And he said also to his disciples — Not only to the scribes and Pharisees to whom he had hitherto been speaking, but to all the younger as well as the elder brethren: to the returning prodigals who were now his disciples. A certain rich man had a steward — Christ here teaches all that are now in fav... [ Continue Reading ]
To beg I am ashamed — But not ashamed to cheat! This was likewise a sense of honour! "By men called honour, but by angels pride.... [ Continue Reading ]
I know — That is, I am resolved, what to do.... [ Continue Reading ]
And the lord commended the unjust steward — Namely, in this respect, because he had used timely precaution: so that though the dishonesty of such a servant be detestable, yet his foresight, care, and contrivance, about the interests of this life, deserve our imitation, with regard to the more import... [ Continue Reading ]
And I say to you — Be good stewards even of the lowest talents wherewith God hath intrusted you. Mammon means riches or money. It is termed the mammon of unrighteousness, because of the manner wherein it is commonly either procured or employed. Make yourselves friends of this, by doing all possible... [ Continue Reading ]
And whether ye have more or less, see that ye be faithful as well as wise stewards. He that is faithful in what is meanest of all, worldly substance, is also faithful in things of a higher nature; and he that uses these lowest gifts unfaithfully, is likewise unfaithful in spiritual things.... [ Continue Reading ]
Who will intrust you with the true riches? — How should God intrust you with spiritual and eternal, which alone are true riches?... [ Continue Reading ]
If ye have not been faithful in that which was another's — None of these temporal things are yours: you are only stewards of them, not proprietors: God is the proprietor of all; he lodges them in your hands for a season: but still they are his property. Rich men, understand and consider this. If you... [ Continue Reading ]
And you cannot be faithful to God, if you trim between God and the world, if you do not serve him alone. Matthew 6:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
And he said to them, Ye are they who justify yourselves before men — The sense of the whole passage is, that pride, wherewith you justify yourselves, feeds covetousness, derides the Gospel, Luke 16:14, and destroys the law, Luke 16:18. All which is illustrated by a terrible example. Ye justify yours... [ Continue Reading ]
The law and the prophets were in force until John: from that time the Gospel takes place; and humble upright men receive it with inexpressible earnestness. Matthew 11:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
Not that the Gospel at all destroys the law. Matthew 5:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
But ye do; particularly in this notorious instance. Matthew 5:31; Matthew 19:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
There was a certain rich man — Very probably a Pharisee, and one that justified himself before men; a very honest, as well as honourable gentleman: though it was not proper to mention his name on this occasion: who was clothed in purple and fine linen — and doubtless esteemed on this account, (perha... [ Continue Reading ]
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, (according to the Greek pronunciation) or Eleazer. By his name it may be conjectured, he was of no mean family, though it was thus reduced. There was no reason for our Lord to conceal his name, which probably was then well known. Theophylact observes, fr... [ Continue Reading ]
And the beggar — Worn out with hunger, and pain, and want of all things, died: and was carried by angels (amazing change of the scene!) into Abraham's bosom — So the Jews styled paradise; the place where the souls of good men remain from death to the resurrection. The rich man also died, and was bur... [ Continue Reading ]
He seeth Abraham afar off — And yet knew him at that distance: and shall not Abraham's children, when they are together in paradise, know each other!... [ Continue Reading ]
Father Abraham, have mercy on me — It cannot be denied, but here is one precedent in Scripture of praying to departed saints: but who is it that prays, and with what success? Will any, who considers this, be fond of copying after him?... [ Continue Reading ]
But Abraham said, Son — According to the flesh. Is it not worthy of observation, that Abraham will not revile even a damned soul? and shall living men revile one another? Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things — Thou didst choose and accept of worldly things as thy good, thy happiness. And... [ Continue Reading ]
Beside this there is a great gulf fixed — Reader, to which side of it wilt thou go?... [ Continue Reading ]
Lest they also come into this place — He might justly fear lest their reproaches should add to his own torment.... [ Continue Reading ]
Neither will they be persuaded — Truly to repent: for this implies an entire change of heart: but a thousand apparitions cannot, effect this. God only can, applying his word.... [ Continue Reading ]