Matthew 25

Matthew 25:1

At that point of time last spoken of, the heavy visitation on this people, the condition of Christians will be fitly resembled by this parable of ten virgins, which took hand-lamps, (then in use, and fit to carry abroad for night-lights,) and went out to fetch a bridegroom and the bride, and wait on them to the feast. See note [c] on ch. ix., and Rev. xviii. 23.

prudent, provident, and the other five improvident.

took with them their lamps, and oil in them, sufficient to maintain them at present, but had no provision or store for the future.

a provision of oil in vessels which they had for that purpose, to replenish their lamps, when the oil which was in was spent.

Matthew 25:9

And the wise answered them, that they had reason to fear that, if they should be so kind, they should deprive themselves, and not have sufficient for both.

place of nuptial entertainment, and—

Here is now no entertainment for such as you, who have by your sloth and improvidence betrayed yourselves.

Matthew 25:13

See ch. xxiv. 36.

his domestic officers in their several places, stewards, husbandmen, &c.

These words to the end of the verse are omitted both in the Gr. and Lat. and in the King’s MS

Matthew 25:29

For to him that useth and improveth God’s grace shall by degrees be given so much, that at the last he shall have all abundance; but from him that doth not so, that which had formerly been given him shall be withdrawn.

Matthew 25:30

As for him that made no use of (nor brought in any increase to his master from) the talents intrusted to him, the idle disobedient servant, (see note

Matthew 25:31

All this parable, from ver. 13 to this place, being put as in a parenthesis, Christ here proceeds: But when Christ comes to judgment, whether to execute vengeance on this people, or (of which that is an emblem) to doom every man for his future eternal being, then shall his appearance be glorious and full of majesty.

Matthew 25:32

And all the people of the Jews, believers and unbelievers, and all other men that have ever lived in this world, every one having had some talent to trade with, intrusted to him by God, shall by the angels sent out to that purpose (ch. xiii. 41.) be gathered before him.

Matthew 25:33

And all the meek obedient followers and disciples of his, he shall place in a state of greatest dignity and preferment, but all the unfaithful disobedient shall be cast into judgment.

Matthew 25:34

And then as a king, or judge, shall he distribute the joys and dignities of the kingdom of heaven, which before all eternity were designed to be the reward of all faithful servants of God.

Matthew 25:35

According to every man’s works of piety or charity performed in this life, expressed here by feeding and entertaining of Christ.

Matthew 25:36

And again of clothing his naked body, tending him when he was sick, relieving, assisting, providing for him, and visiting him in restraint.

Matthew 25:37

Then shall those humble faithful disciples of his, as not being conscious of any such acts of service or charity shewed to Christ, answer him—

Matthew 25:45

Whosoever of you then shall be intrusted by God in any office of trust or stewardship, especially in that of getting believers to Christ, and shall discharge that trust faithfully and discreetly, do that which is his duty in times of trial and persecution, ver. 11, 12,

Matthew 25:46

Thrice happy shall he be, if, when his Master comes to visit, he continue to be thus employed, and so be found about the duties of his trust constant and persevering, ver. 13.

His Lord shall enlarge his trust, and make him steward of all, and not only of his household; either preserve him to be a governor in his church, after these sad times are over, or otherwise reward him as he seeth best.

If that servant shall prove dishonest, and say or think that Christ means not to come and visit as he said he would, 2 Peter iii. 4;

Matthew 25:49

And thereupon join in the persecuting of his brethren, (as the Gnostics did with the Jews against the Christians,) and indulge himself presumptuously to licentious living, (see 2 Peter iii. 3, and Jude 18,)

Matthew 25:50

The time of visitation shall come on him when it is least looked for, when he is in the worst posture to be surprised,

Matthew 25:51

And shall deal with him as a false debtor or deceitful steward, hew him asunder, and assign him the same lot which befalls the unbelieving Jews, Luke xii. 46, bring the same destruction on the Gnostic Christians and the Jews together, and that shall be an irreversible and a most miserable destruction.

CHAP. XXV.