Matthew 18:23
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Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Therefore--"with reference to this matter." is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants--or, would scrutinize the accounts of his revenue collectors.
Open source ↗The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in this, of his teachings; probably, not all at the same time, in a continued discourse, but at several times, upon divers occasions, here put together, as near akin. We have here, I. Instructions concerning humility (Mat 18:1-6). II. Concerning offences in general (Mat 18:7), particularly offences given, 1. By us to ourselves (Mat 18:8, Mat 18:9). 2. By us to others, (Mat 18:10-14). 3. By others to us; which are of two sorts, (1.) Scandalous sins, which are to be reproved (Mat 18:15-20). (2.) Personal wrongs, which are to be forgiven (Mat 18:21-35). See how practical Christ's preaching was; he could have revealed mysteries, but he pressed plain duties, especially those that are most displeasing to flesh and blood.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field.
Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.