MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:1 THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WILL BE LIKE. See notes on 3:2; 13:24. TEN VIRGINS. Bridesmaids. BRIDEGROOM. As God called himself Israel’s “husband” in the OT (e.g., Isaiah 54:4), so Jesus pictures himself here as a bridegroom (see Matthew 9:14). It was Jewish marriage custom for... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:3 LAMPS. Large dome-shaped torches, fueled by rags soaked in oil, used for walking outside. OIL. With extra containers of oil, the torches could last for several hours. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:11 I DO NOT KNOW YOU. The OT speaks of God “knowing” his chosen people (Jeremiah 1:5; Hosea 13:5; Amos 3:2). The same theme continues in the NT, where it describes a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:19).... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:13 YOU KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR. See note on 24:42. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:15 TALENTS. See note on 18:24. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:18 DUG IN THE GROUND. See note on 13:44. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:20 WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. What was important was their faithfulness in using their gifts and potential. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:24 MASTER, I KNEW YOU TO BE A HARD MAN. The third servant’s actions result from his misperception of his master. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:27 YOU OUGHT TO HAVE INVESTED MY MONEY WITH THE BANKERS. Israelites were forbidden to charge interest to other Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:19), but they could collect interest from Gentiles (Deuteronomy 23:20). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTag [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:29 TO EVERYONE WHO HAS WILL MORE BE GIVEN. Using one’s God-given abilities wisely and productively is an important part of discipleship. Faithfulness will be rewarded with more opportunities to serve God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:30 OUTER DARKNESS... WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH. See note on 8:11–12. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:31 SON OF MAN. See note on 8:20. ANGELS WITH HIM. See Matthew 13:41; Revelation 14:17. SIT ON HIS GLORIOUS THRONE. As both Judge and King (Daniel 7:13). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:32 ALL THE NATIONS. Both Jews and Gentiles (see note on 28:19). HE WILL SEPARATE PEOPLE ONE FROM ANOTHER. See Matthew 7:21; Matthew 13:40. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); f [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:34 BLESSED BY MY FATHER. The blessing to the “sheep” (v. Matthew 25:32) is their inheritance of the Father’s kingdom. They receive this because of their saving relationship with the Father and the Son. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0,... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:40 LEAST OF THESE. Those who are most needy among Jesus’ BROTHERS (Jesus’ disciples, but also all believers). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 25:41 ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. Some interpreters think this judgment (THESE WILL GO AWAY) will occur prior to the start of Jesus’ earthly millennial kingdom. They think the “sheep” (v. Matthew 25:33) are those blessed to live under Jesus’ reign. Others think this judgment will com... [ Continue Reading ]