Matthew 23:15

compass "go about," "traverse." The word is used of our Lord's "circuits" in Galilee, ch. Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35.

proselyte Literally, one who approaches, hence, "a worshipper," (cp. Hebrews 10:1), "a convert." The Pharisee, St Paul, carried with him into his new faith the same zeal, with a higher motive. He describes (2 Corinthians 11:26) "the perils by water, perils in the city, and perils in the wilderness," which this eager "compassing of land and sea" brought to him.

Judaism has been classed among the non-missionary religions. This is true at the present day, and through most of its history. Indeed, Rabbinical sayings display jealousy of proselytes. On the other hand, John Hyrcanus imposed Judaism on Edom at the point of the sword (1Ma 5:65-66). The conversion is recorded of whole tribes in Arabia, and on the shores of the Caspian. Also, it appears from the Acts that the number of proselytes in Asia Minor and in Greece was considerable. And in later days Solomon Malco, a Portuguese Jew, was burnt to death under Charles V. on a charge of proselytizing. Probably the proselytism in the text is connected with the charge of rapacity; the Pharisees seeking to convert wealthy Gentiles, over whom they obtained influence.

child of hell Rather, son of Gehenna.

twofold more the child of hell than yourselves In accordance with a tendency in new converts to exaggerate the external points of the creed which they adopt, Gentile proselytes strained to the utmost the worst features of Pharisaism.