Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 9:30

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Then after their cure He commands them to tell no man; neither doth He merely command them, but with much strictness. "For Jesus," it is said, "straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad His fame in all that country." They however did not endure this, but became preachers, and evangelists; and when bidden to hide what had been done, they endured it not. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 32 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"And Jesus sternly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad His fame in all that country." Do you see Christ's humility? They spread abroad His fame in thanksgiving, not out of disobedience. But if in another place Christ says, "Go and tell of the glory of God" (Lk. 8:39), there is nothing contradictory in this. For He wants them to say nothing about Himself, but to speak of the glory of God.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

And Jesus warned them, saying, "See that no one knows." But when they went out, they spread the news about him throughout that whole land. And the Lord, fleeing the glory of boastfulness because of his humility, had commanded this. And they, because of the remembrance of his grace, cannot remain silent about the kindness. Note, therefore, that something contrary to what was commanded must have happened. These blind men are healed in the tenth place.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

We must enquire how this is that the Almighty, whose will and power are coextensive, should have here willed that His excellent works should be hid in silence, and is yet preached against His will, as it were, by these men who have received their sight. It is only that He herein has left an example to His servants who follow Him, that they should desire their own good deeds to be hid, and that notwithstanding they should be made known against their will, that others may profit by their example. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Hilary of Poitiers

Or He enjoins silence on the blind men, because to preach was the Apostles' office.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗