Matthew 9:26 KJV

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

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Matthew 9:26 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 9:26

Verse Context: Matthew 9:26 states, "And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land." This verse comes in the narrative of Jesus healing a ruler's daughter and is part of the broader context of His ministry of miracles.

Introduction

This passage highlights the impact of Jesus’ miracles on the people and surrounding regions. The fame of His deeds spread, reflecting both His divine authority and the faith of those who sought His help. As we explore insights from various public domain commentaries, we can glean theological and practical truths essential for pastors, students, and scholars alike.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the power and authority of Christ manifested in this miracle. He notes that the fame of Jesus did not stem merely from the miracle itself but from the grace and mercy demonstrated in healing. This serves as a reminder that true miracles create a ripple effect, sparking faith and curiosity about the divine.

  • Impact of Miracles: Henry points out that miracles serve the dual purpose of confirming Christ’s divinity and encouraging faith among believers.
  • Public Response: The spreading fame indicates a widespread acknowledgment of Jesus’ power and the growing expectation of His Messianic role.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes provides insights regarding the social and cultural implications of Jesus' fame. He notes that the spreading knowledge of His miracles created a theological dialog among the people, deepening their understanding of His identity.

  • Transformation of Faith: According to Barnes, as people witnessed the miraculous acts, it compelled many to reconsider their beliefs and open themselves to divine intervention.
  • Witness Factor: The spread of Jesus' fame acts as a metaphor for how the Church should spread the gospel, enhancing the necessity of witnessing in faith communities.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke offers a more historical and contextual analysis of Matthew 9:26. Clarke suggests that the phrase "went abroad into all that land" indicates not only a local phenomenon but one that marked a significant moment in Jesus' ministry.

  • Broader Reach: Clarke emphasizes that the fame reached beyond local boundaries, hinting at the eventual global spread of Christianity.
  • Spiritual Implications: The fame of His healing further illustrates the nature of Jesus’ mission: to heal, restore, and renew, pointing towards a fully realized eschatological hope.

Theological Implications

Reflecting on the combined insights from these commentators, several profound theological implications emerge:

  • Nature of Christ: The miracle affirms Jesus as both divine and compassionate, emphasizing the duality of His nature as fully God and fully man.
  • Faith Development: The passage encourages faith development, inviting individuals to witness the miraculous in their lives and communities.
  • Evangelistic Mandate: There is an implicit call to evangelism: as Jesus’ fame spread, so too must the message of His gospel. The church is urged to testify to the transformative power of Christ.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of Christ's miracles and His ministry. The combined insights from Henry, Barnes, and Clarke demonstrate that the fame of Jesus is not merely about His actions but the deep-rooted faith and spiritual transformation that those actions inspire. As modern believers reflect on His deeds, they are reminded of the need to carry forth that legacy of faith and witness in their own contexts.