who wish} The wish or intention often make an act, which is in itself indifferent [neither good nor bad], a bad one : but the verb d'&u, I will, or wish, often includes the act in it, whether good, Matt. xx. 14, or bad, Gal. iv. 9. And it is a characteristic, even in the present day, of false theologians, to be captivated with splendour of robes, with sustaining the lead ing parts as to celebrity, with a display of offices and honours, as also of their intercessory prayers before others.
40. Oi xarsa&fovres, ivho devour) Construe with the following words.
41. 'Efaupu, beheld) Christ, in our worship at even the pre sent day, beholds all. — -roXXo/, TXoy<r/o/, many rich men) The state was then flourishing.
42. 'EMoZffa, having come) Jesus had His eye chiefly on her. — duo, two) one of which the widow might have retained. [This had been enacted by no commandment : but the intention in her mind, by which she was moved was good. — V. g.]
43. npoaza^sffajAsvos, having called unto Him) As being about to speak of a momentous subject. He thus gives us a Specimen of the judgment which He will hereafter exercise, according to the state of hearts. — roug /xa^rag, the disciples) who had not estimated the widow's gift so highly. [It is for this reason the xapbioyvudrng, Knower of hearts, prefaces His words with Amen, verily. — V. g.] — vXs/bv, more) not in mere geometrical propor tion, but in mind [intention, motive], to which the Lord had regard. If any rich man had contributed all his resources, the act, viewed extrinsically, would have been greater, in so far as two pieces of money are more readily acquired again, than many : but yet he would not thereby have surpassed the mind [influencing motive] of this poor woman. [That praise, ivhere- ivith Jesus honoured the poor ividow, altogether exceeds (to what an amazing degree !) all the acclamations of the world.- -V. g.]