Matthew 11:20-24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:23

Thou, Capernaum - exalted unto heaven - A Hebrew metaphor, expressive of the utmost prosperity, and the enjoyment of the greatest privileges. This was properly spoken of this city, because that in it our Lord dwelt, and wrought many of his miraculous works. Shalt be brought down to hell - Perhaps not meaning, here, the place of torment, but rather a state of desolation. The original word is Hades, Αδης , from α , not, and ιδειν , to see; the invisible receptacle or mansion of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:24

But - it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom - Γη Σοδομων , the land of the Sodomites; i.e. the ancient inhabitants of that city and its neighborhood. In Jude, Judges 1:7 , we are told that these persons are suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah happened A. M. 2107, which was 1897 years before the incarnation. What a terrible thought is this! It will be more tolerable for certain sinners, who have already been damned nearly four... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:20

Verse 20 Matthew 11:20.Then he began to upbraid. Luke states the time when, and the reason why, Christ uttered such invectives against those cities. It was while he was sending the disciples away into various parts of Judea, to proclaim, as they passed along, that the kingdom of God was at hand. Reflecting on the ingratitude of those among whom he had long discharged the office of a prophet, and performed many wonderful works, without any good result, he broke out into these words, announcing... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:21

Verse 21 21.If those mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon. As Tyre and Sidon, in consequence of their proximity, were at that time abhorred for their ungodliness, pride, debauchery, and other vices, Christ employs this comparison for the express purpose of making a deeper and more painful impression on his Jewish countrymen. There was not one of them who did not look upon the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon as abominable despisers of God. It is, therefore, no small heightening of his... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:23

Verse 23 23.And thou, Capernaum. He expressly addresses the city of Capernaum, in which he had resided so constantly, that many supposed it to be his native place. It was indeed an inestimable honor, that the Son of God, when about to commence his reign and priesthood, had chosen Capernaum for the seat of his palace and sanctuary. And yet it was as deeply plunged in its filth, as if there had never been poured upon it a drop of Divine grace. On this account, Christ declares, that the punishment... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:2-24

JESUS THE ONE THAT SHOULD COME . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:2-35

The forearming against a foreseen unbelief. Note in introduction that St. Luke's placing of this narrative is the preferable one. it was during the period of absence of the twelve, after they had been "commanded," that John was beheaded. The entire current of tiffs chapter, that seems so exceptional in its character in some respects, is blown upon and troubled, as it were, by that presence, an ever-disturbing one, the phenomenal one, of unbelief. Notice— I. A PROPHET 'S FORESEEING ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:16-24

The judgment of God. The " generation " here rebuked is the race or succession of obstinately impenitent Jews headed and represented by the scribes and Pharisees. We are reminded— I. THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD COMMENCES IN THIS WORLD . 1 . The wicked are here convicted by the truth. 2 . The condemnation of the wicked is the commendation of the good. 3 . The providence of God has its rewards. II. THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WILL BE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:20

In Matthew only. It seems to be a kind of introduction, like verse 7 a , perhaps marking verses 20-24 as a fresh section in the discourses. It serves more particularly as an explanation why our Lord especially mentioned these cities. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works ( Matthew 7:22 , note) were done, because they repented not . "Quilibet auditor Nov. Test. est nut multo beetler (verse 11) ant multo miserior antiquis" (Bengel). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:20-24

Woe on those who reject him. The parallel passage, Luke 10:12-15 , comes almost at the close of the commission to the seventy. It is represented in the commission reported by St. Matthew by Matthew 10:15 alone, which is almost verbally identical with Matthew 10:24 . It is possible that St. Matthew or the author of the source used by him did not care to interrupt the subject of Matthew 10:1-42 . by inserting more of these verses there, even though that place more nearly represented... read more

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