20 'There were then seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying, he left no seed; 21 and the second took her, and died, neither left he seed, and the third in like manner, 22 and the seven took her, and left no seed, last of all died also the woman; 23 in the rising again, then, whenever they may rise, of which of them shall she be wife—for the seven had her as wife?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:20-23
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.