Matthew 12:46

While he yet talked. [Visit of Christ’s Mother and Brothers, Matt. 12:46-50 = Mark 3:31-35 = Luke 8:19-21. Major comment: Matthew. See Middle Galilean Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord]. For the relationship of this section (vs. 46-50) to the preceding section of the chapter see on v. 22. For an additional incident in the narrative see Luke 11:27, 28.

His mother. Though undoubtedly concerned about Jesus, Mary had faith in Him, a faith not shared by His brothers (see John 7:5). It was their idea, not hers, to restrain Christ from further activity on behalf of the people (see DA 321). They hoped He would yield to Mary’s persuasive appeal; they hardly believed He would listen to their own appeal (cf. DA 87).

His brethren. The gospel writers make it evident that these were sons of Joseph by a former marriage. The fact that Jesus committed His mother to the care of John (see John 19:26, 27) implies that Jesus’ “brethren” (and sisters) were not actually Mary’s own children. That these brothers were older than Jesus is shown by their attitude and relationship to Him. They tried to restrain Him (see on Mark 3:21), they spoke taunting words to Him (see John 7:3, 4), and otherwise interfered with His conduct (cf. Mark 3:31), as only brothers who were older would dare do in those days. To one familiar with life in Bible lands, this argument in itself appears conclusive. This conclusion, which is based on the Gospel record, is also specifically supported by the observations made in DA 86, 87, 90, 321.

Though these “brethren” did not at this time believe in Jesus (John 7:3-5), they later accepted Him and were numbered among His followers (see on Acts 1:14). At this time Jesus’ brothers were dismayed by reports they had heard concerning His work, particularly how Jesus scarcely had time to eat and sleep. They felt that He was not prudent in His activities (DA 321), and sought to persuade Him to conform to their ideas of how He should conduct Himself (DA 326). No doubt they were also concerned because of the increasingly strained relations between Him and the Jewish leaders.

Stood without. Whether this means “without,” that is, on the outside of the throng surrounding Jesus, or “without” the house mentioned a little later in the narrative (see on ch. 13:1), is not clear.