18 Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection ) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying , 19 "Teacher , Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD , HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER . 20 "There were seven brothers ; and the first took a wife , and died leaving no children . 21 "The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children ; and the third likewise ; 22 and so all seven left no children . Last of all the woman died also . 23 "In the resurrection , when they rise again , which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her." 24 Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken , that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God ? 25 "For when they rise from the dead , they neither marry nor are given in marriage , but are like angels in heaven . 26 "But regarding the fact that the dead rise again , have you not read in the book of Moses , in the passage about the burning bush , how God spoke to him, saying , ' I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM , AND THE GOD OF ISAAC , and the God of Jacob '? 27 " He is not the God of the dead , but of the living ; you are greatly mistaken ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:18-27
Commentary on Mark 12:18-27
(Read Mark 12:18-27)
A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appointed in the earthly paradise, will not be known in the heavenly one. It is no wonder if we confuse ourselves with foolish errors, when we form our ideas of the world of spirits by the affairs of this world of sense. It is absurd to think that the living God should be the portion and happiness of a man if he is for ever dead; and therefore it is certain that Abraham's soul exists and acts, though now for a time separate from the body. Those that deny the resurrection greatly err, and ought to be told so. Let us seek to pass through this dying world, with a joyful hope of eternal happiness, and of a glorious resurrection.