FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
BACKGROUND TO Mat_9:1-38
A. Matthew often condenses events which are recorded in much fuller detail in both Mark and Luke. Interpreters should not compare the other Gospels seeking fuller details until they have determined how/why the individual Gospel writer recorded the events as he did. We are not looking for a complete history, but for the theological intent of the inspired writer (cf. Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart's How to Study the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 120-129) .
B. This chapter breaks into several distinct units:
1. Mat_9:1-8, cf. Mar_2:3-12 and Luk_5:17-26
2. Mat_9:9-17, cf. Mar_2:14-22 and Luk_5:27-38
3. Mat_9:18-26, cf. Mar_5:22-43 and Luk_8:41-56
4. Mat_9:27-31, which are unique to Matthew
5. Mat_9:32-34, which are also unique to Matthew
6. Mat_9:35-38, many believe that this is an introduction to the mission of the Twelve which should go with Matthew 10
C. Matthew 8 showed His power over diseases, nature, and the demonic. Matthew used this section to show the power and authority of Jesus over different types of circumstances.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why do these same teachings seem to appear with different details and settings in the Synoptic Gospels?
2. What is the significance of Jesus' forgiving the sins of the paralytic man?
3. What is the theological significance of the term "Son of Man" ?
4. Why is it significant that Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors?
5. What does Jesus say about fasting?
6. Why did the sick woman want to touch Jesus' clothing?
7. Describe an oriental funeral.
8. Why does Matthew consistently record two blind men or angels while Mark and Luke only record one?
9. Explain the difference between physical illness and demonic possession.
10. How did the Pharisees commit the unpardonable sin in Mat_9:34?
11. What do Mat_9:37-38 say about the heart of God?