The response from Smart Search was useful but the continuation in Study Assistant demonstrates that it did not pick up the context (in bold) and/or the actual source.
Note the Document 5 "source" below.
BTW the Response request in Study Assistant following the result copied from Smart Search should not be present.
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"What does Keener say about Matthew 12?" → Smart Search in two commentaries by Craig Keener.
Keener provides several key insights about Matthew 12. The chapter focuses on increasing conflicts, revealing the growing hostility towards Jesus and his disciples1. Matthew uses this chapter to highlight conflicting approaches to biblical interpretation between Jesus and the Pharisees, demonstrating that Jesus embodies divine Wisdom and that his approach to the law brings true rest1.
In the context of Jesus’ confrontations, Keener notes that Jesus challenges his opponents by questioning why they single out his exorcisms while approving similar practices by their own disciples. He argues that his exorcisms actually prove the kingdom of God has arrived, representing a climactic battle between God’s kingdom and the devil’s forces1. Specifically, Jesus claims to have “defeated the strong man” (Satan) by binding him, demonstrating his authority over evil spirits through his integrity before God, which he traces back to his victory during the temptation1.
Keener warns against overly legalistic interpretations of Scripture, critiquing culturally conservative approaches that create strict rules and miss the deeper principles of God’s Word. He suggests that such legalism can be a refuge for those lacking the courage to pursue a genuine relationship with God1. Instead, Jesus pursued the true intent of biblical texts, demanding the absolute integrity of one’s heart and devotion to God’s glory1.
- Craig S. Keener, Matthew, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997). [See here, here, here, here, here, here.]
Response request.
"Is Keener legalistic" → continuation Q in Your Books
I apologize, but the provided sources do not contain specific information about Keener’s detailed commentary on Matthew 12. The only Keener source (Document 5) discusses Matthew’s treatment of divorce and does not address Matthew 12 directly.
Without relevant sources, I cannot provide a citation-based answer about Keener’s perspective on Matthew 12. If you’re interested in a comprehensive understanding of this chapter, I recommend consulting Keener’s full commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.
Would you like me to share some general insights about Matthew 12 from my broader theological knowledge, or would you prefer to provide additional sources?
Response request.
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What is Document 5, above? The third [here] in the Citation links to a comment on divorce…
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When I rephrase the query as "Is Keener legalistic in his comments?" the result is better, but shows again how it struggles with context:-
Based on the available sources, I cannot find a direct commentary from Keener specifically about Matthew 12. However, I can provide insights into Keener’s approach to biblical interpretation that suggest he is not legalistic.
Keener emphasizes that Jesus does not discuss ethics in purely human terms, but grounds ethics in the reality of God and discipleship to himself.1 He argues that it’s not sufficient to merely call Jesus Lord or act in his name—one must truly obey him. This means valuing Jesus above everything else, including job security, family expectations, possessions, and even life itself.1
Keener notes that Jesus’ teachings are as authoritative as God’s law. In a familiar Jewish parable about building on a foundation that withstands storms, Jesus applies this to his own words1, suggesting an approach that is transformative rather than rigidly legalistic. He encourages not just marveling at Jesus’ teaching, but taking it to heart1—which implies a deep, relational understanding of faith rather than a checklist of rules.
This nuanced approach suggests Keener views biblical interpretation as a dynamic, heart-centered engagement with Scripture, rather than a legalistic adherence to strict regulations.
- 1Craig S. Keener, “The Sermon’s Ethical Teachings: Living from the inside Out,” Bible Study Magazine (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press; Faithlife, 2020), 12:2:38.
