I know you not - As if he had said, Ye are not of my company - ye were neither with the bride nor the bridegroom: ye slept while the others were in procession. I do not acknowledge you for my disciples - ye are not like him who is love - ye refused to receive his grace - ye sinned it away when ye had it; now you are necessarily excluded from that kingdom where nothing but love and purity can dwell. read more
Verse 8 8.And the foolish said to the wise. This is a reproof of the late repentance of those who never think of what they are in want of, till the door is shut against every remedy. For those who do not make provision for a long period are charged with folly, because they are careless, and flatter themselves amidst their poverty, and allow the season of mutual intercourse to pass in such a way as to despise the aids which were offered to them. As they do not, in proper time, bethink themselves... read more
Verse 9 9.Lest there be not enough for you and us. We know that the Lord distributes his gifts so variously to each, according to his measure, in order that they may give mutual aid to each other, and may employ for the general advantage what has been entrusted to each individual; and that in this way is preserved the sacred connection which exists among the members of the Church. But Christ here points out the time when he shall summon all men to his tribunal, each carrying his bundle, that he... read more
Verse 10 10.And the door was shut. At length it follows that the door of the heavenly kingdom will be shut against all who have not made provision, because they failed in the middle of the course. We must not enter here into minute inquiries, how it is that Christ says that the foolish virgins went to buy for it means nothing else than that all who shall not be ready at the very moment when they shall be called will be shut out from entering into heaven. read more
Parable of the ten virgins. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) This parable, as a continuation of the teaching of the last chapter, sets forth the necessity of having and retaining grace unto the end, in order to be able to welcome the advent of Christ. The duty of watchfulness and preparation for the great day is, of course, implied and set forth ( Matthew 25:13 ); but the point is that the oil of God's grace alone enables the soul to meet the bridegroom joyfully, without dismay. The usual... read more
The parable of the ten virgins. I. THEY GO FORTH . 1 . The kingdom of heaven. Here, as elsewhere, that kingdom is the visible Church. But the present parable seems to relate to a part only of the kingdom, a portion of the Church. There may possibly be no spiritual significance in the word "virgins." Like the number ten, perhaps a common number at such times, it may belong merely to the structure, the imagery of the parable; young unmarried women were and are usually attendants of... read more
The ten virgins. I. CHRIST INVITES HIS CHURCH TO SHARE HIS JOY . Here is a festal occasion, and the joy and splendour of it will not be complete unless the virgin friends of the bride go forth to meet the bridegroom with their lamps illuminating the gay scene. More than once is the gospel gladness compared to that of a wedding. Under such an image the service and the warfare of life are for the moment forgotten, and its bright, glad side is brought to light. This too is to be... read more
Parable of the ten virgins. This parable illustrates chiefly these three things: the meaning of our Lord's command to watch; its reason; and the means of fulfilling it. I. IT SHOWS US THAT IT DOES NOT MEAN , BE ALWAYS ON THE WATCH , BUT , BE ALWAYS PREPARED . The fisherman's wife who spends her time on the pier head watching for the boats cannot be so well prepared to give her husband a comfortable reception as the woman who is busy about her household... read more
The virgins. Amongst the great truths taught in this parable we notice these. I. THAT RELIGION ADMITS OF NO NEUTRALITY . 1 . In either things men may be indifferent. 2 . But the relations of existence forbid neutrality in religion. II. THAT UNBELIEF IS THE PARALYZER OF RELIGIOUS ENERGY . 1 . The world appeals vividly to sense. 2 . The foolish sleep without oil in their vessels. 3 . Even the wise are found sleeping. III. ... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 25:11
Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord - Earnest prayer, when used in time, may do much good: but it appears, from this parable, that there may come a time when prayer even to Jesus may be too late! - viz. when the door is shut - when death has separated the body and the soul. read more