You must change and become like little children. 18 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The greatness of sin magnifies the riches of pardoning mercy; and the comfortable sense of pardoning mercy, does much to dispose our hearts to forgive our brethren. Now the birth of Jesus Christ The Evangelist having finished the genealogy of Christ, proceeds to give an account of his birth, which includes both his conception and bringing forth; and which he says was on this wise, (outwv) so, "after this manner", and which was very wonderful and astonishing; There are many poor souls who are tortured by their own unforgiveness toward others. As Matthew comes to the final three verses of his Gospel, he encapsulates the primary thrust of the whole book. Yet it would bring some measure of justice. The risen Jesus gives his Great Commission to the disciples . Yet forgiveness can be one-sided. a. The master's wonderful clemency. “Our meeting is in the name of Jesus, and therefore there he is; near, not only to the leader, or to the minister, but in the midst, and therefore near to each worshipper.” (Spurgeon), ii. 18:6-7, 10-22 Nov. 04, 2007; Matthew 18:21-35 Forgive Early and Often; EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - John Gibson. a. And shall any of us refuse attention to those whom the Son of God came to seek and to save? The humbled sinner relies only on free, abounding mercy, through the ransom of the death of Christ. What possible right do we have to hold on to our unforgiveness? Matthew 18 Commentary; EXPLORE THE BIBLE. The master reproved his servant's cruelty. The ESV Study Bible has this to say about Matthew 18:16: “Evidence of two or three witnesses follows the guideline in Deut. That all Christians are, in some sense or other, one, in our Lord's eyes, is plain, from various parts of the New Testament. i. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. You wicked servant… delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him: When the master heard of this, he was understandably angry. Chapter 18 The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. God stands as One who has never been forgiven and never needed forgiveness; I stand as one who has been forgiven and needs continual forgiveness. Therefore the master commanded to sell the debtor, his family, and all he had. Since God does not forgive us apart from repentance, so we should not forgive others unless they properly repent to us. So My heavenly Father also will do to you: The principle is clear. Asking for forgiveness is an act of humility. A Caring Community Matt. It was actually 1/600,000 of the debt owed to the master by the first servant. ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. For example, a homeowner may personally forgive the man who robbed his house, yet it is still appropriate for the robber to be arrested and put in jail. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. 2 Jesus called a child to come to him. “We incur greater wrath by refusing to forgive than by all the rest of our indebtedness.” (Spurgeon). The mystery of Christ’s incarnation is to be adored, not pried into. viii. iii. 100 denarii was roughly equal to 100 days’ wages. His master commanded that he be sold: Of course, the man was not able to pay. Commentary on Ezekiel 33:7-11. “Many a poor sinner is very rich in resolutions. Commentary on Matthew 18:1-6 (Read Matthew 18:1-6) Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Matthew Henry's Commentary – Verses 18–25 . Ask a child to apologize, to admit his or her wrong-doing, and you will discover the early limits of our empathy. All Rights Reserved. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. (21-35). Verses 18–25. Let us seek more and more for the renewing grace of God, to teach us to forgive others as we hope for forgiveness from him. “Those who will not forgive cannot expect to be forgiven.” (France) As James later wrote, judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. You can check these in your browser security settings. © 2021 Christianity.com. And I say also unto thee Either besides what he had already said concerning his happiness; or, as the father had revealed something great and valuable, so likewise would he; or inasmuch as he had freely said and declared who, and what he was, in like manner he also would say what Peter was, thou art Peter: intimating, that he was rightly called Peter, or Cephas, by him, when … v. It is also important to understand that a distinction can and should be made between forgiveness and reconciliation. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 18:15-20 If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. If each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses: With this, Jesus taught an important and often neglected principle regarding forgiveness. ( = Mar 9:33-50 Luk 9:46-50). The debt of sin is so great, that we are not able to pay it. (1-6) Caution against offences. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. (1-6) Caution against offences. (15-20) Conduct towards brethren, The parable of the unmerciful servant. “There is no word I am acquainted with, which so fully expresses the meaning of the original…as the Anglo-Saxon term throttle: it signified (like the Greek) to half choke a person, by seizing his throat.” (Clarke), iii. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Though we live wholly on mercy and forgiveness, we are backward to forgive the offences of our brethren. Resources » Commentaries » Matthew » Chapter 18 » exegesis. Matthew 18 – Qualities and Attitudes of Kingdom Citizens Among the separatist community at Qumran – those who kept the Dead Sea Scrolls, later discovered in the 20th Century – there was a “Manual of Discipline” (known as 1QS by scholars). This servant-debtor thought he only needed patience; but indeed he needed forgiveness!” (Spurgeon). For the exposition, see on JF & B for Mr 9:33-50. Matthew 18:18–19. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. ii. b. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. FURTHER TEACHING ON THE SAME SUBJECT INCLUDING THE PARABLE OF … The servant's unreasonable severity toward his fellow-servant, notwithstanding his lord's clemency toward him. Have patience with me, and I will pay you all: The man who owed the smaller debt used the exact same plea and promise that brought mercy to the man who had the greater debt. vii. “So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all: The promise of the servant made no sense. Commentary on Matthew 18:1-9. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. If we, through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live. STRIFE AMONG THE TWELVE WHO SHOULD BE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, WITH RELATIVE TEACHING. i. Here is the explanation of the mystery in Verse 18, and the source of the unity in Verse 19. I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. The debt was real. There are three things in the parable: 1. It is the folly of many who are under strong convictions of their sins, to fancy they can make God satisfaction for the wrong they have done him. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits. Nevertheless, the principle clearly stands. Who owed him ten thousand talents: Commentators list the modern value of 10,000 talents as anywhere between $12 million and $1 billion USD. Verse 6 [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. From his heart: This makes the command all the stronger. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”. Additionally, we remember the punishment of the unforgiving man in the parable of Jesus: the master delivered him to the torturers. This was not an insignificant amount, but it was almost nothing compared to the debt forgiven by his master. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life … b. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . Some people leave a church saying, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid Him.”, i. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.”. He spoke as if all he needed were patience; that if he were given enough time he could actually pay this massive debt. 3 He said, ‘I tell you this. Commentary on Matthew 18:15-20. We may request cookies to be set on your device. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.”. i. Comment by Alford on Mt 24:21 describing the "Great Tribulation" showing that he is at least in part "futuristic": "Our Lord still has in view the prophecy of Daniel (Da 12:1), and this citation … There are many sincere Christians who withhold forgiveness from others for mistaken reasons – and they feel entirely justified in doing so. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. The outward occasions of sin must be avoided. Let our complaints, both of the wickedness of the wicked, and of the afflictions of the afflicted, be brought to God, and left with him. First Reading. This parable shows us why it is incorrect for us to think, “God doesn’t forgive me without my repentance; therefore I must withhold forgiveness from others who sin against me until they properly repent.” That thinking is wrong, because I do not stand in the same place as God in the equation, and I never can. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. (7-14) The removal of offences. “Others could see the evil of his conduct if he could not.” (Spurgeon) Sometimes we are painfully – and to our embarrassment – blind to our own sinful, fleshly conduct. Click on the different category headings to find out more. The Gospel According to Matthew Commentary by DAVID BROWN CHAPTER 18 Mat 18:1-9. Matthew 19 Chapter 18 The importance of humility. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Read his fascinating brief biography - Henry Alford and Phil Johnson's related comments/p>. Read commentary on this popular Bible verse and understand the real meaning behind God's Word using John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.”. It was his fellow servants that recognized the wrong that was done. Not that we may make light of wronging our neighbour, for that is also a sin against God; but we should not aggravate our neighbour's wronging us, nor study revenge. a. Compare Luke 17:3. People who read this, “Therefore be somewhat stingy with forgiveness as your Father in heaven is somewhat stingy with forgiveness” miss the whole point of the parable. Matthew 18 - IVP New Testament Commentaries . Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”. The Unity of the Church. Being told before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and bad examples, let us stand on our guard. The sayings on binding and loosing in Matthew 18:18 (and 16:19) have presented a puzzle that resists precise resolution. Christ came into the world to save souls, and he will reckon severely with those who hinder the progress of others who are setting their faces heavenward. He took him by the throat. Peter, in light of what Jesus said about agreement and unity, hoped to sound extremely loving by suggesting forgiving a repentant brother up to seven times when three times was the accepted limit taught by many Jewish rabbis of that time. vi. We do not forgive our offending brother aright, if we do not forgive from the heart. HENRY ALFORD (1810-1871) The New Testament for English Readers Matthew Commentary. This parable shows how much provocation God has from his family on earth, and how untoward his servants are. 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye … i. i. Therefore, one day he examined their work and would settle accounts with them. On a personal level, forgiveness is required. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 18:15-20 If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. Some people think Matthew 18 is an early church version of a “Manual of Disciple.” Yet there is a great difference between Matthew 18 and what the Essenes of Qumran had. God permits them for wise and holy ends, that those who are sincere, and those who are not, may be made known. b. It means that he should be proclaimed and revealed to all. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Unlimited is surely the idea behind up to seventy times seven; it would be strange if Jesus expected us to count offenses against us up to 490, and at the 491st offense, to deny forgiveness. Addressing Stumbling Blocks Seriously. c. The master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt: The master showed mercy prompted by compassion, forgiving a debt that obviously could never be repaid – despite whatever promises the servant made. Matthew 16:18. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. This principle must be applied in the little things done to us, but also to the great things done unto us. If anyone had the right to withhold forgiveness it is God – and He forgives more freely and more completely than anyone we know. Matthew 1:18. ix. It was just wrong for a man who has been forgiven so much to then be so unforgiving. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! Resources » Matthew Henry's Commentary » Matthew » Chapter 1 » Verses 18–25. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. It is to this one body, regarded as one, that the special privileges of the Gospel are given. (Matthew 18:20 RSV) Don't miss the force of that little introductory word,for: "For, where two or three are gathered together in my name." Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. In context, this parable was given to make us more forgiving, not less forgiving. a. This would not satisfy the debt; slaves at their top price were sold at a talent each (and usually sold for much less). Yet this is not enough; we must seek the welfare even of those who offend us. i. ii. One of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii: The servant who had just been forgiven an unpayable debt went out and found the one who owed him money. But it gained nothing, and the forgiven servant put the man into a debtor’s prison. (15-20) Conduct towards brethren, The parable of the unmerciful servant. Matthew 18 Commentary; EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - A B Bruce. This is both a startling grant of authority and a warning to the disciples. Wickedness, sin, death, blood — this week’s selection from Ezekiel 33 can be a difficult and jarring read for those of us not overly familiar with the book of Ezekiel and its sometimes bizarre judgment speeches. Benson Commentary Matthew 28:18. Mat 18:10-35. It is better to say that forgiveness is evidence of truly being forgiven, and that habitual unforgiveness may show that a person’s heart has never really been touched by the love of Jesus. Since we have been forgiven so much, we have no right to withhold forgiveness from others. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. What does Matthew 18:3 mean? Their reasoning works like this: We should not forgive another person who sins against us until they are properly repentant. But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life … Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. iv. View Matthew 18:15-20. And Jesus came and spake unto them — Even unto those mentioned in the last clause, who at first doubted, but whose doubts were afterward fully removed, and probably by his drawing near, and speaking familiarly with them. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. i. “The debt was very, very small, but the claim was urged with intense ferocity. When his fellow servants saw what had been done: There is no mention in the parable of the first servant’s conscience bothering him about his conduct. We are not to suppose that God actually forgives men, and afterwards reckons their guilt to them to condemn them; but this latter part of the parable shows the false conclusions many draw as to their sins being pardoned, though their after-conduct shows that they never entered into the spirit, or experienced the sanctifying grace of the gospel. The figure clearly represents an unpayable debt. “The Rabbis discussed this question, and recommended not more than three times…Peter’s seven times is therefore generous, but Jesus’ reply does away with all limits and calculations.” (France). Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us. Our little claims against our fellow men are too apt to be pressed upon them with unsparing severity.” (Spurgeon). If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. We even have the duty to withhold such forgiveness and to judge their repentance, because it is ultimately in their best interest to do so. How justly will those be condemned, who, though they bear the Christian name, persist in unmerciful treatment of their brethren! Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. This is because repentance is mentioned in the context of our commands to forgive (such as in Luke 17:4), and because our forgiveness to others is to be modeled after God’s forgiveness of us. 1 Soon after this, the disciples came to Jesus and they asked him, ‘Who is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?’. With authority comes … Continue reading "Commentary on Matthew 18:15-20" Who wanted to settle accounts with his servants: The king in this parable expected his servants to be faithful and honorable in the way they conducted his business. (Matthew 18:1) The term 'greatest' is actually 'greater' in the Greek, but the meaning is the same. Up to seventy times seven: Jesus answered unexpectedly, saying we are to forgive the repentant an unlimited number of times. We are the debtor forgiven almost an infinite debt; will we hold on to the small debts others owe to us? “If we forgive in words only, but not from our hearts, we remain under the same condemnation.” (Spurgeon). Being corrected is painful, for it brings to mind how we have failed, especially how we have let down those we love. See here what every sin deserves; this is the wages of sin, to be sold as a slave. This thinking – even if it means well – is incorrect and ultimately dangerous. He is in the midst, there to be close to all. Matthew 18 Commentary; EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS - excerpts from other sermons. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information.