Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:34

Verse 34 Matthew 13:34.All these things Jesus spoke in parables. Though Mark expressly says, that Christ spoke the word to them as they were able to bear it, yet I think it probable that he continued to employ parables, not so much for the purpose of instruction, as to keep the attention of his hearers awake till a more convenient time. For why did he explain them familiarly to his disciples when they were apart? Was it because they were more slow of apprehension than the great body of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:35

Verse 35 35.That it might be fulfilled Matthew does not mean, that the psalm, which he quotes, is a prediction which relates peculiarly to Christ, but that, as the majesty of the Spirit was displayed in the discourse of the Prophet, in the same manner was his power manifested in the discourse of Christ. The Prophet, when he is about to speak of God’s covenant, by which he adopted the seed of Abraham, of the benefits which he continued to bestow upon his people, and of the whole government of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:1-58

(a) , Matthew 13:1-23 , also in Mark and Luke, except some characteristic enlargements in verses 10-17. The section contains the parable of the sower and its interpretation, together with a statement of our Lord's reasons for teaching by parables. This is so nearly akin to the fundamental lesson of the first parable, that we cannot be surprised that the two should be recorded together. They seem, indeed, to have formed the nucleus of the whole collection. (b) Verses 24-35, of which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

The tares; the mustard seed; the leaven. I. THE STORY OF THE TARES . 1 . Resemblance to the first parable. Again we have the field, the sower, and the seed. Again the seed is good. "God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Again the Sower sowed the good seed all over the field. No part was neglected. 2 . The differences. II. THE GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED . 1 . The parable. The mustard seed is small. It is sown in the field; it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

The great Administrator's foresight. This second parable of the seven proceeds in a certain degree upon the lines of the first. But its object is different; and though quite in the nature of an advance on the former, it is more limited in its scope. The first parable manifestly is the foundation of this one, and perhaps it may be said of all others. We may, perhaps, judge that to each parable, as one succeeded another, quickened attention was given, at any rate, by some of the hearers. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-33

The mustard seed and the leaven. These parables illustrate the worldwide growth and influence of the kingdom of heaven. It might not be wonderful that a peasant living in remote Syrian highlands should have dared to predict such a vast future for his work if he were only speaking in the enthusiasm of hope; but it is the wonder of the ages that the Galilaean predictions have been verified by history, which has proved that the Speaker uttered true words and was able to realize what he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-35

Parable and prophecy. The spirit of prophecy in ancient times enshrined itself in parables. The prophecy of Balaam, accordingly, is called "his parable" ( Numbers 23:18 ). Under the parable of two eagles and a vine Ezekiel shows forth the judgments of God upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt ( Ezekiel 18:1-32 .; see also Ezekiel 24:3 ; Micah 2:4-6 ; Habakkuk 2:6 ). So are the parables of Christ prophetic. Observe— I. THAT JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:33

The parable of the leaven. Parallel passage: Luke 13:20 , Luke 13:21 . The growth of the kingdom regarded in its quiet and secret influence. This is to be ultimately complete and universal. The prophecy is partially fulfilled with every fresh recognition of Christian principles in public opinion, or customs, or laws. For "every thought" shall be brought "captive unto the obedience of Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ). Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:33

Parable of the leaven. This parable directs our attention to two points connected with the extension of Christianity. It illustrates I. THE CHANGE OUR LORD MEANT TO EFFECT IN THE WORLD was to be a change not so much of outward forms as of the spirit and character of all things. The propagation of his influence is set forth and illustrated, not by a woman taking a mass of dough and making it into new shapes, but by a woman putting that into the dough which alters the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:33

The force there may be in quiet things. "Like leaven." The word "leaven" means "something that raises," from the mode of its operation. In one way it corrupts; in another way it makes edible and wholesome. Leaven consists of myriads of the cells of the common green mould in an undeveloped state. It is at once a principle of destruction and construction, of decay and of growth, of death and of life. In this parable our Lord seems to fix attention on the very silent, quiet, hidden, yet... read more

Group of Brands