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John`s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John`s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don`t fast?"
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The Piety of Fasting
Commentators explain that in Jesus' time, fasting was a key sign of religious devotion. While the Old Testament only required one annual fast, stricter Pharisees fasted twice a week. The question to Jesus wasn't just about food; it was a public challenge suggesting His disciples lacked the piety of other religious groups.
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18th Century
Presbyterian
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast. Were accustomed often to fast. Compare Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12.
John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting (ησαν ο μαθητα Ιωανου κα ο Φαρισαιο νηστευοντες). The periphrastic imperfect, so c…
19th Century
Anglican
And the disciples of John... used to fast.—Better, were fasting. See Notes on Matthew 9:14-17. The only differen…
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Baptist
While Christ was with His people in person, they could not help having joy and gladness; but when He was gone from them, they must lament His absen…
In the law the only required fast was on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23:27–32), but after the Exile four other annual fa…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast Or "were fasting"; perhaps that very day, and so were the mor…
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Strict professors of faith are inclined to blame all who do not fully measure up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be w…