62. In the same way, we may subject what is said about the disciples of John to examin-
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ation. Matthew’s words are these: “Then came to Him the disciples of John, saying, Why
do we and the Pharisees fast oft?”934 The purport of Mark’s version is similar: “And the
disciples of John and the Pharisees935 used to fast.936 And they come and say unto Him,
Why do the disciples of John and the Pharisees937 fast, but thy disciples fast not?”938 The
only semblance of a discrepancy that can be found here, is in the possibility of supposing
that the mention of the Pharisees as having spoken along with the disciples of John is an
addition of Mark’s, while Matthew states only that the disciples of John expressed themselves
to the above effect. But the words which were actually uttered by the parties, according to
Mark’s version, rather indicate that the speakers and the persons spoken of were not the
same individuals. I mean, that the persons who came to Jesus were the guests who were then
present, that they came because the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting, and
that they uttered the above words with respect to these parties. In this way, the evangelist’s
phrase, “they come,” would not refer to the persons regarding whom he had just thrown in
the remark, “And the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting.” But the case would
be, that as those parties were fasting, some others here, who are moved by that fact, come
to Him, and put this question to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees
fast, but thy disciples fast not?” This is more clearly expressed by Luke. For, evidently with
the same idea in his mind, after stating what answer the Lord returned in the words in which
He spoke about the calling of sinners under the similitude of those who are sick, he proceeds
thus: “And they said unto Him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers,
and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees, but thine eat and drink?”939 Here, then, we see
that, as was the case with Mark, Luke has mentioned one party as speaking to this intent in
relation to other parties. How comes it, therefore, that Matthew says, “Then came to Him
the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast?” The explanation may be,
that those individuals were also present, and that all these various parties were eager to ad-
vance this charge, as they severally found opportunity. And the sentiments which sought
expression on this occasion have been conveyed by the three evangelists under varied terms,
but yet without any divergence from a true statement of the fact itself.
934 Matt. ix. 14.
935 Pharisæi, not Pharisæorum. [So the Greek text.—R.]
936 Or, as Augustin’s reasoning implies that he understood it, were fasting—erant jejunantes. [So Revised
Version.—R.]
937 Pharisæorum.
938 Mark ii. 18.
939 Luke v. 33.
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Of the Feast at Which It Was Objected at Once that Christ Ate with Sinners,…