Matthew 11:14. And if ye will receive it— There is nothing for the particle it in the original; therefore Dr. Heylin reads him; and if this be the proper supplement, says he, we must understand that total perfect repentance which constitutes the common character both of him and Elias. For more on this subject we refer the reader to Mal 4:5-6 and Bullock on Prophesy, pref. p. 50. read more
Matthew 11:15. He that hath ears to hear, &c.— In the prophetic style of writing in general, there are two senses exhibited to the reader; first the literal, and then the figurative; for, as the words are intended to be the vehicle of the literal sense, so the literal sense is intended to be the vehicle of the figurative, to the man whose understanding is exercised "to discern the things of the Spirit." It is such therefore, in a particular manner, that whatever is written in the symbolic... read more
1. Questions from the King’s forerunner 11:2-19This sections illustrates how deeply seated Israel’s disenchantment with Jesus was. read more
A. Evidences of Israel’s rejection of Jesus 11:2-30Matthew presented three evidences of opposition to Jesus that indicated rejection of Him: John the Baptist’s questions about the King’s identity, the Jews’ indifference to the King’s message, and their refusal to respond to the King’s invitation. read more
IV. THE OPPOSITION TO THE KING 11:2-13:53Chapters 11-13 record Israel’s rejection of her Messiah and its consequences. Opposition continued to build, but Jesus announced new revelation in view of hardened unbelief."The Evangelist has carefully presented the credentials of the king in relationship to His birth, His baptism, His temptation, His righteous doctrine, and His supernatural power. Israel has heard the message of the nearness of the kingdom from John the Baptist, the King Himself, and... read more
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus took the opportunity to speak to the crowd about John. Reeds of cane grass grew abundantly along the Jordan River banks. A reed blown by the wind represents a person easily swayed by public opinion or circumstances. The multitudes certainly did not go into the Judean wilderness to view such a common sight. They did not go out to see a man in soft, even effeminate clothes (Gr. malakos) either. Such people lived in palaces. Jesus probably alluded... read more
The commendation of the King’s forerunner 11:7-11 (cf. Luke 7:24-28)John had borne witness to Jesus, and now Jesus bore witness to John. In doing so Jesus pointed to Himself as the person who would bring in the kingdom. read more
The people had gone out into the wilderness to hear John because they believed he was a prophet. Jesus affirmed that identification. He was the first true prophet who had appeared in hundreds of years. However, John was an unusual prophet. He was not only a spokesman from and for God, as the other prophets were, but He was also the fulfillment of prophecy himself. He was the one predicted to prepare for Messiah’s appearing.The passage Jesus quoted is Malachi 3:1, and His quotation reflects an... read more
These verses record Jesus’ description of the condition of the kingdom when He spoke these words. The days of John to the present began when John began to minister and extended to the time Jesus uttered the words Matthew recorded here. What does "suffers violence" mean? If the Greek verb biazetai is a deponent middle tense, it could mean that disciples must enter the kingdom through violent effort. [Note: J. N. Darby, Synopsis of the Books of the Bible, 3:59.] This seems to introduce a foreign... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 11:12-13
Matthew 11:12-13. The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence— Is violently invaded. Dr. Heylin reads it, The kingdom of heaven is entered by force, and they who strive with all their might take it, as by violence. The kingdom of heaven was indeed the inheritance both of Jews and Gentiles; but the Jews esteemed all those who knew not the law accursed. However, they neglected to accept the gracious terms of the Gospel, while the publicans and sinners, complying with these terms, entered into that... read more