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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 18:15-20

Christ, having cautioned his disciples not to give offence, comes next to direct them what they must do in case of offences given them; which may be understood either of personal injuries, and then these directions are intended for the preserving of the peace of the church; or of public scandals, and then they are intended for the preserving of the purity and beauty of the church. Let us consider it both ways. I. Let us apply it to the quarrels that happen, upon any account, among Christians.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 18:21-35

This part of the discourse concerning offences is certainly to be understood of personal wrongs, which is in our power to forgive. Now observe, I. Peter's question concerning this matter (Matt. 18:21); Lord, how oft shall my brother trespass against me, and I forgive him? Will it suffice to do it seven times? 1. He takes it for granted that he must forgive; Christ had before taught his disciples this lesson (Matt. 6:14, 15), and Peter has not forgotten it. He knows that he must not only not... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 18:1-35

Matthew 18:1-35 is a most important chapter for Christian Ethics, because it deals with those qualities which should characterize the personal relationships of the Christian. We shall be dealing in detail with these relationships as we study the chapter section by section; but before we do so, it will be well to look at the chapter as a whole. It singles out seven qualities which should mark the personal relationships of the Christian. (i) First and foremost, there is the quality of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together ,.... This seems to be said in opposition to a Jewish notion, that a number less than ten, is not a congregation F1 Misn. Sanhedrim, c. 1. sect. 6. T. Bab. Megilia, fol. 23. 2. Gloss. in ib. ; whereas, though the number is ever so few that are met together to pray to God; or to hear his word, attend on his ordinances, or do the business of his house, or transact any affair that is for the glory of God, and the good of souls, in my name, says... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:21

Then came Peter unto him ,.... Having heard and observed the rules Christ gave concerning offences and brotherly reproofs, he drew near to Christ, and put this question to him: and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him ? He instances in a brother, because it was such an one Christ had been speaking of; he makes no doubt of its being his duty to forgive him upon his repentance, and acknowledgment, but wanted to be reformed, how often this was to be done,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee ,.... Which is as if he had said, observe what I am about to say, I do not agree to what thou sayest to fix the number, "until seven times only", but until seventy times seven ; a certain number for an uncertain, see Genesis 4:24 . Christ's meaning is, that a man should be all the days, and every day of his life, forgiving those that sin against him, as often as they repent and acknowledge their fault; and that no time is to be set for the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:20

For where two - are gathered together in thy name - There are many sayings among the Jews almost exactly similar to this, such as, Wherever even two persons are sitting in discourse concerning the law, the Divine presence is among them. See much more in Schoettgen. And the following, among the ancient Hindoos, is like unto it: "When Brahma, the Lord of creation, had formed mankind, and at the same time appointed his worship, he spoke and said, 'With this worship pray for increase, and let it... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:21

Till seven times? - Though seven was a number of perfection among the Hebrews, and often meant much more than the units in it imply, yet it is evident that Peter uses it here in its plain literal sense, as our Lord's words sufficiently testify. It was a maxim among the Jews never to forgive more than thrice: Peter enlarges this charity more than one half; and our Lord makes even his enlargement septuple, see Matthew 18:22 . Revenge is natural to man, i.e. man is naturally a vindictive... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:22

Seventy times seven - There is something very remarkable in these words, especially if collated with Genesis 4:24 , where the very same words are used - "If any man kill Lamech, he shall be avenged seventy times seven." The just God punishes sin in an exemplary manner. Sinful man, who is exposed to the stroke of Divine justice, should be abundant in forgiveness, especially as the merciful only shall find mercy. See the note on Matthew 5:7 , and on Matthew 6:14 , Matthew 6:15 ;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:20

Verse 20 20.For where two or three are assembled in my name. This promise is more extensive than the former; for the Lord declares that he will be present, wherever two or three are met together in his name, to guide them by his counsel, (Psalms 73:24,) and to conduct to a prosperous result whatever they shall undertake. There is therefore no reason to doubt that those who give themselves up to his direction will derive most desirable advantage from his presence. And since it is an... read more

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