In (1) the mean time, when there were gathered together (a) an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (1) The faithful teachers of God's word, who are... [ Continue Reading ]
(2) And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. (2) Although hypocrites have princes to execute their cruelty, yet there is no reason why we should be afraid of them, even by the smallest amount that may be, seeing that they... [ Continue Reading ]
But I will (b) forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (b) He warns them of dangers that presently hang over their heads, for those that come upon one suddenly make a greater wound.... [ Continue Reading ]
(3) Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: (3) Great is the reward of a constant confession: and horrible is the punishment for denying Christ; yea, it will be impossible to call the punishment back again, if on pu... [ Continue Reading ]
(4) And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: (4) It is a great and difficult conflict to confess the truth, yet God who can do all things and is almighty will provide strength to the... [ Continue Reading ]
(5) And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. (5) For three reasons Christ would not be a judge to divide an inheritance. First, because he would not support and uphold the fleshly opinion that the Jews had of Messiah: secondly, becau... [ Continue Reading ]
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of (c) covetousness: for a man's life (d) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (c) By covetousness is meant that greedy desire to get, commonly causing hurt to other men. (d) God is the author and preserver of man's life; g... [ Continue Reading ]
(6) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The (e) ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (6) There are none more mad than rich men who depend upon their riches. (e) Or rather country, for here is set forth a man that possesses not only a piece of ground, but a whole country, a... [ Continue Reading ]
And he (f) thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (f) Reckoned with himself, which is the characteristic of covetous surly men who spend their life in those trifles.... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] (g) be merry. (g) Be merry and make good cheer.... [ Continue Reading ]
So [is] he that layeth up treasure (h) for himself, and is not rich toward God. (h) Caring for no man but for himself, and making sure to trust in himself.... [ Continue Reading ]
(7) And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. (7) Earnestly thinking upon the providence of God is a present remedy for this life against the most foolish and wasting worry of men.... [ Continue Reading ]
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither (i) be ye of doubtful mind. (i) A metaphor taken of things that hang in the air, for those that care too much for this worldly life, and rely upon the arm of man, always have wavering and doubtful minds, swaying sometimes this way,... [ Continue Reading ]
(8) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (8) They will lack nothing who are diligent for the kingdom of heaven.... [ Continue Reading ]
(9) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (9) It is a foolish thing not to look for small things at the hands of him who freely gives us the greatest things.... [ Continue Reading ]
(10) Sell that ye have, and give (k) alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. (10) A godly bountifulness is a proper way to get true riches. (k) This is the figure of speech metonymy, for by th... [ Continue Reading ]
(11) Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning; (11) The life of the faithful servants of God in this world is certainly a diligent journey, having the light of the word going before the journey.... [ Continue Reading ]
(12) Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (12) None need to watch more than they that have some degree of honour in the household of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] (l) portion of meat in due season? (l) That is, every month the measure of corn that was given to them.... [ Continue Reading ]
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask (m) the more. (m) More than the one who did not receive as much.... [ Continue Reading ]
(13) I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (13) The gospel is the only reason of peace between the godly, and so it is the occasion of great trouble among the wicked.... [ Continue Reading ]
(14) And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud (n) rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. (14) Men who are very quick to see with regard to earthly things are blind with regard to those things which pertain to the heavenly life, and this through the... [ Continue Reading ]
(15) Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (15) Men that are blinded with the love of themselves, and therefore are detestable and stubborn, will bear the punishment of their folly.... [ Continue Reading ]
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the (o) officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. (o) To him that has to demand and gather the... [ Continue Reading ]