Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 9:31
But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame – The report of what he had done. This was not unnatural for them. They were so filled with joy that they could not repress their feelings. In this, however, they violated the express command of the Saviour; but he was not responsible for that.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 31. But they – spread abroad his fame] They should have held their peace; for to obey is better than sacrifice, 1Sa 15:22; but man must always be wiser than God, however, it may be profitable to remark,
1st. That honour pursues those who fly from it.
2dly. He who is thoroughly sensible of God’s mercy cannot long contain his acknowledgments.
3dly. That God in general requires that what a man has received, for his own salvation, shall become subservient to that of others-Let your light so shine, &c.
God chooses to help man by man, that all may be firmly knit together in brotherly love.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
31. But they, when they weredeparted, spread abroad his fame in all that country(See on Mt8:4).
A Dumb Demoniac Healed (Mt9:32-34).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But they, when they were departed,…. That is, out of the house where they received their cure, and out of the city; for it appears, by what follows, they went into other parts, where it is probable they might originally belong; they
spread abroad his fame in all that country. This they did, not in contempt of Christ and his orders; but rather out of gratitude to their benefactor, and through an honest zeal to spread his honour and glory: though they are not to be commended for disregarding the command of Christ; for, not our affection, but Christ’s will, is to be the rule of our actions.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
1) “But they, when they were departed,” (hoi de ekselthontes) “Then they upon going out,” as they were going away, while they were leaving, wherever they went. It is proper to be silent: 1) When commanded of the Lord, 2) When Truth may be out of season, 3) When the truth is only partially known, and 4) When it may be as pearls before swine.
2) “Spread abroad his fame in all that country.” (diephemisan auton en hole te ge ekeine) “Spread about him (what he had done) in all that land area of Galilee. These former blind men directly disobeyed the Lord, though their joy was great, and their intentions were without desire to do harm to Him who had given them sight, restored their sight. As redeemed ones they could not restrain themselves, Psa 107:2; Act 4:20.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(31) They . . . spread abroad his fame.As in other cases, so in this, the command was not obeyed. The question has been raised, whether the zeal which thus showed itself was or not praiseworthy; and, curiously enough, has been answered by most patristic and Roman Catholic commentators in the affirmative, some even maintaining that the command was not meant seriously; and by most Protestant commentators in the negative. There can be no doubt that the latter take that which is ethically the truer view. To obey is better than sacrifice, better even than unrestrained emotion, better certainly than garrulous excitement.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
31. Spread abroad his fame Affectionately disobedient! It was not like the disobedience of a hater of Christ, but still it was a disobedience and a wrong. Young converts often err even in their Christian zeal.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land.’
But His words fell on ‘deaf’ ears. They went out and told everywhere what had happened to them and how Jesus had healed them And so Jesus fame spread abroad in all the land. Compare the parallel phrase in Mat 9:26. His fame could not be hidden.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Ver. 31. Spread abroad his fame ] Wherein they sinned, no doubt, though of never so good an intention. God’s commandments must be kept as the apple of our eye; for else we charge him with folly.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Mat 9:31 . . . . ( vide remarks on Mat 9:26 ).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
when they were departed. . . (32) As they went out = when they had gone out . . . but as they were leaving.
spread . . . fame = made Him known.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
spread: Mar 1:44, Mar 1:45, Mar 7:36
Reciprocal: Mat 4:24 – his fame Mar 1:28 – General Mar 6:14 – his name Luk 7:17 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Mat 9:31. Their disobedience was undoubtedly wrong. They brought Him no glory (His fame was already spread abroad, Mat 9:26), but tarnished their faith. Zeal which is not according to knowledge, fails to keep silent, even when authoritatively told to do so. They doubtless helped to arouse the hostility spoken of in Mat 9:34. Over-zealous people are slow to discriminate between notoriety and success.