Verses 40-42
Matthew 10:40-Luke : . End of the Charge.
Matthew 10:40 connects with Matthew 10:11-2 Chronicles : ( cf. also Matthew 25:35-:, and note Matthew 18:5). The second clause gives a Synoptic root for John 12:44; John 13:20; John 20:21 etc. ( cf. Hebrews 3:1. and Clem., Cor. 42f.).
Matthew 10:41 (like Matthew 7:15 ff.) seems to belong to a time when there was a definite class of Christian prophets.— in the name of: because he is; with no ulterior motive. Host and guest shall receive a like reward in the new age. Cf. Matthew 5:11 f.* The “ righteous” may be men and women of exemplary piety ( Matthew 5:20) or perhaps simply rank-and-file Christians, and so the same as the little ones” ( cf. Matthew 10:42; Matthew 18:6 * = Mark 9:41). Mt. regards righteousness as the chief virtue, and Christians are the true fulfillers of the Law (Montefiore). But it is better to regard the “ little ones” as a fourth class, “ disciples.”
On the whole section, Matthew 10:16-Luke :, see Wellhausen, quoted by Montefiore, p. 588.
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