Matthew 7:14

Strait] RV 'narrow.' Narrow] RV 'straitened.' Few there be that find it] lit. 'few be they who are finding it.' In St. Luke the disciples definitely ask, 'Lord, are they few that be saved?' but Jesus avoids a direct answer, bidding them look to themselves, and take care that they themselves enter by the narrow door. So here Jesus does not solve the mystery of the ultimate destiny of human souls. He refuses to say what proportion of mankind will be finally lost or saved, but he does say that the majority of men do not, in this world at least, choose the narrow way that leads to life. Whether after this life God will interpose to save them from their doom, and will apply to them some chastening discipline which may bring them to a better mind is not revealed. It may be so. Holy Scripture contains certain hints in this direction (1 Peter 3:19; 1 Peter 4:6), but nowhere gives any clear hope, lest men should be encouraged to neglect their opportunities of repentance in this life: see on Matthew 12:32.