3. Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward--If the steward of
such a godless, cruel, and licentious wretch as Herod Antipas (see on
Mr 6:14,
&c.) differed greatly from himself, his post would be no easy or
enviable one. That he was a disciple of Christ is very improbable,
though he might be favorably disposed towards Him. But what we know
not of him, and may fear he lacked, we are sure his wife possessed.
Healed either of "evil spirits" or of some one of the "infirmities"
here referred to--the ordinary diseases of humanity--she joins in the
Saviour's train of grateful, clinging followers. Of "Susanna," next
mentioned, we know nothing but the name, and that here only. But her
services on this memorable occasion have immortalized her name.
"Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world,
this also that she hath done," in ministering to the Lord of her
substance on His Galilean tour, "shall be spoken of as a memorial of
her"
(Mr 14:9).
many others--that is, many other healed women. What a train! and
all ministering unto Him of their substance, and He allowing them to do
it and subsisting upon it! "He who was the support of the spiritual life
of His people disdained not to be supported by them in the body. He was
not ashamed to penetrate so far into the depths of poverty as to live
upon the alms of love. He only fed others miraculously; for Himself, He
lived upon the love of His people. He gave all things to men, His
brethren, and received all things from them, enjoying thereby the pure
blessing of love: which is then only perfect when it is at the same time
both giving and receiving. Who could invent such things as these?
It was necessary to live in this manner that it might be so recorded"
[OLSHAUSEN].
JFB.
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