Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:31

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

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame on all that country.

They most industriously published what they were commanded to conceal until "all that country" rang with the news. In this they erred greatly, and probably caused the Saviour so much inconvenience by the pressure of the crowd, that he had to remove from the town. We may not hope that we are doing right if we disobey our Lord.

However natural disobedience may appear to be, it is disobedience, and must not be excused. Even if the results turned out to be advantageous, it would not make it right to break the command of our Lord. Silence is more than golden when our King commands it.

He does not seek applause, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets so that he may be known to be doing a great work. His followers do well to copy his example.

We do not wonder that our Lord's name became famous when there were such persons to advertise it. How earnestly and eloquently would the two formerly blind men tell the story of how he opened their eyes! We are not forbidden, but exhorted to make known the wonders of his grace.

Let us not fail in this natural, this necessary, this useful duty. More and more let us "spread abroad his fame."

They most industriously published what they were commanded to conceal, until “all that country” rang with the news. In this, they erred greatly and probably caused the Savior so much inconvenience by the pressure of the crowd that He had to withdraw from the town. We cannot hope that we are doing right if we disobey our Lord. However natural disobedience may appear to be, it is disobedience, and must not be excused. Even if the results turned out to be advantageous, it would not make it right to break the command of our Lord.

Silence is more than golden when our King commands it. He does not seek applause, nor cause His voice to be heard in the streets so that He may be known to be doing a great work. His followers do well to copy His example.

We do not wonder that our Lord’s name became famous when there were such persons to advertise it. How earnestly and eloquently would the two formerly blind men tell the story of how He opened their eyes! We are not forbidden, but exhorted to make known the wonders of His grace. Let us not fail in this natural, this necessary, this useful duty. More and more let us “spread abroad his fame.”