ACC ~ Matthew 19 v2

LARGE CROWDS

CHRYSOSTOM: Entering Judea, “large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.” And he did not spend all his time either teaching or performing miracles, but at one time taught, at another time healed. Thus Jesus worked for the salvation of those remaining close by him and following him, so as through the miracles to appear, in what he said, a teacher worthy of belief, and to add the gain coming from the miracles to the teaching of his words. In this way he was leading them by the hand to the knowledge of God. But look at this with me. See how the disciples treat briefly whole multitudes in one word, not recording by name all the individuals who were healed. For they did not say “so and so, and so and so” but “many,” teaching us not to be boastful. Christ healed them, benefiting them and through them many others. For the healing of their sickness becomes for others the moment of recognition of God. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 62.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:595; NPNF 1 10:381.

THEY FOLLOWED HIM

ORIGEN: Note that there is a distinction here between the crowds who simply followed and Peter and the others who “left everything and followed” and Matthew, who arose and followed him—he did not simply follow but “having arisen”; for “having arisen” is an important addition. There are always those, then, who follow at a distance like the great multitudes yet who have not arisen that they may follow, nor have they given up all that was theirs formerly. But they are few who have arisen and followed, who also, in the regeneration, shall sit on twelve thrones. [1] Only, if one wishes to be healed, let him follow Jesus. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 14.15. [2]

[1] Mt 19:28.

[2] GCS 40:317-18; ANF 9:505.

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