[He that is least,.. greater than he.] There are many diverse and strange opinions among the commentators ahout the meaning of these words. Those who wish to examine them, will find a fiill account of them in Chemnitius and Barradius.
Some think, that the " least in the kingdom of God," meana the least of those who receive Christian haptism, and that John the Baptist never having been baptized, was nevor regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and therefore was inferior to the humblest person baptized by the Apostles. This is the opinion of Cyril. It is too absurd to require refutation. To say of John who was •* filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb," that he was not bom again of the Spirit, is preposterous, and revolting to common sense.
Some think, that the " least in the kingdom of God," means the least saint in heaven. This is the opinion of Jerome and Beda.
Some think, that the " least in the kingdom," means the least angel. This is the opinion of Ambrose, Bonaventura, and Thomas Aquinas.
Some think, that the ** least in the kingdom," means our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who humbled Himself and said, " I am a worm and no man." (Psalm xxii. 7.) This is the opinion of Augustine and Chrysostom, and has been maintained by many in every age. But it seems a strained and forced sense to place upon the words.
I believe the true interpretation to be the one T have main- tained in the exposition. 1 believe the " least in the kingdom of God," to mean the least believer who lived after the cruci- fixion and resurrection of Christ. I believe the weakest member of the Churches planted by St. Paul, had a clearer knowledge of the exact manner in which God would justify the ungodly than John the Baptist, or any one who lived before the crucifixion ever could have. The contrast our Lord is drawing, is between the privileges of those who lived to see the great fountain of sin opened by His blood-shedding, and those who died before that blood was shed. We do not realize the enormous difference in the position of these two classes of persons. We do not sufiici- ently remember how very dimly and indistinctly many great saving truths must needs have been apprehended, before Christ died and the veil was rent in twain. The " way into the holiest was not made manifest," while John the Baptist lived, and for that reason Jesus says that the least member of the Gospel Church was "greater than he." His grace and gifts were not greater, but His knowledge and privileges decidedly were.
29. — [And aU the people that heard, Se.'\ It is a disputed point whether this verse and the following one contain the woras of