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 301
e.s we.s Stephen. And when he was delivered back to the Jews by Pilato, with permission to judge him according to their Law, it is wonderful that he was not stoned, 'l'he fore- knowledge that saw it otherwise was manifestly Divine. How little did those cruel actors know that they were offering up the great Sacrifice f…
831 wordsSECTION 302The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 302
manner of spirit ye are of" (see Luke ix. 65). Here again, "Ye know not what ye ask." Ye know not the true quality of my kingdom (see 1 Pet. v. 3). Neither know ye what is pre-required. "Are ye able," etc.? (ver. 22). We know not what we ask when we desire the glory of the crown without the grace to bear the cross. (3)…
976 wordsSECTION 303The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 303
V'ers. 29-34.-Commtmity and unity. Journeying to Jerusalem to the Passover Jesus, with his apostles and other disciples following, was also followed by a crowd. This grew int.o "a great multitude" as he moved out from the populous town of ,Tericho. In the scene here described we may study- I. C'-OMllUNITY IN VARIOU…
791 wordsSECTION 304The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 304
the one great Light of the world. (4) Christ is the one Illuminat,or of eternity. "Earthly blindness may be borne; it 18 but for a day; but who could bear to be blind through eternity?" (Beecher). (5) Attendance upon Christ evinces the con- dition of spiritual illumination. Bartimmus and bis companion now "followed," n…
1,027 wordsSECTION 305The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 305
Ver. 6.-'I'M social difficulty of tM workless. Civilization works cruelly for some classes of society. It improves the condition of the few; it multiplies the miseries of the many. One thing it does:-~athers great masses of people into the cities, where the clemand for workers must be limited, and the thousands must …
707 wordsSECTION 306The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 306
meet and negotiate their conditions of mutual service, me.king fair and honoura.hl0 terms for eaoh. All combinations e.re·unhealthy interferences with the markets that should be absolutely open and free to everybody. II. EVERY MAN BAS A RIGHT TO BE GENEROUS. If e. man pleases, he may accept Iese work for his money fro…
1,005 wordsSECTION 307The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 307
Ver. 22.-Jnco111iderate p,Jtitlon. "Ye know not what ye ask." That is, you have not thought seriously about it; have not looked it well round, so as to be quite sure what your petition means and involves. One is a little surprised to find James and John acting so impulsively. It is the sort of thing that better suit…
1,440 wordsSECTION 308The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 308
presence of Je~. R~g ohar&oter in their act, "seeing their faith," Jesus gave the sufferer a higher blessing than they sought, but included with it what they asked. I. IMPORTUNITY REVEALS WILL. Many of the gravest troubles of life have their real caus? in ''. weakn?"s of_ ~11." Men cannot decide. If they decide, the…
883 wordsSECTION 309The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 309
Jerome gives e. mystioe.l reason: the BSR re- 11, a quotation being oftEJD woven from two presents the Jewish people, whioh bad long or more passages (see on eh. xxvii. 9). borne the yoke of the Le.w; the colt adum- Ver. 5.-Tell ye the daughter of Zion. b111.tee the Gentiles, as yet unbroken," where- Thie ie from Is…
1,001 wordsSECTION 310The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 310
tively by the Bi.de of the young Church, Tbe people appear to have behaved on this which bas booome the true bearer of the ocoe.sion as if at the Feast of Te.bernaoles, Divinity of Christ" (Lange). No king had roused by enthusia.sm to unpremeditated ever thus come to Jerusalem; suoh a oir- e.otion. Of the three rout…
1,039 wordsSECTION 311The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 311
lligniftea, "The blessing or Jehovah rest on le1121 the Prophet of No.zo.reth. They give him who oomethl" i.e. Messiah (eh, n. 8; his name, title, and dwelliog-pla.ce. They '.a,ov. i. 8); in the latter, the me1111i11g is, ce.11 him "the Prophet," either as being the "Blessing 011 him who cometh with Divine One the.t…
1,022 wordsSECTION 312The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 312
a muket hed been established, with the is oalled by my Name, become a den of robbers connive.nee, and much to the pecuniary in your eyes?"). He brings out in strong emolument, of the priests. These let out the oontrast the high design and use of the se.cred a?M, of which they were the appointed house of God (an allu…
1,052 wordsSECTION 313The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 313
cry which they had heELrd the day before fnl whether he availed himaeH of hie from the multitude, ELncl in simple faith friende' hospitality at this time, The term applying it age.in to Christ. While grown "Bethany" wonld inclade the district so men ue silent or blELspheming, liUle children called in the vicjnity of…
992 wordsSECTION 314The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 314
Ol'<'hard (Dent. :n:iii. 24, 25) ; but thie tree, event, with its eurrouudinga nnd rcsuHs, plMed where it was, seemed to be oommon U WM a moral necessity that what had r,roperty, belonging to no private owner. incurred Ohrist's censure should perish : The sigllt of the leaves thereon, Ill! St. Mark the spiritual con…
1,006 wordsSECTION 315The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 315
the fig tree plflnted in the vineye.rd, from Israel, when the times of the Gentiles are which the owner for three yoe.rs sought fulfilled (Rom. xi. 23-26). fruit in vu.in (Luke xiii. 6, eto.). Me.ny of Ver. 20.-They ma"elled, saying. The his subsequent discourses a.re, e.s it were, apostles' remark on the incident we…
1,000 wordsSECTION 316The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 316
expl'ellses the perfection of the graoe. The that they were not to expect to be able, like latter verb means '' to disoriminate," to see their Master, to work the wonders needed A differenoe in things, henoe to debate in for the oonfirmation of the gospel by their one's mind. The Vulgate gives, Si habueritu own power…
994 wordsSECTION 317The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 317
to interfere with thjll.' me.ne.gement, and and conld not be denied. The rultrs and to use the snored precinots for his own the people with them he.d allowed John to purposes? These e.nd such like quesUons be a prophet, and be.d never questioned hill were in their mind when they addressed claims hitherto. This was one …
1,008 wordsSECTION 318The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 318
he.d plRCcd them. Their evMive e.newer waa ment. Christ's roply oountonanoes the 11, confession of defee.t, e.nd th11.t in the pre- rooeived text, setting the repentant before sence of the gaping orowd who stood &round the pmfessing son. lt is e. matter of sme.11 listening to the conversation. 1.'hey h&d importanoe (se…
989 wordsSECTION 319The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 319
follow, if thoy willed to do so; he only positors consider the two sons to represent l!'llows the.t they he.ve lost the position which Gentiles and Jews; the former making no they ought to ho.ve occupied, e.nd the.t those pr?fessiou of serving God,. and yet in time whom they despised e.nd spurned he.ve bemg converted e…
1,047 wordsSECTION 320The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 320
foundc'd on Isa. v. 1-7, where, however, the into a far oonntry; ,l,,.,~~1''1"''": went abroad. vineyard is tended by the Lord himself, In the parabolic sense, God withdrew for a not by hnsbandmen, and it bears wild time the sensible tokens of his presence, no grapes. not good gnpes. By these dift"er- longer manifes…
977 wordsSECTION 321The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 321
Ver. 87.-Last of all; 1/,rnpov: afteruJMds, &uthority while he was present and working later on. The parable now e.llegorizes the in their midst. Were he removed, their near present, and future, in such a way as position would he eafe, their claims undis- for the rµoment to conceal its bee.ring, puted. Hence their con…
953 wordsSECTION 322The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 322
Gentile world, but those who eustained the seeing that Jesus claimed to be that Stono. ministerisl offi088 in the Christian Church. Bejeoted; &s being not suitable tb the build- Whioh (of..-,vn); of 8uch kind aa, denoting a ing, or useless in its construction. So the 01881! of servant&. The clause is peculiar to husba…
1,006 wordsSECTION 323The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 323
IDill 8cattor him as chaff). The persons here made them feel that they tliemeelvee were spoken of are not those who are offended at herein signified, their motives and conduct Ohriat's low estate ; they are such as put fully discovered. But, as bad men always themselves in active opposition to him and act, instead of r…
869 wordsSECTION 324The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 324
The apostlos were not consciously fulfilling the prophecy. They understood not these things at the first; they did not consider that they were doing the things that had been written of the Christ (John xii. 16). 'l'hey knew it afterwards• the Lord knew it now. The prophecy came through the prophet, but it came from …
880 wordsSECTION 325The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 325
out of the synagogue (John Ix. 22). But they were p>werleRR that day; they felt that they could prevail nothing; the world, they said, had gone after him. The multitude owned him to be the Messiah, the Son of David, the King of Israel. They raised the shout of "Hosanna I "-originally a prayer, "Save ne now I" ( comp. P…
872 wordsSECTION 326The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 326
purified. The Lord might cleanse the temple; the priests who ministered there would not yield up their henrts to him, that he might cleanse them, He looked round about upon all thinfs (accordin_g _to St. Mark, the actual cleansing of the temple was deferred !111 the Lord·s second V!Slt, on the _Monday). So the Lord <:…
905 wordsSECTION 327The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 327
truths in their simple, innocent talk. Still God perfectetb praise out the months of babes and sucklings. He accepts the children's prayer; he listens to the children's hymn. Nay, the prayers and praises of children are our example; for they are offered up in sfmplicity and truth. LEBBONB, 1. " The Lord is in his holy…
1,099 wordsSECTION 328The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 328
Vers. 23-46.-The controversy in the temple. I. TBE Loan's AUTllORITY CALLED IN QUESTION. 1. The intervention ef the chief prie.sts. St. Luke tells us that they had resolved to destroy our Lord. He h9.d now allowed himself to be saluted openly as the Christ, the Son of David. He had accepted the hosannas of the multitud…
656 wordsSECTION 329The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 329
IIllLDY such who have not given their hearts to God; they say from time to time (at Oonfumation, for instance), "I go, sir," and perhaps e.t the moment they really have a sort of intention to keep God's holy will and commandments and to walk in the same all the de.ye of their life. But they have no strength of purpose,…
902 wordsSECTION 330The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 330
relRtions between the infinite foreknowledge of God and tho free-will of man. Human thought ~not grapple with these mysteries; human words cannot express them. God gave his only begotten Son; the Son of God came to give his lifo a ransom for many. The ~urpose, the fore-kno"."ledge of God, did not destroy the free age…
1,090 wordsSECTION 331The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 331
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-5.-The ass of Bethphage. We cannot tell whether our Lord's exact description of the locality where the ass and colt were to be found was derived from his-superhuman knowledge, or whether, as seems more likely in so simple a case, he had agreed with one of his Judrean disciples to h…
662 wordsSECTION 332The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 332
Vers. 6-11.-The triumphant ride, This was arranged by Christ, and enthusiastically promoted by his disciples. Here W&S a last glint of sunshine before the storm. The gladnell:' of th? scene is in stran~e contrast with ~he awful sequel. Palm Sunday ushers m Passion Week. "Sufficient unto the day 1s the evil thereof," …
820 wordsSECTION 333The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 333
But the confusion of a market was most distracting to the spirit of devotion. (2) It was unjust to the Gentiles, This traffic seems to have been carried on in the court of the Gentiles. The Jews still reserved their own court in decorum. The prophecy from which our Lord quoted says that God's house" shall be called a h…
883 wordsSECTION 334The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 334
professions of piety; the showy religion that imposes en men is an abomination in the sight of God. He looks for fruit in deeds of useful service. All else is but a mass of worthless leaves. 2. Wnat is worthless must be destroyed. The fruitless Jerusalem was dest-royed. Barren Churches have been swept away from Asia Mi…
882 wordsSECTION 335The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 335
all ought to look for good grounds of faith. But the attitude of humility will be that of an inquirer, not that of a judge. (2) An irrelevant question. The charges Christ made were true; the things he denounced were wrong. Why, then, care so much about the question of hie authority? People raise technical questions and…
852 wordsSECTION 336The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 336
the obedient son. Hie insolent words were forgiven when his subsequent conduot was penitent and obedient.. God forgives the bad past in his penitent children, If they are now in the right path, he accepts them, although they were once far from it. II. THE BON WHO OONSE1'"TED AND DIBOBEYED, 1. His rea<ly assent. This w…
828 wordsSECTION 337The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 337
their cup of guilt to the brim. They had rejected the last and greatest message from their Master. To be cast forth and destroyed is their rightful doom. This doom came upon the leaders of Israel in the overthrow of Jerusalem by Titus. It awaits thoee false and traitorous leaders of the Church who repeat the sin of the…
984 wordsSECTION 338The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 338
Vera. 33---44.-Parable of the wicked husbandmen. The priests and elders already l!tood convicted of ha~ing incapacitated themselves for recognizing the Divine in Jesus, But theirs was not the guilt of common unbelievers. It was not merely their personal, but their official duty to keep themselves awake to the Divine…
778 wordsSECTION 339The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 339
on whom life can be eafely built, and yet they try to pase on in life as if hii were nnt there, While they do eo they are held back, distracted; their life is a mere make- believe Or habitual falseness of spirit is produced, it may be unconsciously to them- selves. But the frost that has only lasted a few minutes is as…
910 wordsSECTION 340The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 340
God's favour, where there is no growing likeness to him. Conformity to God ability to rejoice with God and. in God, humb!e and devot,ed reverence,-these are great attain• ments; but these constitute our wedding garment without which we cannot remain in his presence or a.bide his searching eye. No ass~ciating of your…
903 wordsSECTION 341The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 341
came for the fulfilment of prophuy. (1) Thie last journey of our Lord from J oricho to Jerusalem was in the same line as the triumphant march of the children ofisrael from the time of their first entry into the holy land to the taking of Jerusalem. The spiritual progress is from the lowest to the highest, from the p…
906 wordsSECTION 342The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 342
Cb1istian in the world is n~t of it. (2) In the Church he is at home. (3) He meets Jesus there. (4) He see his "wonders" there----miraoles of moral healing miracles of wholesome discipline. (5) He raises the "Hosanna I '' there, The "ba~s 1md suck- lings," who perfected praise, were not infants literally, but childl…
860 wordsSECTION 343The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 343
miracles of mercy. There are a few exceptions. Conspicnous amongst these is the withering of the fig tree with a word. When tbe disciples marvelled Jesus expounded to them his astonishing doctrine of the power of faith. We learn- I. THAT BELII!lVING 18 ESSENTIAL TO PREVAILING PRAYER, 1. There can be no prayer without…
881 wordsSECTION 344The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 344
the motive is unwo,·thy of the StJ.it. (1) Is our prayer for business prosperity? But is the motive good? Else the answer may oome in anger. To how many ls the acces- sion of material wealth the wasting of the infinitely more precious moral properties! (2) Is our prayer for the spiritual conversion of a child? 'l'he en…
835 wordsSECTION 345The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 345
priest, had he been moved by e. vulge.r e.mbition. Neither did he flatter prince&, but lost his head for his fidelity. (2) By the success of his ministry. (a) "The baptism of John" is here put for his doctrine. (JJ) Jesus, by submitting to John's baptism, accepted e.nd sanctioned his doctrine. (c) The vaat multitudes w…
918 wordsSECTION 346The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 346
ordinance.~" he separat.ed hie people from the idolatrous nations surrounding. (b) His pi:ondenc~ was as a wall of fire f?r their defence (see Zech. ii. 5). (2) "He digged a 1nnel?ress;' or vat for the reception of the wine. To conserve the purposes of their plantmg he gave them the services of the sanctuary-daily o…
886 wordsSECTION 347The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 347
14, 15; 1 Pet. ii. 8), Jerusalem became a desolation, The nation was broken. The spiritual judgment of blindness and obduracy is more terrible than the temporal irnf- foring (see Rom, xi. 8-10; 1 Thess. ii. 15). Instead of being humbled, the sinner is exasperate~ when hi? sin is poi?,ted out. (2) The stone becoming act…
866 wordsSECTION 348The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 348
it will be found that he is not.. He is not in any of the senses men put into that term. There, riding into Jerusalem as a King, he has no intention of setting up any such kingdom as men expect; he does not mean to use any force; you could never mistake him for a conqueror. There is submission, there is no self-asserti…
845 wordsSECTION 349The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 349
genuine, the free unrestrained utterance of the passing mood. It is not the highest thing. That is the worship of the finally redeemed, who have won innocence through experience of sin; but it is the earth-suggestion of it. Children's praise is still tho joy of Christian hearts. II. THE OIIILDBEN COMFORTED JESUS BY WH…
793 wordsSECTION 350The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 350
"brliedng" represents that state of mind lt'nd foaling in 11. man which alone fits him t0 receive, and make the best of, God's answe'r to bis prayer. God might give, but hid gift could be no real moral blessing if there was no ji;m688 to receive. It i!rthe "right ~tate of mind for roooiving" that is expressed in "beli…
820 wordsSECTION 351The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 351
·Bpoke!l to be evaded. They cannot deny that the satisfactory son is not the one wb() professes great respect for his father's authority, while be does only what pleases h)mself, b1;1t the one who does his father's bidding, even though he has at first disowned his authority. These men were so unceremoniously dealt w…
1,203 wordsSECTION 352The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 352
EXPOSITION. Thie bears great reeemblanoe to the parable OHAPTER XXII. of the great supper (Luke xiv.), which, Vera. 1-14.-Parable of the marriage of however, was spoken at an earlier period,. the king's son. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) in another locality, and with a different object, and disagrees in tna.ny details…
387 wordsSECTION 353The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 353
Gen. xxix. 27; Jurlg. xiv. 12; Tobit viii. 19, different scorners, who are too bnsy with 20). Morison compares our English word their worldly concerns to attend to the "nuptiale." In the Old Testament, Jehovah claims of the gospel. So we read, "The is the Husband of his Church; in the New, Pharisees, who were lovers of…
977 wordsSECTION 354The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 354
mnrdcn•re' city, Jerusalem. So a little le.ter, ing Christinn. i11itintion, there must have' foretelling the same fe.tc, Jesue speaks of been little indivi<lual prep:1ration of heart· "your house" (eh. xxiii. 38). The Romans, or cleansing of conscience, and the missioner· in fact, some forty yee.r• after, put to the…
1,011 wordsSECTION 355The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 355
no proper preparation, ho hnd dared to oome as e. bride adometh herseir with her jewels." to this gree.t feeti val. What is the spiritue.l Commentators compare (but with doubtful mee.ning of the wedding garment is much appositeneas) Zeph. i. 7, 8. disputed. H is evidently some virtue, or Ver. 12.-J'riend; ,.,.,,,,,,, a…
1,011 wordsSECTION 356The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 356
first been Mllcd; then all the Gentiles; opportunity. They regarded the Herodi1Ln1 many were they 1rbo obeyed not the call; as little better than the heathen whom they and of those 1rho did come in, many were favoured, but sunk their differences in the not of the inner election, of tho86, that is, face of a general per…
946 wordsSECTION 357The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 357
of Rome, and, for political reasona, rilenr,ed Romane in or for Palestine bad, in accommo- all no.tionalist and ultra-patriotic feeling. de.tion to Jewish prejudices, no repree,mta..- By putting this question, the disputants tion of e.ny peraonage upon them. The thought to force Christ rnto a dilemma, Rome.n denariu.<…
997 wordsSECTION 358The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 358
The emperor, as we eee impr<>seed on his c,,nsiderntinn. At the same time, they re- coins, wRs Pontifex l\Iaximus; the Jewish cognize,i that the people were with him for· prio8thood hRd R polili<'lll character, and the the moment, and that it was expedient tha\ ci\"il power was its instrument. In Christ's hie tea<;h~…
935 wordsSECTION 359The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 359
and a ooo.rsenoss In the question which is to show the po\\"er of God ae displayed in elmply rd\lolting. the resurrection. The Sad<lnceea would Ver. 26.-Unto the ■evetttll; z,,,, ,,.,;,, limit and control this power by conceiving ,,m1.,: unto the se~en-to 'tlie end of the that it could not change the qualities of the …
954 wordsSECTION 360The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 360
cance of the inspired record. The we.nt of In giving eternal life to man, God gives U this disoornment vitintcd the Sadduoeee' to the creature as originally made, not to treatment and reception of Holy Writ, e.nd one port.ion only o[ his nature. Of the living. iu\'olvcd them in hmeutable error. Christ "For," as St. …
987 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.