Matthew 21:23-33 KJV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:25

The baptism of John, whence was it? .... By the baptism of John, is meant the ordinance of water baptism, which was first administered by him; from whence he took the name of John the Baptist: and the doctrine which he preached concerning it, and previous to it, and even the whole of his ministry; which is denominated from a principal part of it, and which greatly distinguished his ministry from all others: and the question put by Christ concerning it is, whence it was? by what authority did... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:26

But if we shall say of men ,.... They reasoned with themselves, that should they give their answer in this form, and say, that the ministry and baptism of John, were merely human, and what he took up of himself, or which he performed by an authority derived from men, we fear the people ; that were then upon the spot, in the temple; who, as many of them were now the followers of Christ, more of them had been the admirers of John, and probably had been baptized by him: wherefore the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:27

And they answered Jesus and said, we cannot tell ,.... They saw the dilemma they were brought into; they chose rather therefore to speak against their own consciences, and tell a wilful lie, and incur the reproach of ignorance: who, at other times, took upon them to judge of a prophet, whether he was a true or a false one, and by what authority he acted, whether of God, or man: but now being reduced to this wretched condition, contrary to their office and character, declare they did not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:28

But what think you ?.... See Gill on Matthew 18:12 . a certain man had two sons . This is a parable; the design of which is to show the hypocrisy and deceit of the Scribes and Pharisees, in pretending to works of righteousness, and not doing them; and to reprove them for their disbelief and rejection of John's ministry; and to make it appear, that the worst of sinners in the Jewish nation were preferable to them; and that many of them were, and would be, happy, when they would be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:29

He answered and said, I will not ,.... Which answer fitly expresses the language and practice of openly profane and unregenerate sinners, who will not come to Christ, that they may have life; nor will they serve the Lord, but are bent upon indulging their lusts; nor will they be subject to the law of God; nor will they hear and receive the Gospel of Christ, or submit to his ordinances, and are averse to every good work: where is man's free will? this is the true picture of it; man has no... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:30

And he came to the second ,.... The Scribes and Pharisees, by the ministry of John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles also: and said likewise ; the same things as to the other son, the publicans and sinners; calling them into the Gospel dispensation, to hear the word, embrace truth, attend on ordinances, and labour in promoting the kingdom, and interest of the Messiah, whilst they had the light of the Gospel with them. Urging also the relation they stood in to God, as a part of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of his father ?.... This is the question put by Christ, upon the preceding parable to the chief priests, elders, and Scribes, they say unto him, the first : an answer which natural reason, and common sense, directed them to; and therefore they give it out at once, directly, without staying upon it, and demurring about it; though they seemed not to be aware of the application of it to themselves, which follows: Jesus saith unto them, verily I say unto... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:32

For John came unto you in a way of righteousness ,.... He had a commission from God; he was no impostor; the doctrine he taught was true, and which he faithfully delivered; his life and conversation were unblamable; there was nothing in his credentials, ministry, and conduct, that could justly be found fault with: and ye believed him not ; to be the forerunner of the Messiah, or the Elias that was to come; nor attended to the doctrine of repentance preached by him, nor were subject to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:33

Hear another parable ,.... Which, though Luke says was spoken to the people, who, were gathered round about him, yet was directed to, and against the chief priests; who continued with him till it was delivered, and the application of it made; when they perceived it was spoken of them. The design of it is, to set forth the many favours and privileges bestowed on the Jewish nation; their unfruitfulness, and the ingratitude of the principal men among them; and their barbarous usage of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:23

By what authority doest thou these things? - The things which the chief priests allude to, were his receiving the acclamations of the people as the promised Messiah, his casting the traders out of the temple, and his teaching the people publicly in it. Who gave thee this authority? - Not them: for, like many of their successors, they were neither teachers nor cleansers; though they had the name and the profits of the place. read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:26

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:27

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:28

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:29

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:30

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:33

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:23

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