Matthew 9:31 KJV

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

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Matthew 9:31 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 9:31

Verse: "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."

Introduction

Matthew 9:31 is a continuation of the miraculous ministry of Jesus, illustrating the popular response to His healing power. This commentary synthesizes insights from various public domain sources, including Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, offering a well-rounded understanding of the verse's significance for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.

Contextual Background

This passage follows the healing of two blind men who had called out to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the "Son of David." Their faith in His ability to heal set the stage for a profound response. After their healing, they could not contain their joy and felt compelled to share their experience.

Analysis of the Verse

In examining Matthew 9:31, we can derive several key insights:

  • Faith and Testimony: The healed men acted in faith, demonstrating that a personal encounter with Jesus compels believers to bear witness. This reflects the natural response to divine healing and grace.
  • The Role of Public Witness: The infamous act of spreading Jesus' fame highlights the importance of testimony in the early church and its role in the spread of the Gospel.
  • Response to Uncommissioned Witness: While Jesus often commanded silence about His miracles, the response of these men suggests a tension between divine authority and human zeal to share the good news.

Insights from Commentators

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the proactive nature of the witnesses post-healing. He argues that the desire to share the good news reflects an innate response to experiencing God’s mercy. This act of witness serves as an encouragement to Christians today to testify about their experiences of God's grace and power.

Albert Barnes

Barnes focuses on the significance of the publicity given to Christ's miracles. He notes that though Jesus often instructed the healed to keep quiet, the public nature of such miracles created an unavoidable stir. The dissemination of His fame sets the groundwork for the eventual growth of Jesus’ ministry and the establishment of the Gospel throughout the region.

Adam Clarke

Clarke provides a theological perspective, arguing that the spread of Jesus' fame signifies the awakening of faith among the people. Their testimony not only glorifies God but also invites others to experience the redemptive power of Christ. He acknowledges the importance of miraculous signs in affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah.

Theological Implications

Matthew 9:31 encapsulates several theological themes that resonate deeply within Christian doctrine:

  • The Nature of Witness: Every believer is called to be a witness. This verse serves as a compelling reminder that personal encounters with Christ should lead to public declarations of faith.
  • Divine Authority vs Human Response: The verse illustrates the relationship between Christ's divine authority and the human impulses that arise in response to His work. It raises questions about obedience and exuberance in faith.
  • The Kingdom's Expansion: The act of spreading Jesus' fame shows how the Kingdom of God grows through testimony and shared experiences of His grace, prompting others to seek Him.

Practical Applications

For contemporary believers and church leaders, Matthew 9:31 offers several practical applications:

  • Encouragement to Share: Followers of Christ should be encouraged to share their stories of transformation and healing, recognizing the power of personal testimony in evangelism.
  • Promotion of Witnessing Culture: Churches can cultivate an environment where personal stories of faith are celebrated and shared as part of communal worship and teaching.
  • Understanding Obedience: Believers must navigate the balance between divine command and personal inclination, seeking the Spirit’s guidance in when and how to share their faith.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:31 presents a rich tapestry of themes that inspire robust discussion among theologians and practitioners alike. The verse encapsulates the profound impact of personal encounters with Christ and the natural, often irresistible impulse to share those experiences. In understanding this passage, one recognizes that the act of spreading the fame of Jesus is both a calling and a divine mandate, as believers respond to the transformative power of the Gospel.