Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary-28 Verse 22-28. See these verses explained at large on Matthew xi. 4-15.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 24. And when the messengers of John were departed , etc.] The Syriac and Persic versions read, the disciples of John; and the Arabic version, the two disciples of John; the two that he sent, when they were gone back with the answer of Christ; he, Jesus, as the Persic version expresses it, began to speak unto the people concerning John; not caring to say any thing about him to the messengers, or whilst they were present, lest he should be charged with flattery; (See Gill on Matthew 11:7) What went ye into the wilderness for to see? a reed shaken with the wind ? an inconsistent, wavering, and unstable man? if so, they were greatly mistaken; or the motions and gesture of the man? (See Gill on Matthew 11:7).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 19-35 - To his miracles in the kingdom of nature, Christ adds this in the kingdom of grace, To the poor the gospel is preached. It clearl pointed out the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, that the messenger he sent before him to prepare his way, did it by preachin repentance and reformation of heart and life. We have here the jus blame of those who were not wrought upon by the ministry of Joh Baptist or of Jesus Christ himself. They made a jest of the methods God took to do them good. This is the ruin of multitudes; they are no serious in the concerns of their souls. Let us study to prove ourselve children of Wisdom, by attending the instructions of God's word, an adoring those mysteries and glad tidings which infidels and Pharisee deride and blaspheme.
Greek Textus Receptus
απελθοντων 565 5631 V-2AAP-GPM δε 1161 CONJ των 3588 T-GPM αγγελων 32 N-GPM ιωαννου 2491 N-GSM ηρξατο 756 5662 V-ADI-3S λεγειν 3004 5721 V-PAN προς 4314 PREP τους 3588 T-APM οχλους 3793 N-APM περι 4012 PREP ιωαννου 2491 N-GSM τι 5101 I-ASN εξεληλυθατε 1831 5758 V-RAI-2P εις 1519 PREP την 3588 T-ASF ερημον 2048 A-ASF θεασασθαι 2300 5664 V-ADN καλαμον 2563 N-ASM υπο 5259 PREP ανεμου 417 N-GSM σαλευομενον 4531 5746 V-PPP-ASM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
24. To see (qeasasqai). Rev. is correct but awkward, to behold. The verb implies steadfast, intent gazing. See on Matt. xi. 7.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
7:24 {When the messengers of John were departed} (apelqontwn twn aggelwn iwanou). Genitive absolute of aorist active participle. #Mt 11:7 has the present middle participle poreuomenwn, suggesting that Jesus began his eulogy of John as soon as the messengers (angels, Luke calls them) were on their way. The vivid questions about the people's interest in John are precisely alike in both Matthew and Luke.
