Matthew18
English Standard Version
1 the to , , the the of ?
2 a , he the of
3 , , I to , you , you the of .
4 the the of .
5 ,
6 of to , it would be for to a to be the of the .
7 to the temptations to ! For it is that , to the by the !
8 causes you to , it . It for to to be the .
9 to , it . It for to with to be the of .
10 that you do of . I the of is .
12 do ? a a , has gone , does the the and in of the that went ?
13 he , , I to , he the went .
14 it is the of should .
15 , and his , . he to , you have .
16 he , along , may be the of .
17 he refuses to to , it to the . he refuses to to the , let him to a a .
18 , I to , you shall , you shall .
19 I to , of they , it will be for .
20 , am .
21 and to , , how my , I ? As many ?
22 to , I do to times, - times.
23 the of may be to .
24 he to , was to who .
25 , to be , he , payment to be .
26 the on his , , Have , I will .
27 out of for him, the of the .
28 when that , he of , , he began to him, , you .
29 and with , Have , I will .
30 and he should the .
31 what had taken , they were , they and to that had taken .
32 and to , You ! I you with .
33 have had on , had on ?
34 in to the , he should his .
35 will to every of , you do .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 18.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The importance of humility. (1–6). Caution against offences. (7–14). The removal of offences. (15–20). Conduct towards brethren, The parable of the unmerciful servant. (21–35).
vv1-6
Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits.
vv7-14
Considering the cunning and malice of Satan, and the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, it is not possible but that there should be offences. God permits them for wise and holy ends, that those who are sincere, and those who are not, may be made known. Being told before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and bad examples, let us stand on our guard. We must, as far as lawfully we may, part with what we cannot keep without being entangled by it in sin. The outward occasions of sin must be avoided. If we live after the flesh, we must die. If we, through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live. Christ came into the world to save souls, and he will reckon severely with those who hinder the progress of others who are setting their faces heavenward. And shall any of us refuse attention to those whom the Son of God came to seek and to save? A father takes care of all his children, but is particularly tender of the little ones.
vv15-20
If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practised every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all. But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.
Key Words
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos): that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὥρα (hṓra): an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
μαθητής (mathētḗs): a learner, i.e. pupil
προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai): to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
λέγω (légō): properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 (ἔπω) and G5346 (φημί) generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 (ῥέω) is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 (λαλέω) means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
ἐστί (estí): he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
μείζων (meízōn): larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
βασιλεία (basileía): properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 18Parallel account of the disciples' dispute about who is the greatest on the way to Capernaum.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
The parallel parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the Shepherd's diligent search and recovery.
Supported by JFB
The keys, binding, and loosing previously given to Peter are here extended to all the apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Old Testament law requiring two or three witnesses to establish a matter in dispute.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels the apostolic authority to remit or retain sins, matching binding and loosing.
Supported by JFB
Another instance where the disciples exhibit worldly ambition, seeking chief seats in Christ's kingdom.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel exhortation to sever offending hand, foot, or eye to avoid hell fire.
Supported by John Calvin
Confirms the ministry of angels sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
Supported by JFB
Parallel instruction on rebuking an offending brother privately and forgiving him upon repentance.
Supported by JFB
Christ's promise of His perpetual presence with His gathered disciples matches 'there am I'.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Old Testament model of a soul quieted and humbled like a weaned child.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel teaching on receiving Christ's messengers and little ones as receiving Christ Himself.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Earlier instruction in the Sermon on the Mount to pluck out an offending eye.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel declaration that the Son of man came to seek and save the lost.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul's instruction on church assembly action regarding unrepentant, persistent sin.
Supported by JFB
Apostolic instruction to forgive one another even as Christ forgave you.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Illustrates the ancient legal practice of selling a debtor and his children into slavery.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhortation to be kind and forgiving, based on God forgiving us in Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Lord's Prayer link between receiving divine forgiveness and forgiving our debtors.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identical plea for patience, contrasting the master's mercy with the servant's cruelty.
Supported by Matthew Henry