ACC ~ Matthew 16 v2

THE DOCTORS OF LAW CANNOT FORECAST THE SAVIOR

JEROME: This is not found in many codices. [1] The meaning is clear from the order and harmony of the elements. Both fair and rainy days can be forecast. But the scribes and Pharisees, who were viewed as doctors of the law, could not discern the coming of the Savior from what the prophets had predicted. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.16.3. [2]

[1] Verses 2 (from “when it is evening”) and 3 are lacking in part of the tradition; modern editors generally consider them to be interpolations.

[2] CCL 77:136-37.

THE RASHNESS OF THEIR QUESTION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He exposes the rashness of their question, saying, “You regard the air as moving according to a certain order, so that by means of signs you are able to predict when the weather will be fair and when stormy. But in the case of miracles you recognize no order at all. You do not recognize any occasions on which doing or not doing wonders is appropriate. You assume that such a thing happens completely without order and without any reason.” FRAGMENT 89. [1]

[1] MKGK 128.