Silence
Matthew uses the verb “put to silence” twice, both in chapter 22. The first time it describes the reaction of the man who arrives at the wedding feast without the proper clothing (v. 12), and in the second it describes the silence of the Sadducees after Jesus answers their question about resurrection (v. 34). By the end of chapter 22, even the voluble Pharisees have nothing left to say.
This seems to hint that the man without a wedding garment symbolizes the Pharisees and Sadducees in some way, silent before the king.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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