Verse 12. Then understood they, etc. After this explanation, they immediately saw that he referred to their doctrines. Erroneous doctrines are like leaven in the following respects:

(1.) They are, at first, slight and unimportant in appearance.

(2.) They are insinuated into the soul unawares and silently, and are difficult of detection.

(3.) They act gradually.

(4.) They act most certainly.

(5.) They will pervade all the soul, and bring in all the faculties under their control.

{k} "the doctrine" Mt 15:1-9