THE SEA-SIDE - This was the Sea of Tiberias. The multitude stood on the shore near to him, so that he could be easily heard. He went into a ship - that is, a boat; and sat down to address them. Few spectacles could be more interesting than a vast crowd on the hanks of a smooth and tranquil sea - an... [ Continue Reading ]
IN PARABLES - The word “parable” is derived from a Greek word signifying “to compare together,” and denotes a similitude taken from a natural object to illustrate a spiritual or moral subject. It is a narrative of some fictitious or real event, in order to illustrate more clearly some truth that the... [ Continue Reading ]
Christ, in these verses, gives a “reason” why he used this manner of instruction. See also Mark 4:10; Luke 8:9. Matthew 13:11 THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM - The word “mystery,” in the Bible, properly means a thing that is “concealed,” or that “has been concealed.” It does not mean that the thing w... [ Continue Reading ]
See also Mark 4:13; Luke 8:11. “Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the sower.” That is, hear the “explanation” or the “spiritual meaning” of the narrative given before. Mark adds Mark 4:13, “Know ye not this parable? And how, then, shall ye know all parables?” By which it seems that the Saviour rega... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKENED ... - That is, the “gospel resembles.” The kingdom of heaven (see the notes at Matthew 3:2) means here the effect of the gospel by its being preached. The meaning of this parable is plain. The field represents the “world,” in which the gospel is preached. The “good s... [ Continue Reading ]
See also Mark 4:30. The kingdom of heavens See the notes at Matthew 3:2. It means here either piety in a renewed heart or the church. In either case the commencement is small. In the heart it is at first feeble, easily injured, and much exposed. In the church there were few at first, ignorant, unkno... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - The meaning here is the same as in the last parable; perhaps, however, intending to denote more properly the secret and hidden nature of piety in the soul. The other parable declared the “fact” that the gospel would greatly spread, and that piety in the heart would greatly in... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED - This is taken from Psalms 78:2. The sense, and not the very words of the Psalm, are given. Christ taught, as did that prophet - Asaph - in parables. The words of Asaph described the manner in which Christ taught, and in this sense it could be said that they were fulfille... [ Continue Reading ]
DECLARE UNTO US - That is, explain the meaning of the parable. This was done in so plain a manner as to render comment unnecessary. The Son of man, the Lord Jesus, sows the good seed - that is, preaches the gospel. This he did personally, and does now by his ministers, his providence, and his Spirit... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - The gospel. The new dispensation. The offer of eternal life. See the notes at Matthew 3:2. The Saviour in this parable compares that kingdom to treasure hid in a field; that is, to money concealed; or more likely to a mine of silver or gold that was unknown to the owner of th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A MERCHANTMAN - The meaning is, that the proper seeking for salvation, or the proper conduct in reference to religion, is like the conduct of a “merchantman.” In his searches he found one pearl of great value, and sold all his possessions to obtain it. So, says the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A NET ... - This parable does not differ in meaning from that of the tares. The gospel is compared to a net dragging along on the bottom of a lake, and collecting all - good and bad. The gospel may be expected to do the same; but in the end of the world, when the n... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus kindly asked them whether they had understood these things. If not, he was still willing to teach them. He enjoined on them their duty to make a proper use of this knowledge by speaking another parable. EVERY SCRIBE WHICH IS INSTRUCTED UNTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - That is, every man that is a... [ Continue Reading ]
INTO HIS OWN COUNTRY - That is, into Nazareth. Mark, who has also recorded this Mark 6:1, says that it took place on the Sabbath. It was common for our Saviour to speak in the synagogues. Any Jew had a fight to address the people, if called on by the minister; and our Saviour often availed himself o... [ Continue Reading ]
IS NOT THIS THE CARPENTER’S SON? - Mark says, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” Both these expressions would probably be used in the course of the conversation, and Matthew has recorded one and Mark the other. The expression recorded by Mark is a strong, perhaps decisive proof that he ha... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM - That is, they took offence at his humble birth, and at the indigent circumstances of his family. They were too proud to be taught by one who, in family connections, they took to be their equal or inferior. People always look with envy on those of their own rank who ad... [ Continue Reading ]
DID NOT MANY MIGHTY WORKS - Miracles. This implies that he performed some miracles. Mark tells us what they were: “He laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them,” Mark 6:5. BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF - That is, it would have been useless to the great purposes of his mission to have worked mi... [ Continue Reading ]