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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:18

Verse 18 18.Thou shalt not murder It is surprising that, though Christ intended to show that we are bound to obey the whole law, he should mention the second table only; but he did so, because from the duties of charity the disposition of every man is better ascertained. Piety towards God holds, no doubt, a higher rank; (623) but as the observation of the first table is often feigned by hypocrites, the second table is better adapted for making a scrutiny. (624) Let us know, therefore, that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:22

Verse 22 Matthew 19:22.He went away sorrowful. The result at length showed how widely distant the young man was from that perfection to which Christ had called him; for how comes it that he withdraws from the school of Christ, but because he finds it uneasy to be stripped of his riches? But if we are not prepared to endure poverty, it is manifest that covetousness reigns in us. And this is what I said at the outset, that the order which Christ gave, to sell all that he had, was not an addition... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:23

Verse 23 Matthew 19:23.A rich man will with difficulty enter. Christ warns them, not only how dangerous and how deadly a plague avarice is, but also how great an obstacle is presented by riches. In Mark, indeed, he mitigates the harshness of his expression, by restricting it to those only who place confidence in riches But these words are, I think, intended to confirm, rather than correct, the former statement, as if he had affirmed that they ought not to think it strange, that he made the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:25

Verse 25 25.And his disciples, when they heard these things, were greatly amazed. The disciples are astonished, because it ought to awaken in us no little anxiety, that riches obstruct the entrance into the kingdom of God; for, wherever we turn our eyes, a thousand obstacles will present themselves. But let us observe that, while they were struck with astonishment, they did not shrink from the doctrines of Christ. The case was different with him who was lately mentioned; for he was so much... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:26

Verse 26 26.With men this is impossible. Christ does not entirely free the minds of his disciples from all anxiety; for it is proper that they should perceive how difficult it is to ascend to heaven; first, that they may direct all their efforts to this object; and next, that, distrusting themselves, they may implore strength from heaven. We see how great is our indolence and carelessness; and what the consequence would be if believers thought that they had to walk at ease, for pastime, along a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:27

Verse 27 Matthew 19:27.Then Peter answering said to him. Peter tacitly compares himself and the other disciples to the rich man, whom the world had turned aside from Christ. As they had led a poor and wandering (639) life, which was not unaccompanied by disgrace and by annoyances, and as no better condition for the future presented itself, he properly inquires if it be to no purpose that they have left all their property, and devoted themselves to Christ; for it would be unreasonable if, after... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:28

Verse 28 28.Verily I say to you. That the disciples may not think that they have lost their pains, and repent of having begun the course, Christ warns them that the glory of his kingdom, which at that time was still hidden, was about to be revealed. As if he had said, “There is no reason why that mean condition should discourage you; for I, who am scarcely equal to the lowest, will at length ascend to my throne of majesty. Endure then for a little, till the time arrive for revealing nay glory.”... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:29

Verse 29 Matthew 19:29.And whosoever shall forsake. After having raised the expectation of his followers to the hope of a future life, he supports them by immediate consolations, (641) and strengthens them for bearing the cross. For though God permit his people to be severely afflicted, he never abandons them, so as not to recompense their distresses by his assistance. And here he does not merely address the apostles, but takes occasion to direct his discourse generally to all the godly. The... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:30

Verse 30 30.And many that are first shall be last. This sentence was added in order to shake off the indolence of the flesh. The apostles, though they had scarcely begun the course, were hastening to demand the prize. And such is the disposition of almost all of us, that, when a month has elapsed, we ask, like soldiers who have served their time, to receive a discharge. But Christ exhorts those who have begun well (Galatians 3:3) to vigorous perseverance, and at the same time gives warning,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:1

When Jesus had finished these sayings. This is the beginning of a new section of the history, commencing, as usual, with the formulary, And it came to pass. "These sayings" must refer to what was recorded in Matthew 18:1-35 . But St. Matthew's narrative omits many events that happened in the interval between the account of the Galilaean ministry and the history of these last days, that is, from the autumn of one year to the spring of the next. The transactions of this time, which are... read more

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