Matthew 12:43-50 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

The connexion of Matthew 12:43 is with Matthew 12:30, as is shown by Lk.; neutrality in the spiritual life cannot last. The point of the illustration is that the Jews had felt the influence of John and Jesus, but were in danger of relapsing into a worse state than ever, if they did not submit themselves entirely to that coming of the Holy Spirit which was the proper continuation of the work begun by the two preachers.

Matthew 12:44. empty: i.e. free from lumber and rubbish; garnished: either furnished or beautified.

Matthew 12:46-50: cf. Mark 3:31-35 *· For the brethren of Jesus cf. Matthew 1:25 *. By changing Mk.'s God into my Father which is in heaven, Mt. rather pointedly limits Jesus-' earthly spiritual relation to brothers, sisters, and mothers. Matthew 12:47 is not found in the best texts. Lk. (Luke 8:19-21) puts the incident after the Parable of the Sower.

Related Commentaries of Matthew 12:43

Matthew 12:43-50

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

48 But he answered and said unto him that told him,Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said,Behold my mother and my brethren!

50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.