23; Matt. 23:25; Matt. 23:26; Matt. 23:27; Matt. 23:29; Matt. 27:62; Plotted together (4824) sumboulion rom sún = together + boulé = counsel) speaks of what is related to consultation with lambánō (receive) meaning to form a plan (in negative sense - plot - Mt 22:15) with poiéō (do or make) meaning to make or take council (Mark 3:6 = conspiring; Mk 15:1 - held a consultation). to take or receive counsel, to hold or take a consultation (Matt. 12:14; 22:15; 27:1, 7; 28:12) This noun refers to a council with the emphasis placed on the result of the council’s deliberations. Sunboulion denotes an advisory council or an official deliberative assembly as a body (council session, meeting) In Acts 25:12 it means a council, an advisory council, and speaks of persons who sat in public trials with the governor of a province. SUMBOULION - 8V - Matt. 12:14; Matt. 22:15; Matt. 27:1; Matt. 27:7; Matt. 28:12; Mk. 3:6; Mk. 15:1; Acts 25:12 Trap (3802) pagideuo from pagis - trap from pegnumi - to make fast)mean was a hunting term that meant to lay a snare, set a trap, entice into a trap. In this only use in the NT it is figurative, meaning to catch off guard, catch in a mistake, entrap Jesus deliberately by provoking Him to speak without forethought (Mt 22.15) Used 2x in the Septuagint -1Sa 28:9; Eccl. 9:12. Matthew 22:16 And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. KJV Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. BGT Matthew 22:16 καὶ ἀποστέλλουσιν αὐτῷ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν μετὰ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε, οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθὴς εἶ καὶ τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ διδάσκεις καὶ οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός. οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων, NET Matthew 22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone's favor because you show no partiality. CSB Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him, with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know that You are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God. You defer to no one, for You don't show partiality. ESV Matthew 22:16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. NIV Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. NLT Matthew 22:16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. "Teacher," they said, "we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites. NRS Matthew 22:16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. NJB Matthew 22:16 And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you. NAB Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. YLT Matthew 22:16 and they send to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we have known that thou art true, and the way of God in truth thou dost teach, and thou art not caring for any one, for thou dost not look to the face of men; MIT Matthew 22:16 They sent to him their students together with the Herodians. This was their line: "Teacher, we know you are authentic, and that you teach God's way accurately. Furthermore, you are not swayed by anything, for you do not base your actions on popular approval. GWN Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him along with Herod's followers. They said to him, "Teacher, we know that you tell the truth and that you teach the truth about the way of God. You don't favor individuals because of who they are. BBE Matthew 22:16 And they sent to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Master, we see that you are true, and that you are teaching the true way of God, and have no fear of anyone, because you have no respect for a man's position. RSV Matthew 22:16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men. Herodians: Mt 16:11,12 Mk 3:6 8:15 Teacher: Mt 22:24,26 26:18,49 Mk 10:17 Lu 7:40 we know: Ps 5:9 12:2 55:21 Pr 29:5 Isa 59:13-15 Jer 9:3-5 Eze 33:30,31 true: Mal 2:6 Jn 7:18 14:6 18:37 2Co 2:17 4:2 1Jn 5:20 neither: De 33:9 1Ki 22:14 Job 32:21,22 Mic 3:9-12 Mal 2:9 Mk 12:14 Lu 20:21 2Co 5:16 Ga 1:10 2:6 1Th 2:4 Jas 3:17 Related Passages: Luke 20:20+ So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. ASSESSMENT OF JESUS IS UTTER HYPOCRISY And they *sent (apostello - historical present tense) their disciples (mathetes) to Him, along with the Herodians - Pharisees and Herodians were normally antagonistic to each other but here we see them invoke the old adage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The interesting point is that the Pharisees (anti-Rome) and the Herodians (supporters of Rome) disagreed on whether it was right to pay taxes to Rome, but this would be the very point on which they would attempt to trap Jesus! MacArthur on why the Pharisees would send their disciples - Probably because the Pharisees were easily distinguished by their dress and many of them were known to Jesus by sight, they decided to send their disciples to Him. The Pharisees were Jesus’ harshest critics and He theirs, and for them to flatter Him directly would have been ludicrous and self-defeating. Presumably their disciples would not be recognized as such and they could pretend simply to be a group of sincere admirers who wanted Jesus’ advice about a question that burned in the minds of most Jews of that day. They hoped He would be caught off guard and entrap Himself before He realized what was happening. (See Matthew Commentary - Page 317) Saying, “Teacher (didaskalos) - This mode of address was considered a high honor usually reserved for distinguished rabbis. The Talmud said, “The one who teaches the law shall gain a seat in the academy on high.” We know (eido - beyond a shadow of a doubt) that You are truthful (alethes) and teach (didasko) the way of (hodos) God in truth (aletheia), and defer (melo) to no one (NET = "You do not court anyone's favor" ESV = "you do not care about anyone's opinion" NIV = "You aren't swayed by men") - Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth is utterly deceitful for they did not really believe this at all. The Pharisees were setting verbal snares for Jesus. By their flattery they hoped to design a trap that would effectively ensnare the Lord. It intrigues me that these hypocrites playing word games use some of the same words Jesus used of Himself in John 14:6+ (way...truth), but they clearly left out the truth that He taught the way of life! David Turner points out that "If they really believed that Jesus teaches truth without partiality, they would not attempt to flatter him." (See Matthew Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) For (gar) You are not partial to any - This is an idiom. Literally = “And it is not a concern to you about anyone because you do not see (blepo - present tense) the face (prosopon) of men.” MIT = "for you do not base your actions on popular approval." NCV - ‘you are not afraid of what other people think about you’ - They explain their flattering remarks with a statement that is certainly true of Jesus. As God He was impartial. NET NOTE - The Herodians are mentioned in the NT only once in Matt (Mt 22:16 = Mark 12:13) and twice in Mark 3:6; 12:13 (some MSS also read “Herodians” instead of “Herod” in Mark 8:15). It is generally assumed that as a group the Herodians were Jewish supporters of the Herodian dynasty (or of Herod Antipas in particular). In every instance they are linked with the Pharisees. This probably reflects agreement regarding political objectives (nationalism as opposed to submission to the yoke of Roman oppression) rather than philosophy or religious beliefs. Matthew 22:17 “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” KJV Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? BGT Matthew 22:17 εἰπὲ οὖν ἡμῖν τί σοι δοκεῖ· ἔξεστιν δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ οὔ; NET Matthew 22:17 Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" CSB Matthew 22:17 Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" ESV Matthew 22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" NIV Matthew 22:17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" NLT Matthew 22:17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" NRS Matthew 22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" NJB Matthew 22:17 Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' NAB Matthew 22:17 Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" YLT Matthew 22:17 tell us, therefore, what dost thou think? is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?' MIT Matthew 22:17 Therefore, render to us your judgment: Is it right to pay a head tax to Caesar, or not?" What: Jer 42:2,3,20 Ac 28:22 is: De 17:14,15 Ezr 4:13 7:24 Ne 5:4 9:37 Ac 5:37 Ro 13:6,7 Caesar: Lu 2:1 Jn 19:12-15 Ac 17:7 25:8 GIVE US YOUR OPINION ON THE POLL TAX Tell (aorist imperative - Do this now! Do not delay!) us then (oun - term of conclusion based on their flattery), what do You think (dokeo) Is it lawful (exesti) to give a poll-tax (kensos) to Caesar (kaisar), or not (ou - absolutely not) - Clearly they are trying to put Jesus on horns of a dilemma. If He says unlawful, they will accuse Him of treasonous talk against Rome and set the stage for His arrest and execution as an insurrectionist. If lawful, they would use this to convince the people to oppose Him, for they hated the Roman taxes. And then with this loss of popularity, they would feel safer to have Him arrested.
Mateus 22
Wuest adds that "The Pharisees were the ritualists, the Herodians, the political party among the Jews allied with the ruling Roman class, the Sadducees, the rationalists. The latter professed a disbelief in angels or spirits, and in a resurrection. They were closely identified with the priestly aristocracy (Acts 5:7), were relatively few in numbers, and were not held in as much esteem by the people as the Pharisees. These approached Jesus with the question which divided them from the Pharisees." (Wuest Word Studies- used by permission -- or Borrow Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader ) SADDOUKAIOS - 14V - Matt. 3:7; Matt. 16:1; Matt. 16:6; Matt. 16:11; Matt. 16:12; Matt. 22:23; Matt. 22:34; Mk. 12:18; Lk. 20:27; Acts 4:1; Acts 5:17; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:7; Acts 23:8 WHO WERE THE SADDUCEES? In Acts 23 Luke records Paul's defense before the Council declaring But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. (Acts 23:6-8+) And so we see that the Sadducees scoffed at many of the Pharisees’ beliefs in the supernatural. The Sadducees remind me of Thomas Jefferson's so-called "Bible" which "is especially notable for its exclusion of all miracles by Jesus and most mentions of the supernatural, including sections of the four gospels that contain the Resurrection and most other miracles, and passages that portray Jesus as divine!" Amazing! Shocking! (See Jefferson's Bible). Clearly the Sadducees and Pharisees were bitter rivals, except when it came to opposing Jesus again proving the truth of the ancient proverb that "The enemy of my enemy is my friend!" (See Jn 11:47 where "chief priests" are the Sadducees) Of the major groups of Jewish religious leaders, the Sadducees were the smallest and yet one of the most influential, because of their wealth, and aristocratic standing in Jewish society. Many of the priests and chief priest were Sadducees as well as most of the Sanhedrin. They held most of the positions of power in the Temple including oversight of the lucrative business operations in the Court of the Gentiles on the Temple grounds, giving them good reason to hate Jesus Who overturned their lucrative business (Lk 19:45-48). Surprisingly they, like the Herodians, were eager to cooperate with the Romans. The Sadducees were religious liberals in their denial of the resurrection, angels, and the age to come. Josephus wrote that the Sadducees believed that the soul and body perish together at death. Since they rejected life after death, the Sadducees focused all their attention on this present life, this world which "is passing away, and also its lusts." (1 Jn 2:17). The Sadducees lived life as if there were no tomorrow. They fastidiously observed the Mosaic Law, but at the same time oppressed the common people, and used their positions of power to indulge themselves at the expense of the common people. If the Sadducees were alive today, their "theme song" might have been the Grassroots "Let's Live for Today!" especially the refrain "Sha la la la la la, let's live for today and don't worry about tomorrow"! On the other hand they were fundamentalists who rejected the oral traditions which the Pharisees accepted. The Sadducees only accepted the Torah or Pentateuch as their primary authority and they contended that the resurrection was not taught in the Torah nor in any of the other OT books. Resurrection (386) anastasis from ana = up, again + histemi = to cause to stand) literally means “to stand again" or "to cause to stand again" and most NT uses refer to a physical body rising from the dead or coming back to life after having once died. The resurrection is distinguished from belief in reincarnation, which usually involves a series of rebirths from which the soul may seek release. Resurrection has primary reference to the body. The resurrection is the central, defining doctrine and claim of the gospel for as Paul wrote "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (1Cor 15:14) ANASTASIS - 42x/40v in NAS -Matt. 22:23, 28, 30, 31; Mk. 12:18, 23; Lk. 2:34; 14:14; 20:27, 33, 35, 36; Jn. 5:29; 11:24, 25; Acts 1:22; 2:31; 4:2, 33; 17:18, 32; 23:6, 8; 24:15, 21; 26:23; Ro 1:4; 6:5; 1 Co. 15:12, 13, 21, 42; Phil. 3:10; 2Ti 2:18; Heb. 6:2; 11:35; 1Pe 1:3; 3:21; Rev. 20:5, 6) Related Resources: Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? | GotQuestions.org Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? | GotQuestions.org When will the Resurrection take place? | GotQuestions.org Why should I believe in Christ’s resurrection? | GotQuestions.org What is the first resurrection? What is the second resurrection? | GotQuestions.org What is more important, the death of Christ or His resurrection? | GotQuestions.org Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ true? | GotQuestions.org Can the various resurrection accounts from the four Gospels be harmonized? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25)? | GotQuestions.org Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection? | GotQuestions.org How will our resurrection body be different from our current body? | GotQuestions.org EXAMPLE OF BELIEF IN THE AFTERLIFE - Benjamin Franklin penned the words on his own epitaph, doing so at the young age of 22 and living to age 84. The Body of B. Franklin, Printer Like the Cover of an old Book Its contents torn out, And stript of its Lettering and Guilding, Lies here, Food for Worms, But the Work shall not be wholly lost: For it will, as he believ’d, Appear once more In a new & more perfect Edition, Corrected and amended by the Author. This last line is so sad as the 22 yo Franklin assumed that after he died, he would wake up in the presence of the Author (as he calls God). Franklin epitomizes the tragedy that even the wisest of the wise can be spiritually deceived. Six weeks before his death he penned the following words as to his religious beliefs... "Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render to him, is doing Good to his other Children. That the Soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its Conduct in this ... As for Jesus of Nazareth ... I think the system of Morals and Religion as he left them to us, the best the World ever saw ... but I have ... some Doubts to his Divinity; though' it is a Question I do not dogmatism upon, having never studied it, and think it is needless to busy myself with it now, where I expect soon an Opportunity of knowing the Truth with less Trouble." (Reference) The narrative is classic Franklin, witty and to the point, but sadly mistaken on the truth about Jesus, unless of course he had a change of heart and mind in the intervening 6 weeks before he died (and that is always a possibility!). So in light of his questioning the divinity of Jesus, despite his hope penned in the last line of his epitaph that he would receive a "new and more perfect Edition (referring to his body) corrected and amended by the Author (His reference to God)," he seems to have not believed the critical truth "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12+)! Most believe Franklin was a Deist. Related Resource: What is deism? What do deists believe? | GotQuestions.org Matthew 22:24 asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.’ KJV Matthew 22:24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. BGT Matthew 22:24 λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε, Μωϋσῆς εἶπεν· ἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ μὴ ἔχων τέκνα, ἐπιγαμβρεύσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀναστήσει σπέρμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ. NET Matthew 22:24 "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and father children for his brother.' CSB Matthew 22:24 "Teacher, Moses said, if a man dies, having no children, his brother is to marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. ESV Matthew 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.' NIV Matthew 22:24 "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. NLT Matthew 22:24 "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name.' NRS Matthew 22:24 "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.' NJB Matthew 22:24 'Master, Moses said that if a man dies childless, his brother is to marry the widow, his sister-in-law, to raise children for his brother. NAB Matthew 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' YLT Matthew 22:24 'Teacher, Moses said, If any one may die not having children, his brother shall marry his wife, and shall raise up seed to his brother. MIT Matthew 22:24 They interrogated him this way: "Teacher, Moses said, If anyone dies childless, his brother should marry his wife and perpetuate seed for his brother. GWN Matthew 22:24 "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies childless, his brother should marry his widow and have children for his brother.' Master: Mt 22:16,36 7:21 Lu 6:46 Moses: Ge 38:8,11 De 25:5-10 Ru 1:11 Mk 12:19 Lu 20:28 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 25:5-10+ “When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. 6 “It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. 7 “But if the man does not desire to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ 8 “Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,’ 9 then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face; and she shall declare, ‘Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house.’ 10 “In Israel his name shall be called, ‘The house of him whose sandal is removed.’ COMMENT - This passage is referring to what is known as the law of levirate marriage which says if a man died without an heir, any unmarried brother was obliged to marry the man's widow. The purpose of the law is (1) to provide for the widow in a society where a childless widow would be reduced to begging and (2) to preserved the name of the deceased brother, who would be regarded as the legal father of the first son produced from that marriage, and would allow for the deceased brother's property to be kept in his line. See also Josephus (bottom half of the page) - Josephus, Ant. 4.8.23 Luke 20:28+ and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN’S BROTHER DIES, having a wife, AND HE IS CHILDLESS, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. THE SADDUCEES' ABSURD EXAMPLE Absurd is defined in English dictionaries as contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; silly. Inconsistent with reason, inviting ridicule; manifestly false, ludicrous. In short as discussed in Lk 20:33 (see note) the Sadducees were using the argument of Reductio ad absurdum, to show belief in the resurrection was absurd! Their intent was to make the idea of a resurrection a joke! Asking, “Teacher (didaskalos) - Teacher (didaskalos) was generally a respectful greeting, but from the lips of these hypocritical vipers it was undoubtedly tinged with duplicity (deliberate deceptiveness in behavior and speech). They certainly did not really consider Jesus to be THEIR Teacher! As they allude to in their quote, their "Teacher" is Moses (the Torah). I agree with Wuest on "Teacher" writing that "Their purpose was hostile. They address our Lord as Teacher, but the use of the title is purely formal. They did not come to learn." No, they came to trap Jesus in a "Resurrection Riddle!" Stevenson - The question is meant as a trick. It is not a sincere question. It is one of those "can God make a rock so big that He cannot move it" questions. It is a question designed to disprove the doctrine of the resurrection. The question revolves around the laws of the levirate marriage as set forth in the book of Deuteronomy. Remember, the Sadducees only believed in the books of Moses. Wuest writes that "Their purpose was hostile. They address our Lord as Teacher, but the use of the title is purely formal. They did not come to learn." No, they came to trap Jesus in a "Resurrection Riddle!" (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company used by permission -- or Borrow Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader page 234) Moses said, ‘IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN (lit - raise up seed = idiom of fathering children) FOR HIS BROTHER Remember that all caps in the NASB indicates a direct quotation from the Old Testament.In this case the Sadducees are quoting from the book of Deuteronomy 25:5-6+ (see above) As an aside, these men knew the Torah and undoubtedly spoke this passage from memory (cf importance of believers Memorizing His Word; see also Memory Verses by Topic). Some contend the Sadducees' story was not hypothetical but was an actual occurrence. Whether it was hypothetical or true does not really matter. As a side note several Hollywood stars have each been married eight times - Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lana Turner!
Mateus 22
Wuest - Angels were originally created. There are the same number of angels in existence today as when they were created. They do not propagate their kind. They will be like angels in this respect, that they will not propagate their kind. Thus, the hypothetical case of the Sadducees has no relation to the future life. (Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader) Alan Carr: While the relationship of marriage is a wonderful and divinely ordained institution, it is an absolutely earthly institution. Marriage was designed for companionship, Gen. 2:18, continuation of the species, Gen. 1:22, and for the fulfillment of legitimate sexual needs, 1 Cor. 7:2. When we get to Heaven, we will be like the angels, only in the sense that we will be spiritual beings that will have no need for the physical necessities of this earthly life. In heaven, like the angels, we will be deathless, sinless, sexless, glorified and eternal. But, unlike the angels, we will be like Jesus, 1 John 3:2. Life will be different when we get there. There will be no need for reproduction and childbirth because there will be no death. There will be no exclusive physical relationships like there are here, because in Heaven everyone will be perfectly and intimately related to everyone else, including God. (A Marriage Made In Paradise) Grant Osborne - In another sense, we will not need to marry because we will know our current spouses (and everyone else) infinitely better than we know them now. (See Mark Teach the Text Commentary Series) Leon
Mateus 22
Wuest - Before considering the implication of our Lord’s words here, we need to define certain terms. The word “Christ” is the transliteration of the Greek word christos, which means “the Anointed One,” and this Greek word is the translation of the Hebrew word transliterated into English in the word “Messiah.” The latter word has a definite connotation, namely, the future King of Israel who will someday reign on the throne of David. The word “son” as used here is a Hebraism speaking of a descendant. The word “Lord” is the translation of the Greek word kurios which in itself means “master, one who has power over another,” and is the translation in the LXX of the august title of God in the Hebrew Old Testament, Jehovah. It has implications of deity. (Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader) William
Mateus 22
Wuest - Both the scribes and the people believed that the Jewish Messiah would come from the royal line of David. David was human, so would the Messiah be human. Thus, He would be David’s son. Our Lord reminds His hearers that David calls the Messiah his Lord (kurios)(Ps. 110:1). That is, David recognizes Him as Deity, the Jehovah of the Old Testament. (Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader) All glory, laud and honor, To Thee, Redeemer, King, To Whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring. Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son, Who in the Lord’s Name comest, The King and Blessèd One. Matthew 22:45 “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” KJV Matthew 22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? BGT Matthew 22:45 εἰ οὖν Δαυὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν κύριον, πῶς υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἐστιν; NET Matthew 22:45 If David then calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" CSB Matthew 22:45 "If David calls Him 'Lord,' how then can the Messiah be his Son?" ESV Matthew 22:45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" NIV Matthew 22:45 If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" NLT Matthew 22:45 Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" NRS Matthew 22:45 If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?" NJB Matthew 22:45 'If David calls him Lord, how then can he be his son?' NAB Matthew 22:45 If David calls him 'lord,' how can he be his son?" YLT Matthew 22:45 If then David doth call him lord, how is he his son?' MIT Matthew 22:45 If then David called him Lord, how can he be David's son?" GWN Matthew 22:45 If David calls him Lord, how can he be his son?" how: Jn 8:58 Ro 1:3,4 9:5 Php 2:6-8 1Ti 3:16 Heb 2:14 Rev 22:16 Related Passages: Psalm 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” Mark 12:37 “David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son?” And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him. Luke 20:44 “Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and how is He his son?” THE SIXTY-FOUR DOLLAR QUESTION If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son Jesus makes a restatement of the unassailable fact which the scribes did not dare try to contradict. They knew that is what Psalm 110:1 clearly stated! This is the "Sixty Four Dollar Question!" This is almost like a parabolic statement, a sacred riddle. Sixty Four Dollar Question - A question that is very important and difficult or complex to answer. Taken from the title of the 1940s radio program Take It or Leave It, in which the big prize was 64 silver dollars. James Edwards says He puts before them “the question of the day” while Akin calls it “the question of the ages" As Akin says "It is the question of the identity of the Messiah. What our Lord had raised privately with the disciples at Caesarea Philippi (8:27) He now takes public. He knows this raises the stakes. He also knows the cross is just 3 days away. Again, a moment of truth has arrived." One could also refer to this as a "radical riddle" It is radical because the answer is that the son of David is not just a Man but He is God, God in the flesh, the mystery of mysteries which is hidden in David's Spirit inspired words of Psalm 110:1. It is a riddle because it makes no sense to the human mind which tries to reason out how any person could be 100% Man and 100% God. It is a riddle for the natural mind, and its solution can only be provided by the Spirit of Christ opening the eyes of one's heart to see the truth of Messiah, Son of David, fully God and fully Man, and then to receive that incredible truth by grace through faith. Tragically it will remain a "radical riddle" to the natural, unbelieving mind for as Paul explains "a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1 Cor 2:14+) Akin - The Messiah is not simply David’s son, he is David’s sovereign. He is not just David’s son, 4 he is God’s Son who reigns as King seated at His Father’s, His heavenly Father’s, right hand. David’s words will not work if Messiah is just a human being. He must be more. This is where Jesus is trying to take them. This is what they had failed to see. Tragically, they still don’t see it. (Mark 12:28-34 Two Great Commandments, Two Great Loves) Henry
Mateus 22
Wuest - The difficulty our Lord puts before His listeners and at the same time tosses into the lap of the Pharisees, is as to how, since Messiah is Jehovah, deity, He can also be human. At once the incarnation is brought before them. One of the charges brought against the Lord Jesus was that He called God His (His private, unique) Father, making Himself equal with God, thus deity (John 5:18). Thus, the Jewish leaders rejected the teaching of the incarnation, and Jesus’ claim to deity. It is well to notice our Lord’s testimony to the divine inspiration of David, also the recognition by David of the two other Persons of the Trinity, the Father saying to the Son, “Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Thus, we have the Trinity mentioned in an Old Testament setting in verse 36. (Mark in the Greek New Testament for the English reader) Hiebert adds "The purpose of Jesus in raising this question was not merely to confound the scribes, but to show that to be accepted as reliable interpreters of their own Scriptures, they must have a higher view of the true nature of the Messiah. Their view that the Messiah was simply a human being, the descendant of David, though a conquering king, did not do justice to the teaching of Scripture. For the Messiah to be David’s Lord, He must be more than a man. “Jesus is more than Son of David; He is Son of Man, i.e., the representative of all humanity and not just the Jews, who had to suffer and then be exalted at God’s right hand. Still more important He is Son of God!” Christianity saw that the solution lay in the reality of the incarnation. While Jesus made no attempt to explain to them that the solution lay in the recognition of the divine-human nature of the Messiah, His question pointed His enemies in that direction. In rejecting His claims to be more than just a man, they were blinding themselves to the true solution to the problem. Their own Scripture condemned their rejection of the view. The question of Caiaphas in Mark 14:61 suggests that the Jewish leaders understood what Jesus intended to teach." (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) Brian Bell adds that "Jesus is both “the root and offspring of David” (Rev 22:16-note). As the “root of David,” He brought David into existence; but As the “offspring of David,” David brought Him into the world. He is David’s son, thus affirming his humanity. He is David’s Lord, thus affirming his deity. (Commentary) Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question. KJV Matthew 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. BGT Matthew 22:46 καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο ἀποκριθῆναι αὐτῷ λόγον οὐδὲ ἐτόλμησέν τις ἀπ᾽ ἐκείνης τῆς ἡμέρας ἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι. NET Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, and from that day on no one dared to question him any longer. CSB Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him anymore. ESV Matthew 22:46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. NIV Matthew 22:46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. NLT Matthew 22:46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. NRS Matthew 22:46 No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. NJB Matthew 22:46 No one could think of anything to say in reply, and from that day no one dared to ask him any further questions. NAB Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. YLT Matthew 22:46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor durst any from that day question him any more. MIT Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word. Neither did anyone dare to interrogate him any more from that day forward. GWN Matthew 22:46 No one could answer him, and from that time on no one dared to ask him another question. no one: Mt 21:27 Job 32:15,16 Isa 50:2-9 Lu 13:17 14:6 Jn 8:7-9 Ac 4:14 nor did anyone dare: Mk 12:34 Lu 20:40 Mark 12:37b+ adds And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him. - While the great multitude of "regular folks" enjoyed listening to Jesus, we doubt the religious leaders enjoyed listening to Him. D A Carson says “The teacher who never attended the right schools (John 7:15-18) confounds the greatest theologians in the land." (Borrow The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament) Utley makes a good point that "The people of the land, who were often ridiculed and overlooked by the religious elite (cf. Mk 12:38–40), enjoyed seeing Jesus tuNo onern the tables on the arrogant religionists using their very method." Hiebert says enjoyed "indicates the keen relish and delight with which they received His teaching. They appreciated the intelligence and power of His answers and the freshness of His method in dealing with these problems. Heard is imperfect tense, indicating their continued pleasure in the teaching which He was giving. It was a sustained favorable response." (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) ALL QUESTIONS ARE NOW TABLED No one (oudeis - absolutely no one) was able (dunamai) to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare (tolmao) from that day on to ask Him another question (eperotao) The critics are now silenced! Their silence reveals the inability of human wisdom to stand against Truth incarnate. Their hesitancy in asking Him questions is not just fear of being outwitted again but it's fear of exposure. They recognized that continuing to confront Jesus would only further expose their ignorance and spiritual blindness. And so it marks the end of public questioning. His enemies shift from questioning to conspiring. changing their tactics to secret plotting and preparation for His arrest and murder (cf. Mt 26:3–5). As someone has said Their silence is not reverence — it is the stunned defeat of religious pride before divine truth. ❞ David Turner: The silence of the religious leaders does not mean that they have come to agree with Jesus but that they have abandoned hope of publicly refuting him. (See Matthew Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) Leon