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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 11:16-24

Christ was going on in the praise of John the Baptist and his ministry, but here stops on a sudden, and turns that to the reproach of those who enjoyed both that, and the ministry of Christ and his apostles too, in vain. As to that generation, we may observe to whom he compares them (Matt. 11:16-19), and as to the particular places he instances in, we may observe with whom he compares them, Matt. 11:20-24. I. As to that generation, the body of the Jewish people at that time. There were many... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 11:1-30

Matthew 11:1-30 is a chapter in which Jesus is speaking all the time; and, as he speaks to different people and about different things, we hear the accent of his voice vary and change. It will be of the greatest interest to look one by one at the six accents in the voice of Jesus. The Accent Of Confidence ( Matthew 11:1-6 ) 11:1-6 And when Jesus had completed his instructions to the twelve disciples, he left there to go on teaching and to go on making his proclamation in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:23

And thou Capernaum ,.... This city is singled out from all the rest, and spoken to particularly, because of its peculiar advantages: which art exalted unto heaven ; which has respect to the very great privileges this place enjoyed, it being the city where Christ chose to dwell, and for a time fixed his abode in; where he first began to preach, and where such a train of miracles were done; a particular enumeration, of which has been before given: as also it may refer to the situation of... read more

Adam Clarke

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

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 11:2-35

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 11:20-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:20-24

The Lord's denunciation of judgment. I. ITS CAUSE . 1 . Knowledge. The Lord's tone assumes a greater severity—a severity which perhaps favours the view that St. Luke gives ( Luke 10:13 ) the true chronological order. The people of Galilee had seen most of the mighty works of Christ. His life had been long before their eyes; they knew him well; they watched him as he walked in their streets, as he healed the sick, or cleansed the leper, or gave sight to the blind. They knew every... read more

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