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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 13:1-23

We have here Christ preaching, and may observe, 1. When Christ preached this sermon; it was the same day that he preached the sermon in the foregoing chapter: so unwearied was he in doing good, and working the works of him that sent him. Note, Christ was for preaching both ends of the day, and has by his example recommended that practice to his church; we must in the morning sow our seed, and in the evening not withhold our hand, Eccl. 11:6. An afternoon sermon well heard, will be so far from... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 13:1-58

Matthew 13:1-58 is a very important chapter in the pattern of the gospel. (i) It shows a definite turning-point in the ministry of Jesus. At the beginning of his ministry we find him teaching in the synagogues; but now we find him teaching on the seashore. The change is very significant. It was not that the door of the synagogue was as yet finally shut to him, but it was closing. Even yet in the synagogue he would find a welcome from the common people; but the official leaders of Jewish... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 13:11

He answered, and said unto them ,.... Christ was always ready to give an answer to his inquiring disciples, concerning his ministry, and his conduct in it; which shows great respect to them, and condescension in him: because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven : by the "kingdom of heaven", is meant the Gospel, which treats of the kingdom of heaven, and of things pertaining to it; of the saints' meetness for it, which is the regenerating and sanctifying grace... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

It is given unto you to know the mysteries, etc. - By mysteries, here, we may understand not only things concerning the scheme of salvation, which had not yet been revealed; but also the prophetic declarations concerning the future state of the Christian Church, expressed in the ensuing parables. It is not given to them to know the purport and design of these things - they are gross of heart, earthly and sensual, and do not improve the light they have received: but to you it is given,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

Verse 11 11.To you it is given to know the mysteries (178) of the kingdom of heaven From this reply of Christ we learn, that the doctrine of salvation is proclaimed by God to men for various purposes; for Christ declares that he intentionally spoke obscurely, in order that his discourse might be a riddle to many, and might only strike their ears with a confused and doubtful sound. It will perhaps be objected, that this is inconsistent with that prophecy, I have not spoken in secret, nor in a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:1-23

The parable of the sower. I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES . 1 . The time. It was the day, St. Matthew says (the order in St. Luke is different), on which our Lord had cast the devil out of the blind and dumb man; the day on which the Pharisees had so fiercely accused him of intercourse with Satan; when his own mother and brethren had feared for his safety, and sought to guide and regulate his work; when, as appears from St. Luke ( Luke 11:37 ), a Pharisee had invited him in no friendly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:1-23

The beginning of parables. Utilize introduction to dwell on the plain assertions of Matthew 13:10-17 . However deep their real theological meaning, however mysterious their significance in respect of the sovereign conduct of the world and the judgment of mankind, the statements are plain. The deep, unfathomable fact underlying the quotation from Isaiah (verses 14, 15) is not altogether free from offering some analogy to the subject of the sin against the Holy Ghost (see our homily, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:1-58

(a) , Matthew 13:1-23 , also in Mark and Luke, except some characteristic enlargements in verses 10-17. The section contains the parable of the sower and its interpretation, together with a statement of our Lord's reasons for teaching by parables. This is so nearly akin to the fundamental lesson of the first parable, that we cannot be surprised that the two should be recorded together. They seem, indeed, to have formed the nucleus of the whole collection. (b) Verses 24-35, of which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:3-23

Parable of the sower. The object of this parable is to explain the causes of the failure and success of the gospel. It might have been supposed enough to proclaim the kingdom. Why does this fail? It fails, says our Lord, because of the nature of the soil. This soil is often impervious, often shallow, often dirty. I. " SOME SEEDS FELL BY THE WAYSIDE , AND THE FOWLS CAME AND DEVOURED THEM ." The spiritual analogue is said to be in him "who heareth the Word,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:10-17

The reason w hy Christ spoke to the multitudes in parables. The question of the disciples ( Matthew 13:10 ). Christ's antithesis—You are the recipients of God's gift; they are not ( Matthew 13:11 ). This is not arbitrary, but in accordance with a universal law ( Matthew 13:12 ). They have not been using their faculties, and therefore they are thus judged, in accordance with the words of Isaiah (verses 13-15). The privilege of the disciples further insisted upon (verses 16,... read more

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