Bible Commentary

Matthew 12

Matthew 12 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

In this chapter, we have, I. Christ's clearing of the law of the fourth commandment concerning the sabbath-day, and vindicating it from some superstitious notions advanced by the Jewish teachers; showing that works of necessity and mercy are to be done on that day, ver. 1-13. II. The prudence, humility, and self-denial of our Lord Jesus in working his miracles, ver. 14-21. III. Christ's answer to the blasphemous cavils and calumnies of the scribes and Pharisees, who imputed his casting out devils to a compact with the devil, ver. 22-37. IV. Christ's reply to a tempting demand of the scribes and Pharisees, challenging him to show them a sign from heaven, ver. 38-45. V. Christ's judgment about his kindred and relations, ver. 46-50.

Christ Vindicates His Disciples.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Matthew 12

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew 12 — OverviewMatthew 12 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeMatthew 12:1, Christ reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the breach of the sabbath, Matthew 12:3, by scripture, Matthew 12:9, by reason, Matthew 12:13. and by a miracle; Matthew 12:22, He heals a man…Matthew 12:1-13Matthew 12:1-13 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe Jewish teachers had corrupted many of the commandments, by interpreting them more loosely than they were intended; a mistake which Christ discovered and rectified (ch. v.) in his sermon on the mount: but…Matthew 12:1Matthew 12:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryAt that time (Matthew 11:25, note) Jesus went ( ἐπορεύθη). It has been suggested that he was now on his way to the synagogue spoken of in Matthew 12:9 (but see note there). Wherever he was going, it must have been…Matthew 12:1-8Matthew 12:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sabbath in relation to the preparation of food. Parallel passages: Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5. St. Matthew here returns to the Framework, which he left at Matthew 9:26 or 34.Matthew 12:1-8Matthew 12:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sabbath made for man. Note in introduction that the chiefest interest of this passage centres in the last verses of it, and in their combined moral aspects. The occasion of these must be esteemed, with certain…Matthew 12:1-8Matthew 12:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryRitual and morals. The Pharisaic Jews are, in the previous chapter, upbraided for their obstinate impenitence. We find the same people here condemning the disciples of Christ as sabbath-breakers because they plucked…
devotionThe Burning ForkJesus didn't offer a third lane. He that is not with Me is against Me. Spiritual neutrality isn't humility — it's paralysis. The fence is not a safe place. Make the call today.DiscipledeckdevotionThe Spark and the ForestFire can cook a meal, or it can burn down a house. Your words have the same power; life or death. Today, try a "No Complaining" challenge. Go 24 hours without saying anything negative about the weather, your work, or your family. If you fail, start the clock over. Watch how it changes your heart.Discipledeck sermonSweet Comfort for Feeble SaintsBabbling fame ever loves to talk of one man or another. Some there be whose glory it trumpets forth, and whose honor it extols above the heavens.Charles H. Spurgeonsermon[i.e., The Last Judgment — GL]Sermon 15 The Great Assize [i.e., The Last Judgment — GL] “We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ.” Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances...John WesleysermonA Call to BackslidersSermon 86 A Call to Backsliders “Will the Lord absent himself for ever? And will he be no more entreated? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? And is his...John WesleysermonChrist's Teaching On ManThe Expression of Compassion Originates with Christ Not very far away from where we sit there are gleaming the lights of our great city hospitals.George H. MorrisonsermonThe Lure of the ImpossibleNo Challenge to Handling That Which Is Easy Few things are so attractive as those which seem impossible.George H. MorrisonsermonThe Intolerance of JesusChrist Rejects Accusations Made against Him Our Lord had just performed a notable miracle healing a man who was possessed of a devil.George H. Morrison