Jesus pronounced woe on the world because it is the source of opposition to Him and His disciples, the source of all stumbling. The NIV translation may be a little misleading here. "Woe" announces judgment (cf. Matthew 11:21; Matthew 23:13-32). It is inevitable that the world will reject Jesus’ disciples, but God will hold those who do reject them responsible (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12; Acts 4:27-28). read more
Jesus next warned His disciples about the possibility of their doing what the world does, namely, making it difficult for another disciple to fulfill his or her mission for Jesus. In the context, one’s competitive pride of position might cause another disciple to stumble (Matthew 18:1). The illustrations Jesus used recall Matthew 5:29-30, where He also urged His disciples to discipline their thoughts and motives.The point of this section was the seriousness of rejecting or opposing Jesus’... read more
18:1 greatest (d-13) The Greek word is the comparative, hence 'greater' than others. it is thus characteristic, not personal. 'Greatest' answers to it in English. read more
18:3 all (e-21) Or 'in no wise.' a strengthened negative. read more
18:4 Whoever (f-1) He who has that character. greatest (d-13) The Greek word is the comparative, hence 'greater' than others. it is thus characteristic, not personal. 'Greatest' answers to it in English. read more
18:6 offend (g-4) That is, 'be a snare to,' verb from Skandalon . see Note, ch. 13.57. millstone (h-22) Lit. an 'ass-millstone,' i.e. turned by an ass, as too great for the hand. read more
18:8 offend (g-8) That is, 'be a snare to,' verb from Skandalon . see Note, ch. 13.57. read more
18:9 offend (g-5) That is, 'be a snare to,' verb from Skandalon . see Note, ch. 13.57. hell (i-35) Gehenna. read more
Offending the Little Ones. The Unmerciful Servant1-14. Ambition reproved, and humility taught by the example of a little child (Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48).1. Who is the greatest?] RV ’Who then is greatest?’ The ’then’is explained from St. Mark’s statement that on the way to Capernaum the disciples had been disputing who was the greatest. The Transfiguration had revived the hopes of the three leading apostles that the Kingdom of Christ was about to be established, and the Twelve were divided... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 18:5-14
The seriousness of impeding the progress of a disciple 18:5-14 (cf. Mark 9:37-50; Luke 9:48-50)The major sub-theme of this discourse is offenses (Gr. skandalon, stumbling blocks). The humble disciple will be careful not to put a stumbling block in the path of another disciple as that one proceeds toward the kingdom. read more