PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2
Arthur Lukyn Williams [1853-1943] · 606,924 words · 664 reading sections
The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 181
make'] three tal>f'rnacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." He knew not what he said. He would have remained on the holy mount in the enjoy- ment of the heavenly vision ; but it might not be. These glimpses of heavenly sweet- ness are not for long. God has work for his servants upon earth. Somet…
924 wordsSECTION 182The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 182
God are very precious, but very, very sacred. They are not to be thoughtlessly -0.ivulged; not to be talked about commonly; they are too deep and holy. Free talk on such subjects tends to produce spiritual pride in some, irreverence in others. The true Christian will speak of these blessed tastes of God's graciousnes…
880 wordsSECTION 183The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 183
felt instinctively that there was help and comfort. One man disenuaued himself from the crowd. He came in haste to Christ. He knelt down before hi;1 in the attitude of humble and earnest supplication. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he so.id. He told all the sad atory. His son was lunatic, sore vexed, afflicted with t…
889 wordsSECTION 184The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 184
was so fierce, so strong. Bo we may pray for cases that seem almost desperate. Tho poor lad could not pray for himself; the Lord listened to the father's prayer. Let us pray for others, for our relations and near friends, for all who need onr prayers. Only let us take heed that our prayers are lifted up in faith. There…
872 wordsSECTION 185The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 185
yet 0f the traitor. He predicts his approaching death ; he predicts his resurrection on the third day. The! were exce~ding sorry; they understood not that saying, says St. Mark, and were afnud to ask him. The Lord had now told them of his death twice and that very plainly ; but they could not, they would not, take i…
1,136 wordsSECTION 186The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 186
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere, 1-8.-The Transfigwrati<>n. Raphael's famous picture at the Vatican give& us an external representation of this wonderful event. But we want to get behind the canvas and discover the meaning of it, if it is to be something more to WI than! a theatrical transformation scene, something …
588 wordsSECTION 187The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 187
pleased him. At first this was on account of the innocent character of Jesus and his resolve to_dedi~te hin:iself to ~is work in baptism; now it is because of the' courage and devot10n with which he will face death. 2. God commends his Son to men, "Hear y~ h~." This is the add~tion. Christ has discipl~ ~ow ;_ and Ch…
835 wordsSECTION 188The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 188
they will do for them what they would never attempt for themselves. It Is not enough to have compassion for a great affliction. Love will search for remedies. 1. The parent brings his child to Ohrist's disciples. He is not to blame for thi.'!, because (1) Christ himself was out of reach; and (2) the disciples had re…
1,136 wordsSECTION 189The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 189
Vers. 24:-27.-CJhrist paying tribute. I. THE QUESTIONmG DEMAND, The collector1t of tribute asked with uncertainty, but perhaps also with suspicion and a desire- to entrap St. Peter, whether Christ paid the regular temple-tribute. This was expected of our Lord because he was a Jew. St. Peter answered in the affirmati…
576 wordsSECTION 190The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 190
a aubject, he revealed his true kingly supremacy even over nature, in the fish of the sea.-W. F. A. Vera. 1-8.-The Transfiguration. The intention of this scene seems to have been to inaugurate the sufferings of Christ, and to set him apart as the Lamb of God who was to take away the sin of the world. Being a public …
856 wordsSECTION 191The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 191
mation of Christ by God himself. The one utterance of God in New Testament times is this intimation, three times heard by Christ, that by laying down his life for sinners God was well pleased with him. Only by coming can you please him. Indifference to the voice would have been guilt in the apostles; it is equal guilt …
917 wordsSECTION 192The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 192
KIND, The harping of David may be enongb to cast oul some devils, bnt others laugh to scorn the exorcism of nine apostles, What of yowr equipment in this warfare? You have a faith that has proved iteeH equal to some duty and fit for service of a kind. But are there n?t sins in_ you which sometimes assume a very alarmin…
914 wordsSECTION 193The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 193
is still future. The Transfiguration, then, muet be viewed as a aymbolio anticipation and pledge of the kingdom, and Peter and James and John were those referred to who Ehould not taste death until they had seen the Son of man coming in his kingdom• and they saw this when they were "eye-witnesses of his majesty on t…
895 wordsSECTION 194The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 194
burled. Then there was II contention about this (see Jude 9). Was it with respect to the appoore.nce of Moses in this scene? (2) It was a sampfe or the first resurrection. The resurrection of the just will take place in two acts (see Rev. xx. 4--6). Jn the first resurrection the "ancients" will appear in glory with Chr…
881 wordsSECTION 195The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 195
roundly e.~ouneed himself ~ be t~at voice in the wilderness of which Isaiah Rpako (see John 1. 23). 3. In this qual,ity John was recognized by Juus. (1) He did so practically, for he did not commence his preaching until John had ended hie public ministry. Thus: "When he heard that John was delivered uf, he withdrew …
921 wordsSECTION 196The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 196
tion of the LRw of commandments contained in ordinances was not ripe until after the Resurrection. 2, 'fhe glory of the Resurrection would render more credible the testimony concerning the Transfiguration, Had the testimony been given earlier, the sufferings of Christ would probably he urged against its credibility. 3.…
880 wordsSECTION 197The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 197
CRme to save hie people from their sins. So the promise ie, " In the day that ye seek me ye shall find me, when ye search for me with your whok heart." (2) Then seize the candle of the Lord, and search your heart to see what has hindered your salvation. Have you made restitution in that you have robbed? Have you made r…
913 wordsSECTION 198The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 198
light. We know Ohrist only as he reveals himself. The revelation was given, not to the tax-gatherer, but to Peter. Truth ie variously seen as it is viewed in relation to the world and in relation to Christ. The Word gives a distinct testimony to the worldly and '° the spiritual. (3) But where is the point of the refere…
919 wordsSECTION 199The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 199
glimpses of the private life and experience of Jesus with which the ordinary disciples had no dire~t 001;1cern. It _need not have been told us how, or when, or where Jesus conducted his private devotions, or what happened on such occasions. Jesus had these three with him for two reasons. 1. For company. 2. That the …
819 wordsSECTION 200The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 200
of Moeee and Eliae euggeste far-off unknown relations to, and vibrations of joy to, the pre-Messianic children of light." "He conversed with his great predecessors, Moses and Elias, who could thoroughly eympathize with him, and whose work his death was to fulfil." These were the two men most profoundly interested in th…
781 wordsSECTION 201The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 201
For the present the permanent thing was the human body, with its limitations, endurances, and sufferings. But the relief-moments must have brought holiest Joy. (For Christ's voluntary limitations, see Phil. ii.) ll THE TRANllITORY 18 THE BEASON OF ITTGH REVELATION; THE PERMANENT 18 THI: CO'IDIONPLAOE, EVERYDA y CHRI…
778 wordsSECTION 202The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 202
Passover after Passover the J ewe of our own day place the Paschal cup on the table, and set the door wide open, believing tbn.t that is the moment when Elijah will reappear. When goods are found and no owner comes, when difficulties arise and no solution appears, the answer is, 'Put them by till Elijah comes'" (Stanle…
846 wordsSECTION 203The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 203
Ver. 21.-Self-d~cipline_ then secret of _moral power. "Howbeit this kind goeth not out bot by prnyer _and f&S~mg. There 1s some uncertainty about the word "fasting." The Revised Version om1ts the verse altogether. It is found however in Mark's Gospel, and introduces a valuable topio, which finds other expression i~ …
817 wordsSECTION 204The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 204
IV. THE IlESUBBEOTION WAS TilE TIME WHEJI HE COULD BECOME THE SPIRITUAL POWEB HE WANTED TO DE. This point will open out with some freshness. Jesus always wanted to be a spiritual power in the souls of men. While he was in the body, the body seemed both to help and to hinder both him and them. It was a necessary help fo…
801 wordsSECTION 205The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 205
when they were asb!lmed to e.nswer, be to wbfob was upbolden e.s the o.cme of ex- added, "If any man desire to be first, the cellence, Obrist here asserts to be the only same shall be last of all, and sorvant of e.11." paesport to his idee.l Church on earth or ita Oar Gospel here takes up the story. The eternal deve…
1,059 wordsSECTION 206The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 206
This" recoivlng" Ohrist Is a Car higher and la not an ab30lute, but a relative, necessity. hotter thing than being "greatest " in an Man's heart is evil, his tendencies e.re evil, earthly kingdom. temptation is strong, Be.tan ia active; all Ver. 6.-There Is an opposite side to this these forces oombine to bring abou…
1,019 wordsSECTION 207The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 207
tion agi,.inet m11,king too much of ekill,derler- present tense, do always behold), but tho i ty. nnd 11,droitness in bnsinesS11,nd occupation. angels especially appointed to wotoh ond 'J'Lere is a enbtle snare in them; they may protect them-their guardian angels. 'l'his dr,1w the he&rt away from God,and must be doc…
1,023 wordsSECTION 208The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 208
emptied himself of bis glory and beeame which, catching clouds and dew, are never mo.n in order to save them ? The general without fresh grass. So Pa. cxlvii. 8, "Who term," that whioh was loet," is expresll(d by covereth the heaven with clouds, who pre- the neuter po.rtioi pie, to show tho.t there is pareth rain for t…
991 wordsSECTION 209The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 209
thee (,lr ,r<'). The brother is a brother in vi. I, eto. ; I Tim. i. 20). Christ had already the fRith, a fellow-ChristiRn. The words, BJ>Oken of his Eoolesia in his commenda- " against thee," are omitted in the Sinaitio tion of Peter'a great confession ( eh. xvl 18); and Vatican Mannaoripts, and by BOme BO the twel…
980 wordsSECTION 210The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 210
ropreaentativea-tbe apoatlea. Whether the worship. It is a simpler form of the word verdict we.a the excommunico.Ucn or the need in Hob. L 25, "Not forsaking the offender ("bind"). or hie pe.rdon and re- e.eeembling of olll'88lves together." In my storation (" loose '), the mtiflce.tion of the No.me (,i, -rb iµ),v 1…
1,036 wordsSECTION 211The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 211
avenged sevenfold, truly LRmeoh seventy means to compare receipts, expenditure, and and sevenfold " (Gen. iv. 24:). Olirietian bale.noo. One we.1 broqht u.nto him, The de- forgiveness must be extended as far as old- faulter did not come of himself and own his world vengeanoe. Mercy rejoices against delinquency, but …
982 wordsSECTION 212The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 212
eto. ; but this result baa no be11ring on the m11y be stated more accurately as I to lessening or the original debt. 1,250,000. The enormous difference between Ver. 26.-Worshipped him, Prostrated these two amounts represents the dispro- himself before the monarch, and in this portion between the offences of our neigh-…
978 wordsSECTION 213The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 213
e.gainst sin is God's &ttribnte (ver. 84), supremely deteetable. In e. mystical sense sorrow appertains to men. These h&ve e. these nro the ministers of Divine venge11noo fellow-feeling for the sinner, in that they who oarry out the behests of the King. Till are conscious that in their own heart there he should pay;…
1,213 wordsSECTION 214The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 214
HOMILETICS. Vers.1-14.-The lietls cmes. I. THEIR EXAMPLE. 1. The questi<m of the apostles. They bad not yet learned the great lesson of humility. Perhaps the favour shown to Peter, James, and John had excited jealousies among them. On their way to Caper- naum they had disputed who should be the greatest. After all the…
725 wordsSECTION 215The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 215
Ise.. vi. 10, the active h1trrp'1/,o,aw is used three times, the pe.ssive npa~,-tT•• once. God sometimes comme.nds his people, "Turn ye even to me with all your hearts·" and sometimes we pray to God, "Turn thou us unto thee, 0 Lord, and we shall he turned." There e.re two aspects of the great change-the human and th…
901 wordsSECTION 216The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 216
Abraham received angels unawares. Let ns love and cherish Christian-minded friends ; they bring a precious blessing to our houses, for they briog the gracious presence of Christ. 2. The g,uile of causing them to stwmble. A heathen poet tells us that the greatest reverence is due to childhood; he bids us exclude careful…
923 wordsSECTION 217The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 217
f,,r whom be gave himself to die. To speak contemptuously of those whom we think beneath us in rank, in riches, in intellect, in refinement, is sinful in the sight of God. " Honour all men," is the les.qon of Holy Scripture; for all were made by God the Father; all_ were redeemed by God the Son; all may, if they wil…
969 wordsSECTION 218The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 218
of a human ehopherd. It is en illustration (as far as Divine truths can be shadowed by human things) of the love of Goel for each separate human soul. It is not his will that one should perish; he willeth that all men should be saved. Then let not any Christian man dare to despise one of those whom God so greatly loved…
901 wordsSECTION 219The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 219
1s such that if any two troe believers agree as touching anything that they shall aek it shall be done for them. They pray on earth, our Father hears in heaven. United prayer brings to their help the almighty power of God. That union of human wills into concordance with the holy will of God must be the work of the H…
863 wordsSECTION 220The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 220
But he was brought. We oannot escape, we must come, when he requires our presence, The debt was enormous, far more than we can even represent t.o our imagination. Such is the awful debt of sin; we may well say every day 1 anrl many times every day, "Forgive us our debts." 2. TM mercy of the king. Tbe servant was to…
938 wordsSECTION 221The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 221
HOMILIES DY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-8.-.TM kingdom of the childlike. Jesus Christ not only resorted to parables in order to make his teaching vivid ; sometimes he ma.de use of object-lesson&. Thus he answered the question as to who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven by pointing to the little child whom be had c…
778 wordsSECTION 222The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 222
II. IT 18 IMP0nTANT NOT TO LET LOWEB INTEIIESTS DLIND UB TO oun HIGHEST GOOD. Eyes, hands, 11.nd feet are good and useful things in themselves. A maimed creature who has lost any of these valuable organs and limbs is certainly a pitiable object. Naturally and rightly we desire to keep our body sound and whole. Many pos…
887 wordsSECTION 223The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 223
he succeeds. Christ brings back souls who have wandered into the lowest abysses of sin. 4. His foy. This is proportionate (1) to his love for the lost sheep; (2) to its distress, danger, evil condition; (3) to the toil and difficulty involved in finding it. The joy of Christ is the joy of saving the lost.-W. F. A. …
857 wordsSECTION 224The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 224
III. IT IB DELIDEBATE, The conference and agreement of the two imply a careful consideration of the subject of the prayer. Many prayers o.re too hasty and incon- siderate to deserve any attention. But the grave conference in prayer here described by our Lord would give the weight of deliberation to the petition. Probab…
879 wordsSECTION 225The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 225
have a right to demand also (see Luke xvii. 3). But when that is present he forgive& hardened ol~ offenders, who have grieved his Spirit many and many a time before, It is only the limitless forgiveness of God that mnkes it possible for us to be pardoned by him. Then it is incumbent on us to show the same spirit toward…
831 wordsSECTION 226The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 226
their artless love, their general simplicity. " They are naked, and not ashamed ; " assume no disguise, because they are unconscious of the need of any, 2. Their ready belief in everything they are told. The child hears of the world and its wonders with o. reverential awe, As we grow older we clothe ourselves in scepti…
912 wordsSECTION 227The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 227
the tnormi'.ty of that which had been remitted to himself. There Is something almost incredibly mean as well as savage in this man's quick remembrance of the pence that arc due to himself, while be sc easily puts from bis mind the ten thousand talents be owes. But our incredulity gives way when we think of the debt …
914 wordsSECTION 228The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 228
day, looks more like an argument; yet this element was introduced into the parable for another purpose, viz. to evinoo the absolute sovereignty of God. 3. On the contrary, he recognized it. (1) For he asserted it, thou~h in a sense very different from that in which the disciples had conceived of it. (2) It is the ve…
835 wordsSECTION 229The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 229
These woes would never hRve been denounced upon men for the doing of what, othei- wise, would be impossible. (2) Let not the believer in Christ be high-minded, Let Mm. fear. Let him watch. Let him pray. 2. "It mu.st needs be that the occasion• corM." (1) They are permitted as part of the necessary discipline of our pro…
836 wordsSECTION 230The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 230
Matter hae characterletio properties, The properties of spirit are no less charncterlstio and distinct, (2) Between the complements subsist mutual relations and interactions. The conflicts of the moral and invisibie are propagated outward into the physical and visible. So contrariwise. 2. In this system holy angel, hav…
910 wordsSECTION 231The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 231
sinner is a contingent event. Grace is not irresistible. Yet the wanderer should !>-now t_hat the Shepherd is very near hi?3-, Are ~e a.s anxiously seeking Jesus as he 1s seek mg us ? ( 4) The tender sheep 1s not dnven, but carried by Christ. " And when he bath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders" (see Luke x.v.…
870 wordsSECTION 232The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 232
scandalous transgresses the reason for its existence. (4) A scandalous Church can bo of little service to the world. III. SPIRITUAL, 1. It recognizes the presence of God. (1) The sanctuary of God Is the assembly of his saints (er. Exod. xl. 24; 2 Chron. v. 14; Ps, cxxxii. 14; eh.. xxviii. 20; Rev. ii. 1). (2) That pre…
859 wordsSECTION 233The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 233
whom he will have mercy;" "He was moved with O'\lll.pa.ssion." (2) So the wiedvm w~ich i~ from above, tru~ religion, is "eas! to be entm1ted." The returning prodigal l:hild will find 11. relenting heart. The msolvent debtor, a compassionate creditor.· The distressed tenant, a lenient landlord. Gratitude to God will …
866 wordsSECTION 234The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 234
II. OrrnrsT's IDEA 011' GREATNESS. Here our Lord is not dealin" with all greatness• only with that greatness which is relative to the ideas then in th~ minds of disciples'. Their greatness meant" being served," guilefully watching for the attention conceived to be their due j self-assertion. His greatness meant "servin…
773 wordsSECTION 235The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 235
influencing ell re)ations?. A?<Iuired evils may be effectually dealt with. Evils th11.t belong to our bodily const1tut1on make the morel struggle of 11. whole life. II. ,VEAKNESS OF WILL IN NATURAL DISPOSITIONS. This is the real cause of the necessary severity of spirit~! ~cipline. The mnn is not strong enough to get …
858 wordsSECTION 236The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 236
nnd of Christ towards sinners Is reduced to the great principle that anything which is lost and may be regained exercises our thought more, and calls out a more solicitous regard than a thing of equal value which rests securely in our possession." I. MAN AB LOBT. The word as applied to men is a figure, A lost sheep is…
779 wordsSECTION 237The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 237
i.~, ~Ith ver. 20, a very familiar promise, often used in acts ol' publio prayer, but Hin;1ost al":l'aye misquoted, (It is remarkable how many scriptural texts have non- ecnptural ideas attached to them, through misquotation.) It is always right, and always vm:t, _to take ~•s Word as it precisely is. Ver. 19 appears t…
799 wordsSECTION 238The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 238
is no fixed number. It le II figurative way of saying that there is, and there can be, no limit to Ohrietian forgiveness. To understand the point and force of St. Peter'& -quostion, it is necessary to know the rabbinical rules of forgiveness with wl,ich he would be familiar. It was a settled rule of the rabbis that f…
957 wordsSECTION 239The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 239
EXPOSITION. CHAPTER XIX. was thus oft'ered. This may possibl_y be the sojourn in Perma mentioned by St. John (x. Ven. 1-12.-'I'hs beginning of the lad 40-42). journey to Jerwalem. Tlie question concern- Ver. 2.-Great multitudes followed him. ing di'l!Of'Cll. (Mark x. 1-12.) He was favourably received by the unpre- …
862 wordsSECTION 240The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 240
in e. dilemme.. Ir he took the popule.r Ju orete example of the way in which God view, they could deride hie claims e.e e. unites man and wife. Teacher of superior more.my; if he upheld Ver. 5.-And said, The words that follow the etrioter side, he would rouse the enmity are assigned to Ade.m in Gen. ii. 23, 24, bat. of…
1,095 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical Pulpit Commentary. Source page identifies the volume as Public Domain; text extracted from its historical PDF.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.