Ἰωάννης. The mention of John points to the connection between this parable and the preceding incident.

ἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης. A Hebrew expression. Cp. τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, ch. Matthew 22:16; ὁδὸν σωτηρίας, Acts 16:17. The Christian doctrine was called in a special sense ἡ ὁδός (Acts 19:9; Acts 19:23).

ἰδόντες, viz. that the publicans and the harlots believed him.

οὐ μετεμελήθητε. Did not even change your minds, much less repented in the deeper sense; see above, Matthew 21:29.

τοῦ πιστεῦσαι. For this consecutive formula see note ch. Matthew 2:13.

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Old Testament