Matthew 8:14-17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 1:29-34.

The incidents here are two: in the corresponding passage of Luke they are three. Here they are introduced before the mission of the Twelve; in Luke, when our Lord was making preparation for His final journey to Jerusalem. But to conclude from this, as some good critics do, as Bengel, Ellicott, etc, that one of these incidents at least occurred twice-which led to the mention of the others at the two different times-is too, artificial. Taking them, then, as one set of occurrences, the question arises, Whether are they recorded by Matthew or by Luke in their proper place? Neander, Schleiemacher, and Olshausen adhere to Luke's order; while Meyer, de Wette, and Lange prefer that of Matthew. Probably the first incident is here in its right place. But as the command, in the second incident, to preach the kingdom of God, would scarcely have been given at so early a period, it is likely that it and the third incident have their true place in Luke. Taking these three incidents, then, up here, we have --

Matthew 8:14-17

14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.