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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Matt. 13:34, 35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make... 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 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them ,.... To the disciples and the multitude, and which was of the same kind, to the same purpose, and relating to the same subject as the former; the spread of the Gospel, and the increase of it in the world, The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven . The word "leaven" is every where else used in a bad sense; and either designs immorality, as malice and wickedness, or false doctrine, such as that of the Pharisees and Sadducees: but here it seems to be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:33

The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven - On the nature and effects of leaven, see the note on Exodus 12:8 . As the property of leaven is to change, or assimulate to its own nature, the meal or dough with which it is mixed, so the property of the grace of Christ is to change the whole soul into its own likeness; and God intends that this principle should continue in the soul till all is leavened - till the whole bear the image of the heavenly, as it before bore the image of the earthly.... 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 13:24-43

The tares; the mustard seed; the leaven. I. THE STORY OF THE TARES . 1 . Resemblance to the first parable. Again we have the field, the sower, and the seed. Again the seed is good. "God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Again the Sower sowed the good seed all over the field. No part was neglected. 2 . The differences. II. THE GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED . 1 . The parable. The mustard seed is small. It is sown in the field; it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:24-43

The great Administrator's foresight. This second parable of the seven proceeds in a certain degree upon the lines of the first. But its object is different; and though quite in the nature of an advance on the former, it is more limited in its scope. The first parable manifestly is the foundation of this one, and perhaps it may be said of all others. We may, perhaps, judge that to each parable, as one succeeded another, quickened attention was given, at any rate, by some of the hearers. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-33

The mustard seed and the leaven. These parables illustrate the worldwide growth and influence of the kingdom of heaven. It might not be wonderful that a peasant living in remote Syrian highlands should have dared to predict such a vast future for his work if he were only speaking in the enthusiasm of hope; but it is the wonder of the ages that the Galilaean predictions have been verified by history, which has proved that the Speaker uttered true words and was able to realize what he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:31-35

Parable and prophecy. The spirit of prophecy in ancient times enshrined itself in parables. The prophecy of Balaam, accordingly, is called "his parable" ( Numbers 23:18 ). Under the parable of two eagles and a vine Ezekiel shows forth the judgments of God upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt ( Ezekiel 18:1-32 .; see also Ezekiel 24:3 ; Micah 2:4-6 ; Habakkuk 2:6 ). So are the parables of Christ prophetic. Observe— I. THAT JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 13:33

The parable of the leaven. Parallel passage: Luke 13:20 , Luke 13:21 . The growth of the kingdom regarded in its quiet and secret influence. This is to be ultimately complete and universal. The prophecy is partially fulfilled with every fresh recognition of Christian principles in public opinion, or customs, or laws. For "every thought" shall be brought "captive unto the obedience of Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ). Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto... read more

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