Matthew 10:40-42

End of the Charge.

Matthew 10:40 connects with Matthew 10:11 (cf. also Matthew 25:35, and note Matthew 18:5). The second clause gives a Synoptic root for John 12:44; John 13:20; John 20:21 etc. (cf. Hebrews 3:1. and Clem., Cor. 42f.).

Matthew 10:41 (like Matthew 7:15 ff.) seems to belong to a time when there was a definite class of Christian prophets. in the name of: because he is; with no ulterior motive. Host and guest shall receive a like reward in the new age. Cf. Matthew 5:11 f.* The righteous may be men and women of exemplary piety (Matthew 5:20) or perhaps simply rank-and-file Christians, and so the same as the little ones (cf. Matthew 10:42; Matthew 18:6 * = Mark 9:41). Mt. regards righteousness as the chief virtue, and Christians are the true fulfillers of the Law (Montefiore). But it is better to regard the little ones as a fourth class, disciples.

On the whole section, Matthew 10:16, see Wellhausen, quoted by Montefiore, p. 588.