Matthew 13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

Verse 11 11.To you it is given to know the mysteries (178) of the kingdom of heaven From this reply of Christ we learn, that the doctrine of salvation is proclaimed by God to men for various purposes; for Christ declares that he intentionally spoke obscurely, in order that his discourse might be a riddle to many, and might only strike their ears with a confused and doubtful sound. It will perhaps be objected, that this is inconsistent with that prophecy, I have not spoken in secret, nor in a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:12

Verse 12 12.For whosoever hath, it shall be given to him. Christ pursues the subject which I have just mentioned; for he reminds his disciples how kindly God acts towards them, that they may more highly prize his grace, and may acknowledge themselves to be under deeper obligations to his kindness. The same words he afterwards repeats, but in a different sense, (Matthew 25:29;) for on that occasion the discourse relates to the lawful use of gifts. (183) But here he simply teaches, that more is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:13

Verse 13 13.For this reason I speak by parables. He says that he speaks to the multitude in an obscure manner, because they are not partakers of the true light. And yet, while he declares that a veil is spread over the blind, that they may remain in their darkness, he does not ascribe the blame of this to themselves, but takes occasion to commend more highly the grace bestowed on the Apostles, because it is not equally communicated to all. He assigns no cause for it, except the secret purpose... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:14

Verse 14 14.And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. He confirms his statement by a prediction of Isaiah, that it is far from being a new thing, if many persons derive no advantage from the word of God, which was formerly appointed to the ancient people, for the purpose of inducing greater blindness. This passage of the Prophet is quoted, in a variety of ways, in the New Testament. Paul quotes it (Acts 28:26) to charge the Jews with obstinate malice, and says that they were blinded by... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:15

Verse 15 Matthew 13:15.Lest I should heal them In the word healing, Matthew, as well as the Prophet, includes deliverance from every evil; for a people afflicted by the hand of God is metaphorically compared by them to a sick man. They say that healing is bestowed, (188) when the Lord releases from punishment. But as this healing depends on the pardon of sins, Mark describes appropriately and justly its cause and source, lest they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them For... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:16

Verse 16 Matthew 13:16.But blessed are your eyes. Luke appears to represent this statement as having been spoken at another time; but this is easily explained, for in that passage he throws together a variety of our Lord’s sayings, without attending to the order of dates. We shall, therefore, follow the text of Matthew, who explains more clearly the circumstances from which Christ took occasion to utter these words. Having formerly reminded them of the extraordinary favor which they had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:18

Verse 18 According to Matthew and Luke, Christ explains the parable to his disciples simply, and unaccompanied by a reproof; but according to Mark, he indirectly blames them for being slow of apprehension, because those who were to be the teachers of all did not run before others. (194) The general truth conveyed is, that the doctrine of the Gospel, when it is scattered like seed, (195) is not everywhere fruitful; because it does not always meet with a fertile and well cultivated soil. He... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:19

Verse 19 Matthew 13:19.When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not. He mentions, in the first place, the barren and uncultivated, who do not receive the seed within, because there is no preparation in their hearts. Such persons he compares to a stiff and dry soil, like what we find on a public road, which is trodden down, and becomes hard, like a pavement. I wish that we had not occasion to see so many of this class at the present day, who come forward to hear, but... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:20

Verse 20 20.But he that received the seed thrown into stony places. This class differs from the former; for temporary faith, being a sort of vegetation of the seed, (201) promises at first some fruit; but their hearts are not so properly and thoroughly subdued, as to have the softness necessary for their continued nourishment. (202) We see too many of this class in our own day, who eagerly embrace the Gospel, and shortly afterwards fall off; for they have not the lively affection that is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:21

Verse 21 21.When affliction or persecution ariseth on account of the word. By way of example, Christ says that such persons are made uneasy by the offense of the cross. And certainly, as the heat of the sun discovers the barrenness of the soil, so persecution and the cross lay open the vanity of those, who are slightly influenced by I know not what desire, but are not actually moved by earnest feelings of piety. Such persons, according to Matthew and Mark, are temporary, (204) not only because,... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:15

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:18

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:19

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:20

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:21

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