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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 22:1-14

We have here the parable of the guests invited to the wedding-feast. In this it is said (Matt. 22:1), Jesus answered, not to what his opposers said (for they were put to silence), but to what they thought, when they were wishing for an opportunity to lay hands on him, Matt. 21:46. Note, Christ knows how to answer men's thoughts, for he is a Discerner of them. Or, He answered, that is, he continued his discourse to the same purport; for this parable represents the gospel offer, and the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 22:11-14

22:11-14 The king came in to see those who were sitting at table, and he saw there a man who was not wearing a wedding garment. "Friend," he said to him, "how did you come here with no wedding garment?" The man was struck silent. Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hands and feet, and throw him out into the outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth there. For many are called, but few are chosen." This is a second parable, but it is also a very close... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few chosen. See Gill on Matthew 20:16 read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 22:14

Many are called, etc. - This verse is wanting in one of Colbert's MSS., marked 33 in Griesbach. See the note on Matthew 20:16 . Many are called by the preaching of the Gospel into the outward communion of the Church of Christ; but few, comparatively, are chosen to dwell with God in glory, because they do not come to the master of the feast for a marriage garment - for that holiness without which none can see the Lord. This is an allusion to the Roman custom of raising their militia; all... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 22:14

Verse 14 14.For many are called, but few are chosen. The object of the parable is pointed out by the conclusion, that few are chosen, though many are called; from which we infer, that we ought not to attempt an ingenious explanation of every minute clause. But lately, Christ did not threaten that the greater part would be thrown out, but mentioned one man only; and now we learn from him, that out of a large number few will be retained. And certainly, though in the present day a more numerous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 22:1-14

Parable of the marriage of the king ' s son. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 22:1-14

The parable of the marriage feast. I. THE FIRST INVITATION . 1 . The King . This parable resembles the parable of the great supper in Luke 14:1-35 .; but it was delivered at a different time, under different circumstances. It differs also in its ending and in many of its details. It cannot possibly be, as some have thought, a mere variation of that parable. The King is God the Father, the Lord God omnipotent. He made a marriage for his Son. The marriage is the union between... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 22:1-14

The marriage feast. The opening of this parable reminds us of the feast of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs ( Proverbs 9:1-5 ). But there is an advance beyond the Old Testament ideas. Now the interest is no longer centred in the abstraction "wisdom," but the king and his son, representing God and Jesus Christ, make the feast one of supreme importance. So much the greater, then, must be the folly of those who decline to attend. I. THE ROYAL PREPARATIONS . Much must be done to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 22:1-14

The invitations of the gospel. The priests and elders having left in a rage, Jesus continued his discourse, addressing the people. This parable brings before us the invitation of the gospel, first to the Jew, and then also to the Gentile. Consider— I. THE INVITATION SPECIAL TO THE JEW . 1 . The blessings of the gospel are presented under the similitude of a marriage feast. 2 . Prophets and apostles are the King ' s messengers. 3 . But the favoured people... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 22:14

Many are called … chosen. The rejected guest is a type of a numerous class (see Matthew 20:6 ). All the Jews had first been called; then all the Gentiles; many were they who obeyed not the call; and of those who did come in, many were not of the inner election, of those, that is, whose life and character were worthy of the Christian name, showing the graces of faith, holiness, and love. Applying the parable generally, Origen ( ap. I. Williams) says, "If any one will observe the populous... read more

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