The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 16:5-12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The leaven of error.

After an encounter with certain Pharisees and Sadducees at Magadan, Jesus warned his disciples against their teaching. This is not written for their sakes alone, but also for our admonition. From Luke's account we may infer that Jesus likewise warned the people (see Luke 12:1). Every age has its Pharisees and Sadducees, and it becomes us to note—

I. THE ERRORS AGAINST WHICH WE ARE WARNED.

1. Those which distinguish the Pharisee.

2. Those which distinguish the Sadducee.

3. Those common to both.

II. THE NECESSITY FOR THE ADMONITION.

1. Error is like leaven, subtle in its influence.

2. The influence of error is demoralizing.

3. The issues of error are disastrous.

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