Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 12:16

"and charged them that they should not make him known:" — Matthew 12:16 (ASV)

And charged them that they should not make him known — In previous cases, we have seen reason to connect this command with the spiritual discipline that was best for those who had been healed.

Here, however, the generalized nature of the command leads us to look for another explanation. The hour of final conflict and suffering had not yet come, and Jesus would not hasten it. The clouds were gathering, but the night had not yet arrived, and He sought to work while it was still day. Therefore, giving another example of His own precept that His disciples should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16), He sought to avoid giving premature offense.