Poor Man’s New Testament Commentary
Matthew–John
By
Robert Hawker
Vol. 1
Bellingham, WA
2013
commentary
on the
new testament
saint matthew
General Observations on the Gospel according to St. Matthew
ONE general observation will meet the Reader, at his entrance, on all the four Books of the Evangelists: namely, that they are directed to one and the same interesting subject. They form a corresponding harmony and agreement, in giving the history of the blessed Jesus. And they form therefore, when taken together, the whole of those inspired records, which God the Holy Ghost hath thought proper to give to the Church, concerning the Person, Life, Ministry, Miracles, Discourses, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and unchanging Priesthood of the Almighty Savior of the world, whom truely to know is life eternal.
The word Gospel is borrowed from the Saxons, the early inhabitants of this island. They were accustomed to call our holy faith by this name. And hence, it is probable, that it hath been ever since distinguished by this title. But perhaps it was not always pronounced, as we are now accustomed to do, by the name Gospel; but rather God’s-spell, meaning God’s blessing. And surely, it is in the highest and fullest sense of the word, the greatest blessing which ever the Lord Jehovah bestowed upon mankind, in the gospel of salvation, by God’s dear Son.
In the present acceptation of the word Gospel, is meant glad tidings; great joy to all people. And in this sense also it must be allowed, that Christ and his salvation is the most joyful tidings which were ever proclaimed to sinful, dying men. So much so, that one of the Prophets declared the very feet of them who were sent to preach it, were beautiful. Isaiah 52:7. Nay, angels themselves, as if earnest to become the first heralds of such blissful tidings to a lost world, hastened to come down upon the earth the moment the news brake out in heaven, and in a multitude together sung the song of redemption: Glory (said they) to God in the highest, and on earth peace; good will toward men. Luke 2:10–14.
The Gospel, according to St. Matthew, opens with the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the time of Joseph his reputed father; as that of the Evangelist Luke, traces the pedigree in the line of the Virgin Mary. And Matthew, carries on the history of Christ through the whole of our Lord’s continuance upon earth; including a period of about three and thirty years and half. But the exercise of Christ’s ministry did not exceed three years and half. Luke 3:23.
The name of Matthew, or Matthai, signifies a gift, or a thing given. And this was not an unsuitable name for this Evangelist, for he might be truly said to be given to Christ. And thus the Lord Jesus speaks of his people, to whom he manifested his Father’s name, that they were the men whom he had given him out of the world. Of such, Jesus said, that all whom the Father had given him, must come to him; and him that came, he would in ...
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About Poor Man’s New Testament Commentary, Vol. 1: Matthew–JohnThis first volume of the New Testament commentary covers the four Gospels. You will be deeply impacted by Hawker’s rich commentary on the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Take an intimate tour with Hawker through the first century alongside Jesus and his disciples. |
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