Matthew 4

Ver. 12. Into Galilee—It appears,: { by the other Evangelists, that Jesus, on Herodotus speaks of the mental alienation of Cleomenes as extraordinary, beleaving the wilderness

Notes on the verses

I oassed through Samaria to Nazareth, where he preached and wrought miracles, and was at first cordially received; but one of his discourses giving them offence, they threatened his life; he then came and dwelt at Capernaum, whereby another prediction was fulfilled; and he itinerated in the same way throughout Galilee. See (John 4)and (Luke 4:16). Ver. 15. By theway, &c.—Campbell, “ Situate on the Jordan, near the sea.” —— Galilee of the Gentiles.—So called from the number of Gentiles there set tled. (1 Kings 9:11). Ver. 24. Possessed 1vith devils—Greck, dridge, Campbell, and other modern tray noted, that the terms Diabolos (or devil) and demon. are, in the New Testav. 8. pte: never confounded with each other.

See (John 8:44). (Acts 13:10). 1 Pet. That insanity arose from such possessions, “ was the only among the Jews,.. but also among the Greeks an Sophocles, Enripides, Herodotus, Lucian, ahd others, “Demons,” and so rendered by Dodislators; and Dr. C. has particwarly peeves opmion, not d Romans. Atschylus, peak of demoniacs.” cause it was not “* occasioned by a demon, but hy excessive drinking.”"—RKosenmuller. Some have endeavoured to explain what is said of demons, and possession by thera, of corporeal diseases only, and especially of insanity. Cempbell remarks on this hypothesis, ‘‘ When I find mention made of the number of demons in particular possessions, their actions so expressly distinguished from those of the man possessed, conversations held with the former in regard to the disposal of therm after their expulsion, and accounts given how they were actually disposed of; when I find desires and passions ascribed peculiarly to them, and simititudes taken from the conduct which they usually observe; at is impossible for me to deny their existence, without admitting that the sacred historians were either deceived themselves m regard to them, or intended to de-ceive their readers.

Nay, if they were faithful historians, this reflection, I am afraid, will strike still dewper.’’ Campdell’s Gospels. E Ver. 25. Decapolis.—[Decapolis was a\district of Syria, east of Jordan, so called from deka, ten, and polis, a city, because it contained ten cities; which | were, according to Pliny, Seythopolis, Philadelphia, Raphanw, Gadara, Hippos the same ten cities. |—Bagster.