_Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners_ That is, some of all the different classes of publicans, or all those of that place, and some other notorious sinners; _for to hear him_ Being influenced to do so through the condescension and kindness which he manifested toward all description... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he spake this parable_ That he might justify his conversing freely with sinners, in order to their reformation and salvation, he spake the parable of the lost sheep, which he had delivered once before, and also two other parables, which all declare, in direct contrariety to the Pharisees and sc... [ Continue Reading ]
_Either what woman_ As if he had said, To illustrate the matter by another obvious similitude, that it may yet more powerfully strike your minds, _what woman, having ten pieces of silver_ Though each of them but of the value of a _drachma;_ or about seven pence halfpenny, and the whole only about si... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he said_, &c. Christ delivered next the parable of the lost or prodigal son: “which of all his parables,” says Dr. Macknight, “is the most delightful, not only as it enforces a doctrine incomparably joyous, but because it abounds with the tender passions, is finely painted with the most beautif... [ Continue Reading ]
_And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together_ Having gotten possession of his fortune, he lost no time, but, gathering together all he had, _took his journey into a far country_ That he might be wholly from under the eye of his parent, who was a person of great piety, and be freed... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when he came to himself_ When the infamy and distress of his present condition began to lead him into serious consideration; and he so far recovered the use of his reason, which had before been dethroned and extinguished by the mad intoxication of sensual pleasure; when the great distress he wa... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he arose and came to his father_ Having taken the resolution of returning to his father, he put it immediately in execution; setting out just as he was, barefooted, and all in rags, and being obliged, doubtless, to beg his way. But did his father receive him? Was he welcome? Yes, heartily welco... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the son said_ The perturbation which the aged parent was in, with ecstasy of joy, hindered him from speaking; so the poor, ragged, meager creature, locked in his arms, began and made his acknowledgments with a tone of voice expressive of the deepest contrition. _Father, I have sinned against he... [ Continue Reading ]
_For this my son was dead_ Was considered by me as dead; _and is alive again_ “It is by a very common and beautiful emblem, that vicious persons are represented as dead, both by sacred and profane authors; and the natural death of their children would be less grievous to pious parents than to see th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now his older son was in the field_ The older son seems to represent the Pharisees and scribes mentioned Luke 15:2. And now while every one in the family heartily joined in expressing their joy on account of the safe return of the second son, the older brother, happening to come from the field, hea... [ Continue Reading ]
_But he answering, said to his father_ The kindness and respect which his father showed him on this occasion, did not soften him in the least. He stubbornly persisted in his anger, and answered the affectionate speeches of his parent with nothing but loud and haughty accusations of his conduct. _The... [ Continue Reading ]
_It was meet that we should make merry and be glad_ Both reason and natural affection justify me in calling the whole family to rejoice on the present occasion. _For this thy brother was dead_, &c. As thy brother is returned to us sensible of his folly, and determined to lead a new life in future, h... [ Continue Reading ]