(43) At the mighty power of God.--The word so rendered is a somewhat remarkable one, and, like the exodos of Luke 9:31, appears again in 2 Peter 1:16 in close connection with a reference to the history of the Transfiguration. There it is rendered "majesty," and in Acts 19:27 "magnificence." Here greatness would, perhaps, be the best equivalent. St. Luke describes the emotion which the men of the East feel when they say "God is great."
The division of verses here is singularly unfortunate. The new paragraph should clearly begin, as above, with the words, "But while they wondered."
Verse 43. - And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples. Once more were kindled the disciples' hopes of an earthly royalty in the Person of that strange Messiah. For was he not Messiah after all, who with a word worked such stupendous works as the miracle they had just witnessed? But Jesus read their thoughts, and again tells them (in ver. 44) of the terrible doom which awaited him. They must remember there was no earthly crown or human sovereignty for him.
9:43-50 This prediction of Christ's sufferings was plain enough, but the disciples would not understand it, because it agreed not with their notions. A little child is the emblem by which Christ teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honour can any man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ; and to have God and Christ own themselves received and welcomed in him! If ever any society of Christians in this world, had reason to silence those not of their own communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; yet Christ warned them not to do the like again. Those may be found faithful followers of Christ, and may be accepted of him, who do not follow with us.
And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God,.... Or at "the greatness", or "majesty of God"; which was displayed in this cure: for the great power of God was manifestly seen in it, to the astonishment of the disciples, who could not cure this child, and of the parent and friends of it, and of the whole multitude: and to the confusion of the Scribes and Pharisees:
but while they wondered every one, at all things which Jesus did; and were applauding him for them, and speaking in his praise on account of them:
he said unto his disciples; privately, when they were alone together, the following words, that he might not seem to be lifted up with the praise of men; and also to show their inconstancy, that those who, now admired him, would one day crucify him; and to take off the thoughts of the disciples from a temporal kingdom and glory, they were so much in expectation of, and which every miracle of Christ, and the applause he got thereby among men, strengthened them in.
The division of verses here is singularly unfortunate. The new paragraph should clearly begin, as above, with the words, "But while they wondered."
but while they wondered every one, at all things which Jesus did; and were applauding him for them, and speaking in his praise on account of them:
he said unto his disciples; privately, when they were alone together, the following words, that he might not seem to be lifted up with the praise of men; and also to show their inconstancy, that those who, now admired him, would one day crucify him; and to take off the thoughts of the disciples from a temporal kingdom and glory, they were so much in expectation of, and which every miracle of Christ, and the applause he got thereby among men, strengthened them in.