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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 21:28-32

As Christ instructed his disciples by parables, which made the instructions the more easy, so sometimes he convinced his adversaries by parables, which bring reproofs more close, and make men, or ever they are aware, to reprove themselves. Thus Nathan convinced David by a parable (2 Sam. 22:1), and the woman of Tekoa surprised him in like manner, 2 Sam. 14:2: Reproving parables are appeals to the offenders themselves, and judge them out of their own mouths. This Christ designs here, as appears... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 21:28-32

21:28-32 Jesus said: "What do you think? A man had two children, He went to the first and said, 'Child, go and work in my vineyard today.' He answered, 'I will not.' But afterwards he changed his mind and went. He went to the second and spoke to him in the same way. He answered, 'Certainly, sir.' And he did not go. Which of these two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them: "This is the truth I tell you--the tax-collectors and harlots go into the Kingdom... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:28

A certain man had two sons - Under the emblem of these two sons, one of whom was a libertine, disobedient, and insolent, but who afterwards thought on his ways, and returned to his duty; and the second, a hypocrite, who promised all, and did nothing; our Lord points out, on the one hand, the tax-gatherers and sinners of all descriptions, who, convicted by the preaching of John and that of Christ, turned away from their iniquities and embraced the Gospel; and, on the other hand, the scribes,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:29

I will not - This is the general reply of every sinner to the invitations of God; and, in it, the Most High is treated without ceremony or respect. They only are safe who persist not in the denial. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:30

I go, sir - This is all respect, complaisance, and professed, obedience; but he went not: he promised well, but did not perform. What a multitude of such are in the world, professing to know God, but denying him in their works! Alas! what will such professions avail, when God comes to take away the soul? read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:31

The publicans and the harlots - In all their former conduct they had said No. Now they yield to the voice of truth when they hear it, and enter into the kingdom, embracing the salvation brought to them in the Gospel. The others, who had been always professing the most ready and willing obedience, and who pretended to be waiting for the kingdom of God, did not receive it when it came, but rather chose, while making the best professions, to continue members of the synagogue of Satan. read more

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