Matthew 22:34
And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together.
When the Pharisees heard
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. Known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, they often found themselves in opposition to Jesus' teachings. The Greek word for "heard" (ἀκούσαντες, akousantes) implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and processing the information. This suggests that the Pharisees were not merely passive listeners but were actively engaged in the events surrounding Jesus' ministry.

that Jesus had silenced
The Greek word for "silenced" (φιμόω, phimoō) means to muzzle or make speechless. This indicates the authoritative power of Jesus' words and wisdom, which left the Sadducees without a response. It highlights Jesus' ability to confound those who opposed Him, demonstrating His divine wisdom and authority. This act of silencing was not just a debate victory but a profound revelation of His identity and mission.

the Sadducees
The Sadducees were another influential Jewish sect, known for their denial of the resurrection and adherence to the written Law of Moses. They often clashed with the Pharisees and were generally more aligned with the priestly and aristocratic classes. Their encounter with Jesus, which led to their silencing, underscores the theological and doctrinal conflicts present in first-century Judaism and highlights Jesus' role in addressing and correcting misunderstandings about God's kingdom.

they themselves gathered together
The phrase "gathered together" (συνήχθησαν, synēchthēsan) suggests a deliberate and strategic assembly. The Pharisees, having heard of Jesus' success in silencing the Sadducees, convened to discuss their next steps. This gathering was not merely a casual meeting but a calculated effort to challenge Jesus. It reflects the growing tension and opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders, who felt threatened by His teachings and influence. This moment sets the stage for the subsequent questioning of Jesus, revealing the persistent resistance He encountered from those who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharisees
A religious and political group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often opposed Jesus, challenging His teachings and authority.

2. Sadducees
Another Jewish sect, often in conflict with the Pharisees, known for their denial of the resurrection and emphasis on the written Law of Moses. They had just been silenced by Jesus in a previous debate.

3. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and actions are the foundation of Christian faith. In this context, He is engaging in theological discussions with Jewish leaders.

4. Gathering of the Pharisees
This event marks a strategic meeting of the Pharisees to confront Jesus after He had successfully countered the Sadducees' challenge.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, a central location for Jewish religious life and the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and confrontations with religious leaders.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Understanding Scripture
The Pharisees and Sadducees both approached Jesus with questions, but their motives were often to trap Him rather than to seek truth. We should approach Scripture with a heart open to learning and understanding, not just to prove a point.

Jesus' Authority and Wisdom
Jesus' ability to silence His opponents demonstrates His divine wisdom and authority. As believers, we can trust in His teachings and seek His guidance in our own lives.

Unity in Truth
The Pharisees and Sadducees were divided on many issues, yet they united in opposition to Jesus. This serves as a reminder that true unity is found in aligning with God's truth, not merely in opposing a common adversary.

Engaging with Opponents
Jesus engaged with those who opposed Him with wisdom and grace. We can learn from His example to engage in discussions with love and respect, always pointing back to the truth of God's Word.

The Role of the Heart in Seeking God
The Pharisees' gathering was motivated by a desire to challenge Jesus, not to genuinely seek God. Our approach to God should be with a sincere heart, seeking to know Him more deeply.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees and Sadducees about handling opposition in our own lives?

2. How does understanding the context of Matthew 22:34 help us better grasp the significance of Jesus' teachings in this chapter?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our study of Scripture is motivated by a genuine desire to know God, rather than to simply win arguments or debates?

4. How does Jesus' authority, as demonstrated in His interactions with the Pharisees and Sadducees, impact our trust in His teachings and commands?

5. What practical steps can we take to engage in discussions about faith with others, following Jesus' example of wisdom and grace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 22:23-33
This passage provides context, showing how Jesus silenced the Sadducees by addressing their question about the resurrection, which sets the stage for the Pharisees' gathering.

Mark 12:28-34
A parallel account where a scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, highlighting the ongoing debates between Jesus and Jewish leaders.

Luke 20:27-40
Another account of Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees, emphasizing His authority and wisdom in handling theological disputes.
Character Made by LoveH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 22:30-40
Christ's Two CommandmentsMatthew Hole.Matthew 22:30-40
Comprehensive Summary of the Ten CommandmentsL. O. Thompson.Matthew 22:30-40
ConcomitantsS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
God the Object of LoveH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 22:30-40
How May We Attain to Love God with All Our HeartsMatthew 22:30-40
It is the Duty of Every Man to Love His Neighbour as HimselfY. Milward, A. M.Matthew 22:30-40
Like unto ItR. Hooker.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Divinely Cultured in UsH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love for God the Ruling EnergyDr. Thomas.Matthew 22:30-40
Love is a Busy GraceS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
Love of God to be the Dominant PassionJ. E. Kempe, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
Love of Neighbour Man's Second DutyArchbishop Secker.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Renders Service EasyH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Ruling the Soul, But not Excluding Other Proper ActivitiesH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love the Fulfilling of the LawH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love to GodW. B. Collyer.Matthew 22:30-40
Proprietorship Heightens LoveS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The First and Great CommandS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Heart to be Educated as Well as the IntellectCapel Cure, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of LoveR. Frost, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of LoveA. H. Charteris, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of the HeartE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Love of God Man's First DutyArchbishop Secker.Matthew 22:30-40
The Love of Our NeighbourW. H. Burns.Matthew 22:30-40
The Mind's Love for GodP. Brooks, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Nature of Moral and Positive DutiesS. Clarke.Matthew 22:30-40
The Royal LawHooper.Matthew 22:30-40
The Second is Like unto ItJ. B. Mayor, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Second is Like unto ItJohn Trapp.Matthew 22:30-40
The True ReligionH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
The Worth of Love Determined by its ObjectS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Greater CommandmentsJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 22:34-40
The Two CommandmentsW.F. Adeney Matthew 22:34-40
People
David, Herodians, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Assembled, Gathered, Got, Hearing, Mouths, Pharisees, Sadducees, Sad'ducees, Silence, Silenced, Stopped, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 22:34

     5950   silence

Matthew 22:34-39

     8452   neighbours, duty to

Matthew 22:34-40

     5381   law, letter and spirit
     8441   goals

Matthew 22:34-46

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Library
Sacrifice to Caesar or to God
Eversley, 1869. Chester Cathedral, 1872. Matthew xxii. 21. "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Many a sermon has been preached, and many a pamphlet written, on this text, and (as too often has happened to Holy Scripture), it has been made to mean the most opposite doctrines, and twisted in every direction, to suit men's opinions and superstitions. Some have found in it a command to obey tyrants, invaders, any and every government,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

The Kingdom of Heaven
Chapel Royal, St James'. 1873. St. Matt. xxii. 2-7. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Two Ways of Despising God's Feast
'And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3. And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 6. But they made light of it, and went their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Same Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42
1. The question which was proposed to the Jews, Christians ought to solve. For the Lord Jesus Christ, who proposed it to the Jews, did not solve it Himself, to the Jews, I mean, He did not, but to us He hath solved it. I will put you in remembrance, Beloved, and ye will find that He hath solved it. But first consider the knot of the question. He asked the Jews what they "thought of Christ, whose Son He was to be;" for they too look for the Christ. They read of Him in the Prophets, they expected Him
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the Marriage of the King's Son; against the Donatists, on Charity. Delivered at Carthage In
1. All the faithful [2986] know the marriage of the king's son, and his feast, and the spreading [2987] of the Lord's Table is open to them all [2988] who will. But it is of importance to each one to see how he approaches, even when he is not forbidden to approach It. For the Holy Scriptures teach us that there are two feasts of the Lord; one to which the good and evil come, the other to which the evil come not. So then the feast, of which we have just now heard when the Gospel was being read, has
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks the Jews Whose Son they Said David Was.
1. When the Jews were asked (as we have just now heard out of the Gospel when it was being read), how our Lord Jesus Christ, whom David himself called his Lord was David's Son, they were not able to answer. For what they saw in the Lord, that they knew. For He appeared to them as the Son of man; but as the Son of God He was hidden. Hence it was, that they believed that He could be overcome, and that they derided Him as He hung upon the Tree, saying, "If He be the Son of God, let Him come down from
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Wedding Garment
The parable may be discoursed upon under five heads. Here is an enemy at the feast; here is the king at the feast; that king becomes the judge at the feast; and hence the enemy becomes the criminal at the feast; and swiftly is removed by the executioner at the feast. I. We see in the text AN ENEMY AT THE FEAST. He came into the banquet when he was bidden, but he came only in appearance, he came not in heart. The banquet was intended for the honour of the son, but this man meant not so; he was willing
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Parable of the Wedding Feast
In order to understand the parable before us we must first direct our attention to the design of the "certain king" here spoken of. He had a grand object in view; he desired to do honor to his son upon the occasion of his marriage. We shall then notice the very generous method by which he proposed to accomplish his purpose; he made a dinner, and bade many: there were other modes of honoring his son, but the great king elected the mode which would best display his bounty. We shall then observe, with
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Making Light of Christ
In the first place, we shall have a few words with you, concerning what it is that the sinner makes light of; secondly, how it is that he makes light of it; and thirdly, why it is that he makes light of it. Then a general observation or two, and we shall not weary you. In the first place, WHAT IS IT THAT THE SINNER MAKES LIGHT OF? According to the parable, the person alluded to made light of a marriage banquet which a king had provided, with all kinds of dainties, to which they were freely invited,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Beatific vision
MATTHEW xxii. 27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. These words often puzzle and pain really good people, because they seem to put the hardest duty first. It seems, at times, so much more easy to love one's neighbour than to love God. And strange as it may seem, that is partly true. St. John tells us so--'He that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?' Therefore many good people, who
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Eternal Goodness
MATTHEW xxii. 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Why are wrong things wrong? Why, for instance, is it wrong to steal? Because God has forbidden it, you may answer. But is it so? Whatsoever God forbids must be wrong. But, is it wrong because God forbids it, or does God forbid it because it is wrong? For instance, suppose that God had not forbidden us to steal, would it be right then to steal, or at least, not wrong? We must really think of this. It is no mere question of words, it is
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Heavenly Banquet.
20th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. xxii. 4. "Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage." INTRODUCTION.--The Kingdom of Heaven has two meanings in this parable. It means in the first place the Catholic Church. Into that the apostles and pastors of Christ invite men to enter, and many refuse. In the second place it means the Church Triumphant,--eternal blessedness, and into that the pastors of Christ's Church invite you
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Profession and Practice.
18th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. xxii. 42. "What think ye of Christ?" INTRODUCTION.--Many men are Christians neither in understanding nor in heart. Some are Christians in heart, and not in understanding. Some in understanding, and not in heart, and some are Christians in both. If I were to go into a Temple of the Hindoos, or into a Synagogue of the Jews, and were to ask, "What think ye of Christ?" the people there would shake their heads and deny that He is God, and reject His teaching. The
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Image of Self.
23rd Sunday after Trinity. S. Matthew xxii., 20. "Whose is this image?" INTRODUCTION.--Some people are very fond of contemplating their own excellencies, of admiring their good qualities, or their success in life; they will talk to you of what they have done, how they made this lucky hit, how they outwitted so-and-so, how they escaped such a danger by their foresight. But they are not fond of considering their imperfections, of lamenting their faults, of confessing their failures, their lost opportunities,
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Thankfulness to God.
Harvest S. Matthew xxii., 21. "Render--unto God, the things that are God's." INTRODUCTION.--David says in the 8th Psalm, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him: and the son of man that Thou visitest him? Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of Thy hands; and Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet, all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beast of the field, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea." I. The mastery of man is even more extensive than this; he controls
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Love Thy Neighbour
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.--ST MATTHEW xxii. 39. The original here quoted by our Lord is to be found in the words of God to Moses, (Leviticus xix. 18:) "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord" Our Lord never thought of being original. The older the saying the better, if it utters the truth he wants to utter. In him it becomes fact: The Word was made flesh. And so, in the wondrous
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
Why seekest thou rest when thou art born to labour? Prepare thyself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the cross more than for joy. For who among the men of this world would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he might always have it? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, whilst spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the offspring of
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
MANY are called, saith our Saviour, Mat. xxii. 14. but few chosen. Oh dreadful sentence. who is able to hear it without trembling and astonishment! If he had said, that of all the Men that are born in the World, there are but few saved, this would not have struck such fear and horror in us; for we might still hope, that though Turks, Jews, and Heathens, which are far the greatest part of the World, should all perish, yet we few in comparison of them, who are baptized into his Name, who profess his
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Christian State
Scripture references: Matthew 22:17-22; 17:24-27; Acts 23:5; John 6:15; Matthew 4:8-10; John 18:36-38; Mark 14; 61,62; John 18:33; 19:19; Isaiah 9:6,7; 60:3; Zechariah 9:10; Daniel 7:14; Matthew 26:64; 26:53,54; 16:16,17; 25:31,32. CHRIST AND THE STATE The Relation of Christ to the State.--He was an intense patriot. He loved His country. The names of His great countrymen, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua and David, were ever on His lips. He offered Himself as the national Messiah (Matthew 21:1-17),
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son. ^A Matt. XXII. 1-14. ^a 1 And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Pharisees and Herodians Ask About Tribute. ^A Matt. XXII. 15-22; ^B Mark XII. 13-17; ^C Luke XX. 20-26. ^a 15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. ^c 20 And they watched him, and sent forth { ^b send unto him} ^a their disciples, ^b certain of the Pharisees and of { ^a with} ^b the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk. [Perceiving that Jesus, when on his guard, was too wise for them,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
These maxims, good for a country where life is nourished by the air and the light, and this delicate communism of a band of children of God reposing in confidence on the bosom of their Father, might suit a simple sect constantly persuaded that its Utopia was about to be realized. But it is clear that they could not satisfy the whole of society. Jesus understood very soon, in fact, that the official world of his time would by no means adopt his kingdom. He took his resolution with extreme boldness.
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Royal Marriage Feast.
PART I.--THE WEDDING GUESTS. "And Jesus answered, and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Links
Matthew 22:34 NIV
Matthew 22:34 NLT
Matthew 22:34 ESV
Matthew 22:34 NASB
Matthew 22:34 KJV

Matthew 22:34 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Matthew 22:33
Top of Page
Top of Page