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Verse Takeaways
1
God's Law vs. Human Rules
The core of the conflict is the authority of God's written commands versus the authority of human-made rules. Commentators explain that the 'tradition of the elders' was an oral law the Pharisees elevated to the level of Scripture. Jesus's response establishes a crucial principle: religious traditions, no matter how revered, cannot be used to judge others or be treated as equal to the actual commands of God.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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Commentaries
13
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 15:2
18th Century
Theologian
Transgress the tradition of the elders, The word elders means, literally, old men. It here means the ancients, or their …
AT Robertson
On Matthew 15:2
The tradition of the elders (την παραδοσιν των πρεσβυτερων). This was the oral law, handed down by the elders of the past in ex…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 15:1–2
19th Century
Preacher
When our Lord was busiest, His enemies attacked Him. These ecclesiastics “of Jerusalem” were probably the elite of their group, and based on their …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 15:2
The attack on Jesus again comes through the behavior of his disciples (cf. Mark 7:3–4). The “tradition of the elders” (cf.[Reference Gal…
John Calvin
On Matthew 15:2
16th Century
Theologian
Why do thy disciples transgress? When we speak of human traditions, this question has no reference to political laws, the use and object o…
John Gill
On Matthew 15:2
17th Century
Pastor
Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?
&c.] Having observed, for some little time, the conduct…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 15:1–9
17th Century
Minister
Additions to God's laws reflect upon His wisdom, as if He had left out something that was needed and that humans could supply; in one way or anothe…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 15:1–20
13th Century
Philosopher
Above, the Lord showed the power of His teaching under figures; now He shows its sufficiency. This is shown in two ways. Firstly, He shows that He …