Deep Dive

Matthew 18:28

A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 28

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants--Mark the difference here. The first case is that of master and servant; in this case, both are on a footing of equality. (See Mat 18:33). which owed him an hundred pence--If Jewish money is intended, this debt was to the other less than one to a million. and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat--he seized and throttled him. saying, Pay me that thou owest--Mark the mercilessness even of the tone.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 28

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.

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 28

18:28 a few thousand dollars: The first servant’s debt was about one million times greater than this sum owed to him.

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