And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said unto him,
You are not far from the kingdom of God.
And no man after that dared ask him any question.
All Commentaries on Mark 12:34 Go To Mark 12
Jerome
AD 420
This question is only that which is a problem common to all skilled in the law, namely, that the commandments are differently set forth in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Wherefore He brought forward not one but two commandments, by which, as by twopaps rising on the breast of the bride, our infancy is nourished. And therefore there is added, “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lordthy God is one God.” He mentions the first and greatest commandment of all; this is that to which each of us must give the first place in his heart, as the only foundation of piety, that is, the knowledge and confession of the Divine Unity, with the practice of good works, which is perfected in the love of God and our neighbour. Wherefore there is added, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thysoul, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”.
Or else, he is not far who comes with knowledge; for ignorance is farther from the kingdom of God than knowledge; wherefore He says above to the Sadducees, “Ye err, not knowing the Scriptures, or the power of God. "It goes on: “And no man after that durstask Him any questions.”
