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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 10:31

Verse 31 31.You are of more value This is true in general of all men, for the sparrows were created for their advantage. But this discourse relates peculiarly to the sons of God, who possess a far higher right than what they derive from creation. Now the rank which belongs to men arises solely from the undeserved kindness of God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:1-42

The "commanding" of the twelve. This was a grand historic occasion indeed. The honoured but ever-comparatively feeble and now dimmed, dying, or dead schools of the prophets are to be succeeded by a scion of Christianity that marks at one and the same time its noblest and most amazing human institution, and Heaven's most condescending gift and human trust. Now begins "the great company of preachers" of the New Testament. They began with twelve;. they very soon grew to seventy; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:16-39

The internal conditions of conveying Christ ' s message. The subdivisions of this section are after Matthew 10:23 and Matthew 10:33 (cf. Matthew 10:5 , note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:24-33

Fellowship with me in suffering is essential to fellowship with me in glory. (a) You must not expect better treatment than your Master ( Matthew 10:21 , Matthew 10:25 ). (b) But opponents are not to be feared ( Matthew 10:26-28 ), because ( α ) they are powerless to really injure ( Matthew 10:26-28 ); ( β ) there is a greater Object of fear ( Matthew 10:28 ). ( γ ) Who cares minutely for all his creatures, and much more for you ( Matthew 10:29-31 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:24-33

Fearless witnessing. The Christian is Christ's witness. He has to testify for Christ of his Person, offices, and work. He has to testify for the salvation of the believer; to the condemnation of the rejecter. To the rejecter the testimony is unpalatable and rouses resentment. This is often fierce and deadly. To face this resentment requires courage. In the text the witness has the encouragement, viz.— I. THAT THE POWER OF THE WICKED IS LIMITED . 1 . They have the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:24-42

General rules for all the Lord's disciples. I. THE CONFLICT . 1 . They must be patient , looking unto Jesus. He is our Example, our Master, our Lord. He is in all things above us immeasurably and beyond comparison—in his Divine power and majesty, in his transcendent holiness, in his perfect love. "He was despised and rejected of men." His people must expect the like. We are his disciples, his servants. The great aim of our life should be to be like him; to draw nearer and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:26-33

Parallel passage: Luke 12:2-9 , where it follows the warning against the leaven of the Pharisees. A similar saying to Luke 12:26 (parallel passage: Luke 12:2 ) is also found in Mark 4:22 (parallel passage: Luke 8:17 ). Though the two sayings are probably distinct, yet it is very possible that one may have been modified from the other in being reported. Fear them not therefore . These words are in Matthew only. Therefore. Since the Master bore such treatment. For . Hardly—Fear... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:29

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? The form of the saying in Luke 12:6 is practically equivalent ("Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?"); for sparrows are so common and cheap that if a man buys two farthings' worth he gets one thrown in. "At the present day the markets of Jerusalem and Jaffa are attended by many 'f owlets,' who offer for sale long strings of little birds of various species, chiefly sparrows, wagtails, and larks. These are also frequently sold ready... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:29

The Lord of the sparrows. The connection of this illustration should be noticed. Our Lord bids the first missionaries stand even on the house-tops, and freely speak out his message; but he , in effect , adds, "In doing this you will meet with dangers not a few. You will meet with enemies, some of whom will not stop short—if only their power will reach so far—of bloody issues. But fear not. You are watched and protected at every step, and come life, come death, you are safe." Van... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:30

But the very hairs of your head. "Your" emphatic, in contrast to the care bestowed on sparrows. (For the thought, compare not only the parallel passage, Luke 12:7 , but also Luke 21:18 ; Acts 27:34 .) Are all numbered . Perhaps long since ( ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν ). When Job complained the Lord answered him, "Many hairs have! made on man, and for every single hair its own pit, that not two hairs should draw their sustenance from one pit … shall I make no mistake about this, and... read more

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