Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 9:31

"But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land." — Matthew 9:31 (ASV)

They ... spread abroad his fame—As in other cases, so in this, the command was not obeyed. The question has been raised whether or not the zeal shown on this occasion was praiseworthy. Curiously enough, this question has been answered in the affirmative by most patristic and Roman Catholic commentators, some even maintaining that the command was not meant seriously, and in the negative by most Protestant commentators. There can be no doubt that the latter take the ethically truer view. To obey is better than sacrifice—better even than unrestrained emotion, and certainly better than garrulous excitement.