GREATEST; in that the kingdom on earth which they, in common with their countrymen, thought the Messiah would set up. Greatness in the view of men differs much from greatness in the sight of God. Men must give up seeking the one, in order to obtain the other. Among those who have right views of true... [ Continue Reading ]
A LITTLE CHILD; this he did to correct their false notions about his kingdom, to show them that it was spiritual, and that spiritual excellence, not outward splendor or authority, constituted greatness in it.... [ Continue Reading ]
CONVERTED; changed in their views and character. AS LITTLE CHILDREN; humble, docile, submissive, obedient. Many of the characteristics of little children afford important instruction to mankind.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN MY NAME; from love to me, and because he belongs to me. Jesus Christ takes a deep interest in even the least and feeblest of his people, and views what is done to them as done to himself. Chap. Matthew 25:40.... [ Continue Reading ]
WOE UNTO THE WORLD; great evils will come on the world through the offences which men will commit. NEEDS BE, such is the wickedness of men, that they will lead others to commit sin.... [ Continue Reading ]
HAND-FOOT-EYE; these represent our strongest earthly desires and our dearest earthly possessions. These must all be denied and renounced rather than that we, by sinning ourselves, should be occasions of sin to others. Compare chap. Matthew 5:29-30. However convenient or dear any thing may be, if it... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE LITTLE ONES; these disciples of mine, who are little ones in character. See note on ver Matthew 18:3. The precept has reference to all Christ's humble followers, but is more especially applicable to those who are poor and obscure. THEIR ANGELS; who are sent forth to minister to them. Hebrews... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT WHICH WAS LOST; sinners. God and angels rejoice over their salvation. To illustrate this, he spoke a parable.... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICETH MORE; this was natural. So with God. He rejoices in the salvation of the wandering and exposed. Of course, all should labor for this end. One way in which they could do it, he proceeded to point out in ver. Matthew 18:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
The seeking and saving of those who are lost, and the bringing of them to the fold of the Redeemer, gives joy to angels and to God.... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAR THEE; if he is reclaimed. GAINED THY BROTHER; thou hast been instrumental in restoring him. The way to reclaim an offending brother is for some brother to go and converse with him ALONE. If this is not effectual, he is to take one or two more, and converse with him again. If that is not effect... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT HEAR; if he persevere in the wrong. ESTABLISHED; fully proved. Deuteronomy 19:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
NEGLECT TO HEAR THEM; if they cannot reclaim him. HEATHEN MAN; let him have no more connection with the church than you would allow to an open idolater.... [ Continue Reading ]
YE SHALL BIND-LOOSE; that is, the disciples who constitute the church spoken of in the preceding verse. This, which had been before said to Peter, chap Matthew 16:19, is now said to the disciples generally, and it conferred as much power on them, as it did on him, and it promised as many blessings t... [ Continue Reading ]
ANY THING; that is agreeable to his will.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN MY NAME; under my authority, and for the purpose of doing any thing connected with the advancement of my kingdom. IN THE MIDST; I am present with them, to hear and bless them.... [ Continue Reading ]
However numerous or aggravated are the offences of any brother, if he give evidence of penitence by confessing and forsaking his sins, all are bound to forgive him.... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN; we are not to limit our forgiveness to any definite number of offences, but to forgive as often as we are injured.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; the dealings of Christ with men in the end of the world and the day of judgment, which were to usher in the last and crowning stage of his mediatorial dispensation. See Matthew 3:2; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:24, etc.... [ Continue Reading ]
TEN THOUSAND TALENTS; an immense sum, which he could never pay.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO BE SOLD; it was customary then for creditors to sell debtors and their families for a sufficient length of time to pay their debts.... [ Continue Reading ]
A HUNDRED PENCE; a very small sum compared with ten thousand talents.... [ Continue Reading ]
TORMENTORS; those who had authority to examine and extort confessions by torture.... [ Continue Reading ]
DO ALSO UNTO YOU; if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us, but will punish us as we deserve. An unforgiving spirit is the spirit of perdition.... [ Continue Reading ]