Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee,
&c.] In person; therefore he sent the elders of the Jews to him first, and now some of his friends, who delivered these words in his name:
but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed;
speak but the word only, rebuke the distemper, command it off, and it will be gone; so great was his faith in the power of Christ.