ACC ~ Matthew 15 v12

THE PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED

CHRYSOSTOM: The disciples were saying these things not only because they felt pain on behalf of the Pharisees but also because they themselves were a little confused. But since they did not dare to say this out of concern for their own confusion, they hoped to learn further by listening to Jesus’ own elaboration of this issue. To show that this is so, listen to what is said after these things by Peter, who was hotheaded and everywhere arriving before the rest. He says, “Explain this parable to us.” [1] By this he reveals the confusion in his soul. He does not dare to say openly, “I take offense at this,” but he expects that he will be released from his confusion by the interpretation of the parable. So he too was rebuked. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 51.4. [2]

[1] The statement that Jesus makes in Mt 15:11 is not what the modern reader may think of as a parable. But the word parable did not just apply to short illustrations like those found in Mt 13. It also referred to any wise saying, example or proverb by which a point was taught.

[2] PG 58:514; NPNF 1 10:317.

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