And He strictly commanded them not to make His identity known.
Christ did not want testimony about His person to come from an unclean source. Even though the demons’ words in this case were true in content, they could not become a fitting means of true testimony. He Himself was to be revealed according to the Father’s will, at the proper time and in the right way. He did not allow the powers of darkness to mingle in any way with the course of His revelation. This is an important spiritual principle. Not every true statement comes from the right spirit or serves the right purpose. The truth of Christ must be preached with holiness, obedience, and in God’s order. Moreover, the Lord does not want the people to form an opinion about Him only through sudden emotions or confused impressions. His person must be known not only from manifestations of power, but also from His teaching, His works, His cross, and resurrection.