Barnes' New Testament Notes

Notes on the New Testament
Explanatory and Practical
Part 11

By Albert Barnes

Enlarged Type Edition Edited by Robert Frew, D.D. with Numerous Additional Notes and a Series of Engravings vols. 1 (Matthew and Mark)-2 (Luke-John): 1949

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 20

Verse 20. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:19"

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 21

Verse 21. And the brother shall deliver up the brother, etc. Were there no evidence that this had been done, it could scarcely be credible. The ties which bind brothers and sisters, and parents and children together are so strong, that it could scarcely be believed that division of sentiment on religious subjects would cause them to forget these tender relations. Yet history assures us that this has been done. If this be so, then how inexpressibly awful must be the malignity of the human heart by nature against religion! Nothing else but this dreadful opposition to God, and his gospel, ever has induced, or ever can induce men to violate the most tender relations, and consign the best friends to torture, racks, and flames. It adds to the horrors of this, that those who were put to death in persecution were tormented in the most awful modes that human ingenuity could devise. They were crucified; were thrown into boiling oil; were burnt at the stake; were roasted slowly over coals; were compelled to drink melted lead; were torn in pieces by beasts of prey; were covered with pitch, and burned, to give light in the gardens of Nero. Yet dreadful as this prediction was, it was fulfilled; and incredible as it seems, parents and children, and husbands and wives, were found wicked enough to deliver up each other to these cruel modes of death on account of their attachment to the gospel. Such is the opposition of the heart of man to the gospel! That hostility which will overcome the strong ties of natural affection, and which will be satisfied with nothing else to show its power, can be no slight opposition to the gospel of God.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 22

Verse 22. Ye shall be hated of all men. That is, of all kinds of men. The human heart would be opposed to them, because it is opposed to Christ.

But he that endureth to the end, etc. That is, to the end of life, be it longer or shorter. He that bears all these unspeakable sufferings, and who does not shrink and apostatize, will give decisive evidence of attachment to me, and shall enter into heaven. See Re 3:21,22.

{n} "but he that" Da 12:12,13; Re 2:10

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 23

Verse 23. When they persecute, etc. They were not permitted to throw away their lives. Where they could preserve them, without denying their Lord, they were to do it. Yet all the commands of Christ, as well as their conduct, show that they were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviour. We are to preserve our lives by all proper means; but rather die than save ourselves by doing anything wrong.

Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, etc. That is, in fleeing from persecutors, from one city to another, you shall not have gone to every city in Judea, till the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the Jewish economy. See Barnes "Mt 24:28-30".

By the coming of the Son of man, that is, of Christ, is probably meant the destruction of Jerusalem, which happened about thirty years after this was spoken. The words axe often used in this sense. See Mt 24:30; Mr 13:26; Lu 21:27-32.

{o} "flee ye into another" Ac 8:1 {1} "Ye shall not" or "end" or "finish"

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 24

Verses 24,25. The disciple is not above his Master, etc. That is, you must expect the same treatment which I have received. They have called me, your Master and Teacher, Beelzebub, the prince of the devils, Mt 12:24; Lu 11:15; Joh 8:48) and you must expect that they will call all of the family by the same name. Beelzebub, or Beelzebul, was a god of the Eckronites. See 2 Ki 1:2. The word literally means the god of flies, so called because this idol was supposed to protect them from the numerous swarms of flies with which that country is supposed to have abounded. The word also signified, among the Jews, the god of filth, and was esteemed as the most low and offensive of all the idol gods. Hence the name was given to the leader, or prince, of all the devils, Lu 11:15; Mr 3:22. By giving the name to Christ, they poured upon him the greatest possible abuse and contempt.

{p} "The disciple is not" Lu 6:40; Joh 13:16; 15:20

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 25

Verse 25. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:24"

{q} "if they have called the master" Joh 8:48 {2} "Beel-Zebub" or "Beelzebul"

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 26

Verse 26. Fear them not, etc. He encouraged them by the assurance that God would protect them, and that their truth and innocence should yet be vindicated. It is probable that the declaration, "There is nothing covered," etc., was a proverb among the Jews. By it our Saviour meant, that their innocence, their principles, and their integrity, though then the world might not acknowledge them, in due time would be revealed; or God would vindicate them, and the universe would do them justice. They were, then, to be willing to be unknown, despised, persecuted, for a time, with the assurance that their true characters should yet be understood, and their sufferings appreciated.

{r} "for there is nothing" Mr 4:22; Lu 12:2,3; 1 Co 4:5

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 27

Verse 27. What I tell you in darkness, etc. That is, in secret, in private, in confidence. The private instructions which I give you while with me, do you proclaim publicly, on the house top. The house top, the flat roof, was a public conspicuous place. See 2 Sa 16:22. See Barnes "Mt 9:2".

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 28

Verse 28. Them which kill the body. That is, men, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter, in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing, compared with eternal death, he directs them, therefore, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death; but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body for ever. This passage proves that the bodies of the wicked will be raised up to be punished for ever.

In hell. See Barnes "Mt 5:22".

{s} "And fear not" Is 8:12,13; 51:7,12; 1 Pe 3:14

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 29

Verses 29-31. Are not two sparrows, etc. He encourages them not to fear by two striking considerations: first, that God took care of sparrows, the smallest and least valuable birds; and, secondly, by the fact, that God numbered even the very hairs of the head. The argument is, if he takes care of birds of the least value; if he regards so small a thing as the hair of the head, and numbers it, he will certainly protect and provide for you. You need not, therefore, fear what man can do to you.

Sparrows. Birds of very small kind and value, with a black throat, and brown temples. They were used for food among the Jews; and were an image of sorrow, solitude, and wretchedness. Ps 102:7. "I am as a sparrow alone upon the house top."

Farthing. See Barnes "Mt 5:26".

Without your Father. That is, God your Father guides and directs its fall. It falls only with his permission, and where he chooses.

{1} "farthing" "halfpenny farthing, a 10th part of the Roman penny"

Mt 18:28

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 30

Verse 30. The hairs--are all numbered. That is, each one has exercised the care and attention of God. He has fixed the number; and though of small importance, yet he does not think it beneath him to determine how few, or how many, they shall be. He will, therefore, take care of you.

{t} "But the very hairs" Ac 27:34

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 31

Verse 31. No Barnes text on this verse.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 32

Verses 32,33. Whosoever therefore shall confess me, etc. The same word, in the original, is translated confess and profess, 1 Ti 6:12,13; 2 Jn 1:7; Ro 10:10.

It means, to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and our dependence on him for salvation, and our attachment to him, in every proper manner. This profession may be made, in uniting with a church; at the communion; in conversation; and in conduct. The Scriptures mean, by a profession of religion, an exhibition of it in every circumstance of the life, and before all men. It is not merely in one act that we must do it, but in every act. We must be ashamed neither of the person, the character, the doctrines, nor the requirements of Christ. If we are; if we deny him in these things before men, or are unwilling to express our attachment to him in every way possible, then it is right that he should disown all connexion with us, or deny us, before God. And he will do it.

{u} "him will I confess" Re 3:5

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 33

Verse 33. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:32"

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 34

Verses 34-36. Think not that I am come, etc. This is taken from Mic 7:6. Christ did not here mean to say that the object of his coming was to produce discord and contention, for he was the Prince of peace, Is 9:6; 11:6; Lu 2:14; but he means to say that such would be one of the effects of his coming. One part of a family that was opposed to him, would set themselves against those who believed in him. The wickedness of men, and not the religion of the gospel, is the cause of this hostility. It is unnecessary to say that no prophecy has been more strikingly fulfilled; and it will continue to be fulfilled, till all unite in obeying his commandments. Then his religion will produce universal peace.

But a sword. The sword is an instrument of death, and to send a sword is the same as to produce hostility and war.

{v} "whosoever" 2 Ti 2:12 {w} "I cam not" Lu 12:49,55

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 35

Verse 35. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:34"

{x} "variance against" Mic 7:5,6

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 36

Verse 36. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:34"

{y} "And a man's foes" Ps 41:9

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 37

Verse 37. He that loveth father or mother, etc. The meaning of this is clear. Christ must be loved supremely, or he is not loved at all. If we are not willing to give up all earthly possessions, and forsake all earthly friends; and if we do not obey him rather than all others, we have no true attachment to him.

Is not worthy of me. Is not fit to be regarded as a follower of me; or is not a Christian.

{z} "He that loveth" Lu 14:26

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 38

Verse 38. And he that taketh not his cross, etc. When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was, that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus Christ carried his, till he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. See Barnes "Mt 27:31".

The cross was usually composed of two rough beams of wood, united in the form of this figure. It was an instrument of death. See Barnes "Mt 27:31,32".

To carry it was burdensome, was disgraceful, was trying to the feelings, was an addition to the punishment. So, to carry the cross is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or trying, or considered as disgraceful, in following Christ. It consists simply in doing our duty, let the world think of it or speak of it as they may. It does not consist in making trouble for ourselves, or doing things merely to be opposed; it is doing just what is required of us in the Scriptures, let it produce whatever shame, disgrace, or pain it may. This every follower of Jesus is required to do.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 39

Verse 39. He that findeth his life, etc. The word life in this passage is used evidently in two senses. The meaning may be expressed thus: He that is anxious to save his temporal life, or his comfort and security here, shall lose eternal life; or shall fail of heaven. He that is willing to risk, or lose, his comfort and life here, for my sake, shall find life everlasting; or shall be saved. The manner of speaking is similar to that where he said, "Let the dead bury their dead."

{a} "He that findeth" Mt 16:25

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 40

Verses 40-42. He that receiveth you, etc. In all these three illustrations Christ meant to teach substantially the same thing, that he that would entertain kindly, or treat with hospitality himself, his disciples, a prophet, or a righteous man, would show that he approved their character, and should not fail of proper reward. To receive in the name of a prophet, is to receive as a prophet; to do proper honour to his character; and to evince attachment to the cause in which he was engaged.

{b} "He that receiveth" Mt 18:5; 25:40,45; Joh 12:44

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 41

Verse 41. No Barnes text on this verse.

See Barnes on "Mt 10:40"

{c} "He that receiveth a" 1 Ki 17:10; He 6:10

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 10 - Verse 42

Verse 42. These little ones. By these are clearly meant his disciples. They are called little ones, to denote their want of wealth, rank, learning, and whatever the world calls great. They were little in the estimation of the world, and in their own estimation. They were learners, not yet teachers; and they made no pretensions to what attracts the admiration of mankind.

A cup of cold water only. Few would refuse a cup of cold water to any man, if thirsty and weary; and yet few would give it to such an one because he was a Christian, or to express attachment to the Lord Jesus. In bestowing it on a man because he was a Christian, he would show love to the Saviour himself; in the other case, he would give it from mere sympathy, or kindness, evincing no regard for the Christian, the Christian's Master, or His cause. In one case, he would show that he loved the cause of religion; in the other, not.

REMARKS ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 10

(1.) From the narrative in this chapter, in connexion with that in Luke, we are permitted to see the Savior's habits in regard to prayer. An important event was before him; an event on which, humanly speaking, depended the whole success of his religion--the choice of those who should be his messengers to mankind. He felt its importance; and even the Son of God sought the place of prayer, and during the night watches asked the direction of his Father. His example shows that we, in great and trying circumstances, should seek particularly the direction of God.

(2.) We see the benevolence of the gospel, Mt 10:7,8. The apostles were to confer the highest favours on mankind without reward. Like air, and sun-beams, and water--gifts of God--they are without price. The poor are welcome; the rich, unaided by their wealth, are welcome also; the wide world may freely come, and partake the rich blessings of the gospel of peace.

(3.) Ministers of the gospel, and all the followers of Jesus, should depend on the providence of God for support, and the supply of their wants, Mt 10:9,10. He sent his apostles into a cold, unfriendly world, and he took care of them. So all that trust him shall not want. The righteous shall not be forsaken. The God who has in his hand all the pearls of the ocean, the gold in the heart of the earth, and the cattle on a thousand hills, and that feeds the raven when it cries, will hear the cries of his children, and supply their wants.

(4.) We see the duty of treating kindly the messengers of salvation, Mt 10:11-13. Christ expected that in every city and town they would find some who would welcome them. He promised the reward of a prophet to those who should receive a prophet; and assured of his favour those who had nothing better to bestow than even a cup of cold water. The ministers of religion are sent to benefit the world. It is but right, that in that world they should be kindly received, and their wants supplied.

(5.) The guilt of rejecting the gospel, Mt 10:14,15. It is not a small matter to reject an offer of heaven. A palace, a throne, a mine of gold, might be rejected; and, compared with rejecting the gospel, it would be a trifle. But life eternal is not like thrones, and gold, and temples. This lost, all is lost. The gospel rejected, all is gone. Nor hope, nor happiness, awaits him that hath spurned this offer. God requires every one to believe the gospel; and woe, woe, a greater woe than befell the guilty cities of the plain, to him who rejects it.

(6.) Judgment will certainly overtake the guilty, Mt 10:15. It fell on Sodom, and it will fall on all transgressors. None shall escape. Damnation may slumber long over the wicked; and they may long mock the God of truth; but in due time their feet will slide, and all creation shall not be able to save them from woe. How dangerous, how awful is the condition of an impenitent sinner!

(7.) We are to take proper care of our lives, Mt 10:23. The apostles were to flee from danger, when they could do it without denying their Lord. So are we. He that throws away his life, when it might have been, and ought to have been preserved, is a self-murderer. He that exposes himself when duty does not require it, and whose life pays the forfeit, goes before God "rushing unbid into his Maker's presence," nor can he be held guiltless.

(8.) We are to persevere in our duty, through all trials, Mt 10:23. Neither the world, nor pain, poverty, persecution, nor death, is to appall us. He that endures to the end, shall be saved. We hate but one thing to do: to do the will of God; to be the Christian everywhere; and leave the event with him.

(9.) God exercises a particular providence, Mt 10:29,30. He watches the falling sparrow, numbers the hairs of the head, and for the same reason presides over all other things. "The Lord reigneth," says the Psalmist, "let the earth rejoice," Ps 97:1.

(10.) The duty of making a profession of religion, Mt 10:32,33. It must be done in the proper way, or Christ will disown us in the day of judgment. It is impossible to neglect it, and have evidence of piety. If ashamed of him, he will be of us.

(11.) Religion is easy, and easily tested, Mt 10:40-42. What more easy than to give a cup of water to a stranger; and what more easy than to know from what motive we do it! Yet how many are there who, while they would do the thing, would yet lose eternal life, rather than do it with a view of honouring Christ, or showing attachment to him! How dreadful is the opposition of the human heart to religion! How amazing that man will not do the slightest acts to secure an interest in the kingdom of God!