Matthew 12:16

16 But he ordered them not to spread the word about him,

Matthew 12:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 12:16

And charged them that they should not make him known.
] This charge was given, either to the multitude that followed him, and were healed by him, that when they returned to the respective places from whence they came, they would not make it known to his enemies where he was, and what he had done to them; being neither desirous of popular applause and glory, nor willing to provoke them more, nor to fall into their hands as yet; or else, as Mark seems to intimate, to the unclean spirits, that they would not declare who he was, the Son of God, they confessed him to be: and very likely it was given to both, and that they should neither tell where he was, nor who he was; and this charge was a very severe one; for the word signifies a charge with threatenings, should they not observe his orders.

Matthew 12:16 In-Context

14 The Pharisees went out and met in order to find a way to destroy Jesus.
15 Jesus knew what they intended to do, so he went away from there. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them all.
16 But he ordered them not to spread the word about him,
17 so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:
18 Look, my Servant whom I chose, the one I love, in whom I find great pleasure. I'll put my Spirit upon him, and he'll announce judgment to the Gentiles.
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