SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE
The peculiarities of Matthew’s last chapter are largely due to the purpose of his Gospel. Throughout it has been the record of the Galilean ministry, the picture of the King of Israel, and of His treatment by those who should have been His subjects. This chapter establishes the fact of His resurrection; but, passing by the Jerusalem appearances of the risen Lord, as being granted to individuals, and having less bearing on His royalty, emphasises two points: His rejection by the representatives of the nation, whose lie is endorsed by popular acceptance; and the solemn assumption, in the Galilee so familiar to the reader, of universal dominion, with the world-wide commission in which the kingdom bursts the narrow national limits and becomes co-extensive with humanity. It is better to learn the meaning of Matthew’s selection of his incidents, than to wipe out instructive peculiarities in the vain attempt after harmony.—A. Maclaren, D.D.