Sic. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, that will be regarded by Christ as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly. 5 And whoever welcomes one … 2. As the chapter continues Jesus shows that there is no room for pride in the kingdom because everyone in it is treated as a child (vs. 5-9), protected as a child (vs. 10-14), disciplined as a child (vs. 15 … Hileh. These last were of the larger kind, and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended. Jesus’ first point in Matthew 18:1-4 is that entrance into His kingdom is not through pride, but coming in the same nature as a child. Aug. Sanhedrim. 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. lxvii.) (D) 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. The absolute power over the clay. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 The Word of God ‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. www.meetingwithchrist.com . Matthew 18:1-6 Christ proposes a little child to his disciples for a. pattern of innocence and humility. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, will be regarded by Christ as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly. When the prophet called to repentance, instead of obeying the call, the people devised devices against him. He can make any type vessel He pleases. Two kinds of millstones were in use; the one turned by hand, the other, and larger, by an ass (ὄνος). Matthew 18:1. THE POTTER - GOD. St. Mark and St. Luke, it may be noted, insert here the complaint of St. John, that he had seen one casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and this must be taken into account as an element in the sequence of thought. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and. You never read anywhere in the bible once that you get saved, life is “wonderful and perfect. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones, &c. It were better for him that a millstone, &c.; it is expedient for him) i.e., it is his interest—it were better for him, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,. Matthew 18:6. Matthew 18:7. & R. Obadiah Bartenora, in. Thus do sinners deal with the great Intercessor, crucifying him afresh, and speaking against him on earth, while his blood is speaking for them in heaven. The word translated "depth", is sometimes used for the Sea itself, Isaiah 51:10 and signifies the middle, or deeper path, and answers to the Hebrew phrase, "the heart of the sea"; , used by the Targum, in Psalm 46:3 and by Jonathan ben Uzziel, in Exodus 15:8. Our Lord’s words, on this assumption, would come home with a special vividness to the minds of those who heard them. Matthew 18 contains the fourth of the large blocks of Jesus’ teaching that Matthew has collected. ((d) R. Maimon. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ( = Mr 9:33-50; Lu 9:46-50). The nation of Judah had turned their backs upon God. Using deliberate exaggeration, Jesus urges His disciples to go to extremes to avoid sin (Matthew … Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan. Matthew 18:7-9 He warns them to avoid offences, though at the. Bible Gateway Plus makes studying Scripture easier than ever. (b) T Bab. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,(B) you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The punishment was not recognised in the Jewish law, but it was in occasional use among the Greeks (Diod. The word "church" appeared in the previous section in Matthew 16:18. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. Jeremiad was faced with the task of preaching repentance to a rebellious and backslidden … 1. Roger Hahn. * [18:10–14] The first and last verses are peculiar to Matthew. The destiny of the clay Mt 18:1-9. Moreover, it signals a change of location (“he left Galilee and went i… Matthew 18:5. That a millstone were hanged about his neck. (Matthew 7:7-8) Which lesson is taught in both the Parables of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-10) and the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-6)? Jesus points out three areas of righteousness to his … New International Version (NIV). (e) T. Bab. you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mark 9:33, 34; Luke 9:46; see the Notes section regarding Matthew 18:1.) Moed Katon, fol. Fasting involves more than giving up food for a day or two. A. Context, Context, Context: Matthew 18. 10. Jeremiah 18:1-6 . The subject matter of this chapter is the life of the church. Jerom thinks, that this was a sort of punishment in use among the Jews, that is here referred to; but this does not appear. Commentary on Jeremiah 18:18-23. xvi. 4And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the … Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 ... let it unfold its meaning for me now. In the “kingdom of the … c. 4. sect. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones. And it is devastating to the very core of the works-righteousness, the legalism, which Jewish leaders taught and practiced in the first century. THE CONTEXT Chapters 5-7 of Matthew's Gospel are known as the Sermon on the Mount, and constitute a large body of Jesus' teachings. R. Sampson. 5 And whoever welcomes one such … Resume Prayer. This was one mode of capital punishment practiced by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other nations. 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the a greatest in the kingdom of heaven?. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used a number of teaching methods. He that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven( A) 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”. 15. “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children. The mill stone, in the original, is called , which may be rendered "the ass mill stone", being either the nether mill stone, as some think, which was called "the ass", because, like an ass, it bears the chief of the weight and burden; or else respects such mill stones as were turned about by an ass, in distinction from those that were turned by the hand; for that it was usual with the Jews to make use of asses in grinding, as well as other nations, is certain: hence we read (a) of "the ass of mills", that were employed in grinding in the mills, and of one that turned his mill with wild asses (b): but it is further to be observed, that mention is made (c) of , "the ass of an handmill": which the commentators say (d), was a beam on which an handmill was fixed, and was called "the ass." It is unlikely that Jesus delivered all of these teachings at one sitting. 2. 2. He was describing holding on to a childlike faith and humility instead of relying on one's own goodness, skill, or achievement (Matthew 18:1–6). 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 14:21, Matthew 19:13-14, and Matthew 21:15-16.— συμφέρει αὐτῷ, it is expedient for him) i.e., it is his interest—it were better for him; for drowning is far less horrible than the fire spoken of in Matthew … expense of a hand, a foot, or an eye, Matthew 18:10-14 and not to despise the little ones, whom it is the. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Then it gets even more shocking, as Jesus starts talking about cutting off limbs and plucking out eyes. Most Christians know this passage in Matthew 18 where Jesus instructed His disciples to 'become like children.' ib. The meaning is, it would be better for him to have died before he had committed the sin. Yom Tob, c. 8. sect. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. ((c) Mish. 4 … Some people think Matthew 18 is an early church version of a “Manual of Disciple.” Yet there is a great difference between Matthew 18 and what the Essenes of Qumran had. (C) 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jeremiah 18:1-6 1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Everyone agrees that 18:1 is the start of a unit. Jesus then used the opportunity to teach them about the meaning of greatness in the “kingdom of the heavens,” the realm where his Father is Sovereign. The phrase of having a mill stone about the neck, I find, is sometimes used to denote anything very troublesome and burdensome (e). Temptations are necessary, not because they are sent by God (James 1:13), but because they're unavoidable parts of living in a fallen world. Those who lead believers astray can expect harsh judgment (Matthew 18:1–6). 1. ((a) T. Bab. Matthew 6:17-18 "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;" "That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Also, the Lord made use of object lessons and sometimes the object was a … Matthew 18:1-5 - Character, Not Competition. How do these relate to the commands in Matthew 7:7-8? Jeremiah was at a very low point in his ministry. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 EXEGESIS: MATTHEW 5-7. The meaning is it would be better for him to have died before he had committed the sin. These little ones - That is, Christians manifesting the spirit of little children, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:28. There are significant reasons for doing so. Jesus is not condemning children or believers, he is condemning the world (non-believers). A fast is a solemn time of separation … Almost all interpreters of this section of Matthew’s Gospel have considered Matthew 18:1-35 as a literary unit. The most well known rule of proper interpretation of the Bible is to be sure to interpret a passage within its context. And interpreters are just as certain that 18:35 ends it. This reflects Matthew’s careful organization of his gospel. And whoso shall receive one such little child. In Matthew 6, Jesus begins to contrast true kingdom ethics and heartfelt, sincere devotion to God to that of the current religious leaders. Notes for Matthew -- Chapter 18 (Page 3 of 6) Verse 7, first sentence: "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin!” 1. Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, ( and aylj Kya) , "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy. Avoda Zara, fol. 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”, 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. Here we have the parable of the potter. Zabim. It was obviously a form of death less cruel in itself than many others, and its chief horror, both for Jews and heathen, was, probably, that it deprived the dead of all rites of burial. 29. Jerome states (in a note on this passage) that it was practised in Galilee, and it is not improbable that the Romans had inflicted it upon some of the ringleaders of the insurrection headed by Judas of Galilee. (807) Children are more easily impressible; therefore they are more easily injured.— τῶν πιστευόντων, who believe) Jesus paid great attention to little children, and endued them with faith; see ch. Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Let's read it from v. 1 to v. 4. (z) Misn. That a millstone were hanged about his neck.—The word for “millstone” indicates the larger stone-mill, in working which an ass was commonly employed, as distinguished from the smaller handmill of Luke 17:35. "The tradition is, a man that marries a wife, and after that learns the law, R. Jochanan says, , "though a mill stone is about his neck", yet he must study in the law: that is, though his worldly circumstances are narrow, and his wife and family are as burdensome as if he had a mill stone about his neck, he must continue his studies.''. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing … a. The disciples were used to the competitive and comparative habits of adults. Our Lord's sense is, that it was much better for a man to endure the severest temporal punishment, rather than by offending, and evil treating any of his disciples, expose himself to everlasting destruction. Kiddusbin, fol. He seated himself and invited the twelve apostles to come to him. It is difficult to know how Matthew understood the logical connection between these verses and Mt 18:6–7. The infamy of offending one of the “little ones” was as great as that of those whoso crimes brought upon them this exceptional punishment. For the exposition, see on [1323]Mr 9:33-50. which believe in me; which cannot be said of infants, or little ones in age, and who also are not capable of offence; but must be understood of adult persons, of such who by faith look unto, lay hold on, and receive the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Saviour and Redeemer, and who make a profession of their faith in him; and chiefly of such who preach the doctrine of faith, who having believed, therefore speak; and who are generally the butt of the contempt, reproach, and persecution of men. Matthew 18:1-4 Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. 3Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. Matthew 18:5. 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little a children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.. 4 … Matthew 19:1 signals that a speech has ended (“When Jesus had finished saying these things”). 35), and had been inflicted by Augustus (Sueton. 2. 2. He made use of stories or parables; He would sometimes raise a question to provoke thought; and some of His teaching was in response to questions people asked. T he Lord Jesus, in His teaching, used the example of a child as a model of true discipleship. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I pray for the humility that I need to walk more slowly and talk more simply. 2. NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Romans, Comfort Print, NIV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow God’s Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Luke, Comfort Print. in cases of special infamy. The parable itself comes from Q; see Lk 15:3–7. (Read Matthew 18:1-6) Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Their Manual of Disciple dealt with many specific rules; here Jesus deals with principles and attitudes that should mark His people as they get along with each … NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. It were better for him, that a mill stone be hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. c. 7. sect. Father’s will to save. It does not seem likely that a nether mill stone, or one that required an ass to turn it, should be tied to a man's neck, in order to drown him, when cast into the sea; for our Lord must be thought to refer to a practice somewhere in use: but rather, that such a beam, or log, of an handmill, so called, were wont to be put about the necks of malefactors, in drowning them. Strife among the Twelve Who Should Be Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, with Relative Teaching. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 18:1-6 Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many a passage can be used to justify actions or desires contrary to Bible teachings simply by taking them out of context. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 18:1-6 Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Matthew 18:6. Instead, Matthew collected many of … The four capital punishments inflicted by them were stoning, burning, slaying with the sword, and strangling (z): they had indeed other sorts of punishment, which they borrowed from other nations; and so they might this, either from the Romans, or Greeks, or their neighbours the Syrians. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be … Matthew 18:1-6 . 6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. MATTHEW CHAPTER 18. Jesus showed them that there is another way of seeing the world. He was unconsciously placing himself among those who were hindering the work of Christ, and so “offending” those who believed in him. Matthew … It is evident from the other two Evangelists, that the disciples did not come to Christ of their own accord, but that, having secretly disputed on the road, they were brought out of their lurking-places, and dragged forth to light.There is nothing inconsistent with this in the account given by Matthew… (See Note on Mark 9:38.). (E), 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.(F). Matthew 18:6. “These little ones”: That is, Christians manifesting the spirit of little children. At that time the disciples came to Jesus. They were following false prophets and were worshipping idols instead of God. "THE POTTERS HOUSE" I. 1. It were better for him that a millstone ... - Mills, anciently, were either turned by hand (see the notes at Matthew 24:41), or by beasts, chiefly by mules. Here Jesus says an ass-millstone; or, as Rev., a great millstone; Wyc., millstone of asses. Matthew 18:1-19:30. 16. Indeed, he warns that “it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). (2) We ought to have great respect for our brethren no matter how base they may be: and he that does otherwise shall be sharply punished. All rights reserved worldwide. Maimon. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. Not in age, but are little and mean in their own eyes, and contemptible in the esteem of the world; though otherwise men of great grace, gifts, and usefulness; who may be said to be offended, when they are not received; their … Now, He seems to have begun describing His disciples, those who … Now, I should rather think that this is meant than the other. Matthew 18:1-6 (NIV) 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"