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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 19:16-22

Here is an account of what passed between Christ and a hopeful young gentleman that addressed himself to him upon a serious errand; he said to be a young man (Matt. 19:20); and I called him a gentleman, not only because he had great possessions, but because he was a ruler (Luke 18:18), a magistrate, a justice of peace in his country; it is probable that he had abilities beyond his years, else his youth would have debarred him from the magistracy. Now concerning this young gentleman, we are... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 19:16-22

19:16-22 And, look you, a man came to him and said, "Teacher, what good thing am I to do to possess eternal life?" He said to him, "Why do you ask me about the good? There is One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "What kind of commandments?" Jesus said, "'You must not kill; you must not commit adultery; you must not steal; honour your father and your mother.' And, 'You must love your neighbour as yourself.'" The young man said, "I have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:20

The young man saith unto him ,.... For though he was so very rich and in such an exalted station in life, as to be a ruler, it seems he was but a young man; and to be so early serious and religious, amidst so much riches and grandeur, though it was but externally, was both remarkable and commendable: upon hearing the answer of Christ, with which he was highly pleased and greatly elated, he very pertly replies, all these things have I kept from my youth up : as soon as he was capable of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:21

Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect ,.... Wanting nothing, completely righteous, according to the tenor of the covenant of works, having no evil, concupiscence, or worldly lusts: our Lord signifies it was not enough to be possessed of negative holiness, and do no hurt to his neighbour, to his person, property, and estate, but he must love him, and do him good; and therefore, though so far as he had complied with the law, it was right and commendable; wherefore it is said by Mark,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:20

All these have I kept - I have made these precepts the rule of my life. There is a difference worthy of notice between this and our Lord's word. He says, Matthew 19:17 , τηρησον , keep, earnestly, diligently, as with watch and ward; probably referring not only to the letter but to the spirit. The young man modestly says, all these ( εφυλαξα ) have I observed; I have paid attention to, and endeavored to regulate my conduct by them. I have kept them in custody. From my youth - ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:21

If thou wilt be perfect - Τελειος ειναι , To be complete, to have the business finished, and all hinderances to thy salvation removed, go and sell that thou hast - go and dispose of thy possessions, to which it is evident his heart was too much attached, and give to the poor - for thy goods will be a continual snare to thee if thou keep them; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven - the loss, if it can be called such, shall be made amply up to thee in that eternal life about which thou... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:16-22

Answer to the inquiry of the rich young ruler concerning eternal life . ( Mark 10:17-22 ; Luke 18:18-23 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:16-22

The great refusal. The young man who won the love of Christ by his ardour and enthusiasm, and who grieved our Lord by his refusal to make an unexpected sacrifice, stands before us in vivid portraiture—an example, and yet a warning. Let us consider the successive traits of his character revealed by his conduct. I. HIS WISE QUESTION . It is much for a man to have a definite object before him; it is more for him to choose a worthy pursuit. Of all personal things the young ruler chose... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:16-22

The perfection of goodness. To attain to this should be the aim of every rational being. In quest of it we should be willing to do anything and to sacrifice anything. "Who will show us any good?" I. CHRIST IS THE IMPERSONATION OF PERFECT GOODNESS . 1 . The ruler, in a sense, discerned this . 2 . But he discerned it falsely . II. THE LAW OF GOD IS THE RULE OF GOODNESS . 1 . This is expressed in the instruction of Christ . 2 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:16-30

The young ruler. I. HIS INTERVIEW WITH CHRIST . 1 . His question . Christ was "gone forth into the way" ( Mark 10:17 ); he was leaving Peraea; his ministry there was ended. But there was a young man, a ruler of the synagogue, a man of large possessions and of blameless life, who came running and kneeled to him. Perhaps he had already felt the supreme goodness of Christ, the holiness of his teaching; hut his position, his Jewish prejudices, had hitherto prevented him from... read more

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