Matthew 12:1

At that time. [Plucking Grain on the Sabbath, Matt. 12:1-8 = Mark 2:23-28 = Luke 6:1-5. Major comment: Mark. See Early Galilean Ministry] As used by Matthew, this expression does not necessarily imply any particular chronological relationship between what precedes and what follows. It is, rather, a general statement. This is evident from its use in ch. 14:1. The Sermon by the Sea, recorded in ch. 13, was delivered during the autumn of A.D. 29 (see on ch. 13:2), about six months prior to the death of John the Baptist, which is mentioned in ch. 14:2.

Through the corn. Literally, “through the grainfields.”

Ears of corn. That is, of grain of any kind, perhaps of wheat, or even of barley. It is interesting to note that all accusations brought against the disciples of Christ, as recorded in the book of Matthew, were related to food in one way or another (see chs. 9:14; 15:2; etc.).