Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:31-46

The judgment of the nations. The two earlier parables of judgment refer to those who are in confessed relationship with God. The parable of the ten virgins represents the relationship of friendship,—that of people who would share in the joys of God's home, as friends at a wedding feast; the parable of the talents represents a less intimate relationship,—that of service; the talents are committed to their proprietor's "own servants." Now the scene changes, and we are brought out to the larger... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:31-46

The judgment, No human imagination avails to grasp the conception of the judgment of a world—the great white throne, the voice of the archangel, the generations of all time gathering from all quarters. There is one feature of the judgment which is here and elsewhere made prominent—that Christ himself is to be Judge. The Father hath given him authority to execute judgment also, "because he is the Son of man." Jesus Christ is that Person through whom God has seen fit to transact with men... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:31-46

The great assize. It has been well observed by Dr. Doddridge that our Lord here proceeds to speak of the great day of retribution, in a description which is one of the noblest instances of the true sublime anywhere to be found. Portions of the description are undoubtedly parabolic, the intention evidently being to give prominence to certain important principles; but otherwise it is a solemn anticipation of what will one day become history. We may consider— I. THE ARRANGEMENT OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:34

Then . When the division is made, the sentences are pronounced. At death a separation between good and evil is in some sort made, as we learn by the parable of Dives and Lazarus; but the final award is not given till the great day. The King. He who had called himself the Son of man, here for the first and only time in Scripture names himself the King (comp. Matthew 27:11 ). He, the Messiah, takes his throne and reigns, King of kings and Lord of lords ( Revelation 19:16 ), Lord of both... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:35

For . Jesus here gives the reason which influences him in conferring this great boon on "the sheep" of his flock. He instances certain works of mercy which they performed during their earthly pilgrimage, as examples of the kind of acts which he deems worthy of eternal reward. It is not that he regards no other with favour, but these six works, as they show the temper and virtue of the door, are taken as the type of those which are approved. They are proofs of self-denial, pity, sympathy,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:36

Ye visited me. The visitation of the sick has become a common term among us. It implies properly going to see, though other ideas are connoted. Ye came unto me. It was easier in those days to visit friends in prison than it is at the present time. Good men, if they could not obtain release of prisoners, might comfort and sympathize with them. The seven corporal works of mercy which antiquity has endorsed have been preserved in the mnemonic line, "Visito, poto, cibo, redimo, tego,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:37-39

Shall the righteous answer him . The righteous are those on the right hand, those who have passed through earthly probation, and have come forth holy and pure. Their reply (which is given before the Lord's explanation) is contained in three verses, which recapitulate the deeds specified by the Lord, with some slight variation in the wording. When saw we thee, etc.? If this reply is conceived as spoken by the followers of Christ, who most be supposed to know what he had said ( Matthew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:40

The King shall answer. The royal Judge condescends to explain the meaning of the seeming paradox. Inasmuch as; ἐφ ὁ ì σον , rendered in the Vulgate quamdiu, rather, quatenus, in which sense the phrase is found also in Romans 11:13 . Unto one of the least of these my brethren. That is, not the apostles, nor specially but all the afflicted who have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings and Any such he is not ashamed to call his brethren. Ye have done ( ye did ) it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:40

Christ's acceptance of vicarious service. What is striking and suggestive is, that our Lord should make no reference to the cultured and. sanctified personal life of his disciples, but fix attention on their service to others, their sympathies, generosities, and charities. At first it may seem as if his praise rested on their good works; but soon we come to see that what our Lord accepts is the best indication of character, and precisely of Christly character. There is a sort of goodness... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 25:34

The King - That is, the Lord Jesus, the King of Zion and of the universe, now acting as Judge, Luke 19:38; John 18:37; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16.Blessed of my Father - Made happy or raised to felicity by my Father. See the notes at Matthew 5:3.Inherit the kingdom - Receive “as heirs” the kingdom, or be received there as the sons of God. Christians are often called heirs of God, Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6-7; Heb 1:14; 1 John 3:2.Prepared for you ... - That is, “designed” for you, or... read more

Group of Brands