Matthew 18:8-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 18:7-14

Our Savior here speaks of offences, or scandals, I. In general, Matt. 18:7. Having mentioned the offending of little ones, he takes occasion to speak more generally of offences. That is an offence, 1. Which occasions guilt, which by enticement or affrightment tends to draw men from that which is good to that which is evil. 2. Which occasions grief, which makes the heart of the righteous sad. Now, concerning offences, Christ here tells them, (1.) That they were certain things; It must needs be,... 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 18:8-9

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot ,.... The same words are repeated here on occasion of offences, as are spoken by Christ, Matthew 5:29 on account of unchaste looks, desires and lusts: giving offence to Christ's disciples, or endeavouring, by any means whatever, to cause them to stumble and fall, is equally gratifying the flesh, and no more to be indulged, than the other, on pain of eternal damnation. See Gill on Matthew 5:29 , Matthew 5:30 read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:8-9

If thy hand, etc. - See the notes on Matthew 5:29-30 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:1-14

The little ones. I. THEIR EXAMPLE . 1 . The question of the apostles . They had not yet learned the great lesson of humility. Perhaps the favour shown to Peter, James, and John had excited jealousies among them. On their way to Capernaum they had disputed who should be the greatest. After all the Lord's teaching they did not yet understand the spiritual nature of his kingdom. There are rivalries and animosities in earthly states; there should be none in that kingdom where the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:1-14

Necessity of becoming like little children. To discuss in the abstract the question who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, is a profitable employment. But when discussed with personal reference, and in view of present competing claims, there must inevitably be jealousies and rivalries, vanity and hatred. That his reply might lodge in their minds, and be audible to all generations, our Lord gives it dramatically. He calls a little child to him, perhaps one of Peter's children.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:1-35

Discourse concerning the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and the mutual duties of Christians . ( Mark 9:33-50 ; Luke 9:46-50 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:5-14

The treatment due to such . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:6-9

Occasions of stumbling. To stumble is so to trip as to be hindered in faith or to be turned out of the way (cf. Matthew 5:29 , Matthew 5:30 ; Matthew 11:6 ; Matthew 13:21 ; Matthew 15:12 ; Matthew 24:10 ; Matthew 26:31 , Matthew 26:33 ; John 6:61 , John 6:62 , John 6:66 ; John 16:1 ). Occasions of stumbling are evil influences—allurements, persuasions, temptations, bad example, calumnies, insults, persecutions. The text teaches— I. THAT CHRIST HOLDS THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:8

Wherefore . The Lord teaches how to avoid this sin of giving offence, repeating the solemn words already delivered in the sermon on the mount, though with some variation and a different context ( Matthew 5:29 , Matthew 5:30 ). The reference on the former occasion was especially to breaches of the seventh commandment; here the Lord speaks of offences in general, of that external corruption among mankind which is the fruitful source of temptation and sin. The only remedy for this is the... read more

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