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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 13:1-23

We have here Christ preaching, and may observe, 1. When Christ preached this sermon; it was the same day that he preached the sermon in the foregoing chapter: so unwearied was he in doing good, and working the works of him that sent him. Note, Christ was for preaching both ends of the day, and has by his example recommended that practice to his church; we must in the morning sow our seed, and in the evening not withhold our hand, Eccl. 11:6. An afternoon sermon well heard, will be so far from... 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 13:10

And the disciples came, and said unto him ,.... Not the twelve only, but others that were about him, as Mark says, who also were his disciples, and believed in him: these, when he was alone, came nearer to him, who, whilst he was preaching to the people, were at some little distance from him, either in the ship, or on the shore, though within the hearing of him, and addressed him after this manner; why speakest thou unto them in parables? not that this way of speaking was new and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 13:11

He answered, and said unto them ,.... Christ was always ready to give an answer to his inquiring disciples, concerning his ministry, and his conduct in it; which shows great respect to them, and condescension in him: because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven : by the "kingdom of heaven", is meant the Gospel, which treats of the kingdom of heaven, and of things pertaining to it; of the saints' meetness for it, which is the regenerating and sanctifying grace... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 13:12

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given ,.... Whoever has the true grace of God implanted in him, has a saving knowledge of Christ, and a spiritual acquaintance with the doctrines of the Gospel, shall have more grace given him; he shall grow in the knowledge of Christ, and the Spirit of truth shall lead him into all truth: and he shall have more abundance : of grace, light, knowledge, and experience: all grace shall be made to abound towards him; he shall be filled with all the fulness... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

It is given unto you to know the mysteries, etc. - By mysteries, here, we may understand not only things concerning the scheme of salvation, which had not yet been revealed; but also the prophetic declarations concerning the future state of the Christian Church, expressed in the ensuing parables. It is not given to them to know the purport and design of these things - they are gross of heart, earthly and sensual, and do not improve the light they have received: but to you it is given,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:12

Whosoever hath, to him shall be given - This is an allusion to a common custom in all countries: he who possesses much or is rich, to such a person, presents are ordinarily given. Whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath - That is, the poor man: he that has little may be easily made a prey of, and so lose his little. This is a proper sense of the word εχειν in sacred and profane writers. In 1 Corinthians 11:22 , τους μη εχοντας , those who have not, means... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:10

Verse 10 10.The disciples approaching said to him. From the words of Matthew it is evident, that the disciples did not merely look to themselves, but wished also to consult the benefit of others. Being unable to comprehend the parable, they concluded that it would be as little understood by the people; and, therefore, they complain that Christ employed language from which his hearers could derive no profit. Now though parables are generally found to illustrate the subject of which they treat,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:11

Verse 11 11.To you it is given to know the mysteries (178) of the kingdom of heaven From this reply of Christ we learn, that the doctrine of salvation is proclaimed by God to men for various purposes; for Christ declares that he intentionally spoke obscurely, in order that his discourse might be a riddle to many, and might only strike their ears with a confused and doubtful sound. It will perhaps be objected, that this is inconsistent with that prophecy, I have not spoken in secret, nor in a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13:12

Verse 12 12.For whosoever hath, it shall be given to him. Christ pursues the subject which I have just mentioned; for he reminds his disciples how kindly God acts towards them, that they may more highly prize his grace, and may acknowledge themselves to be under deeper obligations to his kindness. The same words he afterwards repeats, but in a different sense, (Matthew 25:29;) for on that occasion the discourse relates to the lawful use of gifts. (183) But here he simply teaches, that more is... read more

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