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Matthew 18:21
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Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?--In the recent dispute, Peter had probably been an object of special envy, and his forwardness in continually answering for all the rest would likely be cast up to him--and if so, probably by Judas--notwithstanding his Masters' commendations. And as such insinuations were perhaps made once and again, he wished to know how often and how long he was to stand it. till seven times?--This being the sacred and complete number, perhaps his meaning was, Is there to be a limit at which the needful forbearance will be full?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had begun to reckon,.... To open the book of conscience, and to bring to account by some awakening providence, and strong conviction: one was brought unto him; whether he would or no, through the force of an awakened conscience, under guilt and terror; which owed him ten thousand talents; which must be understood, either of gold, or silver: a talent of silver contained 3,000 shekels, as appears from Exo 38:25, and was in value of our money 375l. but a talent of gold was equal to 4,500l. of our (f) money. According to Dr. Prideaux (g), a talent of silver was 450l. and a talent of gold, the proportion of gold to silver being reckoned as sixteen to one, was 7,200l. and according to Bishop Cumberland, a talent of silver was 353l. 11s. 10d. ob. and a talent of gold of the same weight, was 5,075l. 15s. 7d. ob. The whole, according to Dr. Hammond, was a thousand eight hundred seventy five thousand pounds, reckoning them silver talents; but if talents of gold are meant, what an immense sum must ten thousand of them be! According to some, seventy two millions sterling. The design of the phrase, is to set forth the exceeding greatness of the debt. Munster's Hebrew Gospel reads it, "ten thousand manehs", or pounds; and so the Persic version: now the value of a maneh of gold, was 75l. and of silver, 7l 10s. (h) take the sum in the least quantity and value, it was exceeding large. The Arabic version renders it a "sum of talents", without mentioning the number, and may mean an innumerable one. Mention is made of such a number of talents of silver, in Est 3:9, which Aben Ezra says is defective, and signifies ten thousand thousand talents. The "second" Targum on the place says, that the sum of six hundred thousand zuzim, drachms, or pence (i.e. Roman ones) is ten thousand talents of silver. These "ten thousand talents" intend sins, which are called debts, in Scripture; not that they are properly so, or owing to God, for then it would be right to pay them, but because they bind over to punishment. All men owe a debt of thankfulness to God, for their beings, the preservation of them, and all the mercies of life; and a debt of obedience to the whole law, in failure of which, they are obliged to punishment: hence every sin becomes a debt, and these are numerous; indwelling sin, and the lusts thereof, are innumerable; as are actual sins and transgressions, they are more than the hairs of a man's head, and are fitly expressed, both for the weight and quantity of them, by "ten thousand talents". In this light they appear to the conscience of an awakened sinner, who sees that he has been doing nothing but sin, all the days of his life; and that he has been continually breaking the law, one precept or another of it, in thought, word, or deed: which violations of the law, even in word and deed, are risen up to so great a sum, that he is not able to give it to any nearness, and with any exactness; he cannot understand all his errors, nor express the full number of them, or declare all their aggravated circumstances; besides the swarms of corruption of internal lusts and sins, which he observes dwelling in his heart, and are as innumerable as the motes and atoms in a sunbeam. The sins of God's people, which have been all made to meet upon Christ, have been laid upon him by his Father's imputation of them to him, with his own consent, are represented in this manner; see Psa 40:12. And indeed, if the debts of one of them amount to ten thousand talents, what must the sum of all be, put together! and how great must be the strength and power of Christ, to bear the weight of these sins, and not be broken or discouraged, and fail, as he did not! and what a rich virtue and efficacy must there be in his blood, to pay off all these debts, and make satisfaction for them, which could never have been done, if he had not done it! for, it is impossible that a person in such circumstances as here described, should ever be able to recover himself, or pay his debts, as follows. (f) Brerewood de Nummis Heb. c. 4. (g) Connection, Vol. 1. Preface, p. 20. (h) Brerewood de Numuis. Heb. c. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:21-35 Peter’s suggestion of seven times was generous, so Jesus’ answer was startling. The disciple’s willingness to forgive should be like God’s forgiving grace, limitless and free (see 18:10-14). Those who do not forgive in this way cannot themselves have experienced God’s forgiveness (18:35; see 6:12).
Matthew 18:21
The Unforgiving Servant
20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Brokenness Study #3 - the Process
By Charles Stanley8.1K48:07BrokennessMAT 14:22MAT 16:21MAT 18:21MAT 26:33JHN 13:5JHN 21:151PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing with our self-life and bringing us into submission to the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses the example of Peter, who had to be shattered and broken in order for his determination and strength to be directed towards the Lord's work. The speaker also highlights that God targets the specific areas in our lives that need to be broken, and that we all have strengths and weaknesses that make us vulnerable. The ultimate goal is for us to be in a usable condition, clothed with humility towards one another, as God opposes the proud.
The Great Responsibility of Those Forgiven
By David Wilkerson2.2K51:12MAT 18:21This sermon emphasizes the great responsibility of those who have been forgiven, using the parable from Matthew 18 about the unforgiving servant. It highlights the importance of understanding and accepting God's grace, mercy, and forbearance in order to truly forgive others. The speaker urges the congregation to examine their hearts, repent, and extend forgiveness to others as they have been forgiven by God.
'Forgive Us, Our Debtors'
By Derek Cleave2.2K55:20ForgivenessMAT 5:44MAT 6:14MAT 6:33MAT 18:21MAT 18:23EPH 4:32In this sermon, the speaker begins by recounting a parable from the Bible about a servant who owed a debt to his master. The servant was forgiven his debt but refused to show mercy to a fellow servant who owed him money. The master then punished the servant for his lack of forgiveness. The speaker emphasizes that just as the servant owed a debt to his master, we also owe a debt to God for our sins. He explains that we cannot escape this debt and that God's patience is not a substitute for forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that we must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God.
How to Pray
By David Hocking2.0K49:01MAT 18:21In this sermon on prayer, the speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine and heartfelt prayer. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who pray to be seen by others, rather than seeking a true connection with God. The speaker encourages listeners to turn to God in times of trials, temptations, and struggles, emphasizing the power of prayer for deliverance. He also discusses the importance of forgiveness and the need to forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to seek God's deliverance from evil and to rely on His strength.
How to Get Along With Everybody All the Time
By Charlie Orr1.7K1:11:02BitternessMAT 18:21In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of how he came to recognize his own sinfulness and the need for Jesus' forgiveness. He emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and how it can bring reconciliation and peace in relationships. The preacher also highlights the importance of forgiveness, drawing from the parable in Matthew 18:23-35 where a servant is forgiven a massive debt but fails to show the same mercy to others. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own attitudes towards forgiveness and to embrace the process of divine compassion in their lives.
(Matthew) ch.6:1-6:15
By Zac Poonen1.5K55:12MAT 6:1MAT 18:15MAT 18:21MAT 18:34MAT 26:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right motives when serving God. He warns against seeking recognition and praise from others, whether it be through giving testimony, giving money, or engaging in Christian activities like singing. The speaker refers to Matthew 6:1, where Jesus cautions against practicing righteousness to be noticed by men, as it can result in losing our reward from God. The sermon encourages believers to constantly examine their motives and repent when they realize they have been seeking honor from others, instead of seeking to glorify God.
False and True Praying to God
By Peter Masters1.4K34:50MAT 18:21This sermon delves into the concept of true repentance and approaching God sincerely, drawing parallels from the parable of the unmerciful servant. It emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, not driven by self-interest but by a desire for transformation and a new life in Christ. The message highlights the need for a heartfelt change of character and a true surrender to God, warning against false repentance that lacks sincerity and lasting transformation.
Forgiveness - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.3K09:56MAT 5:44MAT 18:21LUK 23:34EPH 4:32COL 3:13This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of forgiveness, drawing from examples of individuals who found the grace to forgive despite immense pain and suffering. It challenges listeners to forgive as Christ forgave, even in the face of being wronged, and highlights the transformative impact of extending forgiveness to those who have harmed us.
Forgiveness and Mercy
By Erlo Stegen1.2K57:04ForgivenessMAT 6:33MAT 12:24MAT 18:21MAT 18:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and how it is a characteristic of the kingdom of God. He uses the parable of a king settling accounts with his servants to illustrate this point. The king shows great compassion and forgives a servant who owes him a large debt. However, this servant then refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller debt. The preacher highlights the hypocrisy of holding onto grudges and emphasizes the need to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
Superlative Qualities of Love
By Stephen Olford1.1K52:15LoveMAT 18:21In this sermon, Stephen Olford shares highlights of recent news and updates. He mentions a veritable revival and attributes it to the faithful prayers of the listeners. Olford discusses the importance of love and how it should be shown through kind actions towards others. He also talks about the progress being made in finding a location for their center for preachers. Despite some delays, he is confident that good news will be shared soon.
Release
By Gareth Evans1.1K43:04ReleaseMAT 16:18MAT 18:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Bible verses when teaching doctrine. He shares a personal story of a young man named Norman who was deeply wounded and how it affected his mindset. The speaker then discusses the tactics of Satan and how he uses lies and fiery arrows to rob Christians of their ability to walk in victory. He concludes by highlighting the power of being a new creation in Christ and encourages the audience to truly believe and embrace this truth.
The Restoration of God as Seen in the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant
By John Saunders1.0K1:12:03PSA 50:1PSA 67:1PSA 80:3PSA 80:7PSA 80:19MAT 18:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the book of Judges in the Bible. The story involves a horrific act of immorality committed by the tribe of Benjamin, which leads to a war between Benjamin and the rest of Israel. Despite suffering defeats in battle, the people of Israel seek guidance from the Lord and continue to fight. The preacher emphasizes the theme of restoration, highlighting how God calls a remnant to Himself and works to restore what was lost. The sermon also draws parallels to the coming of Jesus, who, in his humility and weakness, ultimately defeats the enemy and brings about restoration.
Forgiveness
By David Guzik92252:26HOS 11:9MAT 18:21LUK 17:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unforgiving servant from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being generous with forgiveness, as God has forgiven us so much. The preacher highlights the differences between the way God forgives and the way humans forgive, such as God's ability to hold back anger for a long time. He also warns against two dangerous misapplications of forgiveness: community forgiveness, where forgiveness is granted without proper accountability, and personal relationships, where forgiveness should be practiced but not at the expense of justice.
Forgive Like Jesus Did
By Sandeep Poonen87632:46MAT 6:14MAT 18:21MAT 26:55LUK 23:34JHN 19:25This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of forgiveness in the Christian walk, highlighting how unforgiveness can lead to dismissal from the kingdom of God. It delves into key Bible verses such as Matthew 6:14-15 and Matthew 18, illustrating the severe consequences of harboring unforgiveness. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their hearts for any signs of unforgiveness, even in subtle behaviors like coldness or silent treatment, stressing the need for radical forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.
Forgiveness
By Edgar Reich66528:11ForgivenessMAT 18:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of forgiveness, both from God and from others. The speaker emphasizes that God's forgiveness is limitless, using the example of forgiving 70 times seven, or 490 times. The speaker also highlights the importance of repentance and surrendering to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. The sermon includes a parable about a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his master but refuses to show the same compassion to a fellow servant who owes him a smaller debt. This parable serves as a reminder that we should forgive others just as God has forgiven us.
Seventy Times Seven
By Jenny Daniel59547:56MAT 18:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, using the concept of '70 x 7' from Matthew 18:21-35. It delves into the struggle of forgiving others, the need to cover offenses with love, and the detrimental effects of holding onto bitterness. The sermon highlights the power of God's love to enable forgiveness, the impact of forgiveness on our health and mental state, and the significance of maintaining a Christ-like testimony through forgiveness.
Forgiveness Brings Fullness
By Phil Beach Jr.281:01:16ForgivenessTrue FreedomMAT 18:21Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that true freedom, as intended by God, is liberation from sin and self-will, enabling us to love Him fully. He contrasts worldly freedom with the divine freedom that allows Christians to be free from the bondage of sin and to forgive others, highlighting the importance of cultivating a heart of forgiveness. Beach illustrates that unforgiveness can lead to spiritual torment and that true liberty comes from embracing God's grace and forgiveness, as demonstrated by Jesus on the cross. He encourages believers to seek this freedom and to be vessels of God's love and compassion, ultimately leading to a life of prayer and service to others. The sermon calls for a deep introspection of one's heart to ensure it is free from bitterness and ready to share God's love.
Being Merciful
By Zac Poonen0MercyForgivenessPSA 66:18MAT 6:12MAT 18:21MRK 11:25LUK 6:37JHN 13:14EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of mercy and forgiveness among believers, highlighting that our human nature often leads to unintentional harm to one another. He warns that harboring unforgiveness creates a 'little bit of hell' within us, which can hinder our relationship with God and even affect our physical health. Poonen stresses that true forgiveness requires brokenness and a desire for reconciliation, urging us to pray for the forgiveness of others as we seek our own. He reminds us that without forgiving others, our prayers may go unheard by God. Ultimately, the call to forgive is a reflection of our own need for mercy and a vital step towards spiritual healing.
Homily Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 25:21MAT 5:44MAT 6:14MAT 18:21LUK 18:1ROM 12:19EPH 4:31COL 3:13JAS 5:16John Chrysostom preaches about the power of prayer and the importance of praying with a humble and contrite heart. He emphasizes the need to pray for forgiveness of our own sins rather than seeking revenge against our enemies, as this can lead to our own downfall. Chrysostom uses the example of Isaac's persistent prayer for his barren wife to illustrate the faith and endurance required in prayer, highlighting the patience and dedication needed in our own prayer lives. He warns against using prayer as a means of seeking harm to others, as this goes against God's command to love our enemies and forgive as we have been forgiven.
The Universal Law of Forgiveness
By Edward Payson0PSA 103:12MAT 18:21LUK 17:31JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches about the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing that just as Jesus is ready to forgive us repeatedly when we repent, we should also be willing to forgive others who trespass against us. He highlights the need for believers to have deep conviction in Christ's boundless mercy, as many struggles and sins stem from not fully grasping His willingness to forgive. Payson explains that Christ's forgiveness is not limited by the number of times we repent, but by our genuine repentance, and encourages believers to approach Christ with confidence for forgiveness and restoration.
Matthew 18:21 to End. the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 103:10MAT 18:21EPH 4:32COL 3:131JN 1:9Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes the importance of forgiveness by comparing the ungrateful servant in the parable to the unforgiving sinner, highlighting the immense debt we owe to God compared to any debt others may owe us. The sermon underscores the need to reflect on the frequency and magnitude of our offenses against God, who continues to offer reconciliation despite our continuous sins. It challenges listeners to consider their own faults in conflicts and to seek the assurance of God's forgiving love, enabling them to forgive others as Christ forgave them.
When Brothers Quarrel
By Timothy Tow0PRO 18:19MAT 6:14MAT 18:21ACT 15:39EPH 4:30Timothy Tow preaches on the difficulty of reconciling with offended brothers, using examples from court cases and biblical figures like Paul and Barnabas. He emphasizes the importance of letting time and the Holy Spirit work for reconciliation, urging believers to follow the Word of God in resolving conflicts. Tow highlights the need for forgiveness, drawing from the teachings of Jesus and Paul, stressing that unconditional forgiveness is essential for receiving God's forgiveness.
The Golden Rule of Success
By Charles Stanley0MAT 6:12MAT 7:7MAT 7:9MAT 7:12MAT 18:21GAL 2:20GAL 6:7HEB 11:6Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of seeking, asking, and knocking in prayer, assuring that God, our heavenly Father, will provide good gifts to those who ask Him. He delves into the principle of treating others as we want to be treated, highlighting the divine strength required to live out this standard in a world that often operates differently. Stanley challenges believers to imitate Christ's generosity and forgiveness, even when faced with challenges or repeated wrongs, emphasizing the need to respond in faith and submit to the Holy Spirit's control for godly behavior. He underscores the biblical truth that our actions and attitudes towards others will ultimately determine our success in God's eyes.
The Universal Law of Forgiveness.
By Edward Payson0PSA 103:12MAT 18:21LUK 17:3EPH 4:321JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches about the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing that just as Jesus is ready to forgive us repeatedly when we repent, we should also be willing to forgive others who trespass against us. He highlights the need for deep conviction in God's boundless mercy to prevent guilt and despair, and the significance of understanding the types of trespasses that require forgiveness. Payson stresses that Jesus, as our brother and Savior, is always ready to forgive our repentant hearts, no matter how many times we may have trespassed against Him.
It Shall Not Be Forgiven
By George MacDonald0MAT 6:14MAT 12:31MAT 18:21MAT 18:35LUK 12:10LUK 23:34JHN 20:23ROM 2:41JN 1:9George MacDonald preaches about the importance of forgiveness and the unpardonable sin, emphasizing the need to understand the depth of God's forgiveness and the consequences of denying the Spirit of Truth. He delves into the concept of forgiveness between a father and a son, highlighting the transformative power of repentance and the necessity of love and reconciliation. MacDonald explores the idea of the sin against the Holy Ghost as a condition of spiritual depravity that shuts out God's forgiveness, but he also offers hope for redemption and purification through divine love and mercy.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?--In the recent dispute, Peter had probably been an object of special envy, and his forwardness in continually answering for all the rest would likely be cast up to him--and if so, probably by Judas--notwithstanding his Masters' commendations. And as such insinuations were perhaps made once and again, he wished to know how often and how long he was to stand it. till seven times?--This being the sacred and complete number, perhaps his meaning was, Is there to be a limit at which the needful forbearance will be full?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had begun to reckon,.... To open the book of conscience, and to bring to account by some awakening providence, and strong conviction: one was brought unto him; whether he would or no, through the force of an awakened conscience, under guilt and terror; which owed him ten thousand talents; which must be understood, either of gold, or silver: a talent of silver contained 3,000 shekels, as appears from Exo 38:25, and was in value of our money 375l. but a talent of gold was equal to 4,500l. of our (f) money. According to Dr. Prideaux (g), a talent of silver was 450l. and a talent of gold, the proportion of gold to silver being reckoned as sixteen to one, was 7,200l. and according to Bishop Cumberland, a talent of silver was 353l. 11s. 10d. ob. and a talent of gold of the same weight, was 5,075l. 15s. 7d. ob. The whole, according to Dr. Hammond, was a thousand eight hundred seventy five thousand pounds, reckoning them silver talents; but if talents of gold are meant, what an immense sum must ten thousand of them be! According to some, seventy two millions sterling. The design of the phrase, is to set forth the exceeding greatness of the debt. Munster's Hebrew Gospel reads it, "ten thousand manehs", or pounds; and so the Persic version: now the value of a maneh of gold, was 75l. and of silver, 7l 10s. (h) take the sum in the least quantity and value, it was exceeding large. The Arabic version renders it a "sum of talents", without mentioning the number, and may mean an innumerable one. Mention is made of such a number of talents of silver, in Est 3:9, which Aben Ezra says is defective, and signifies ten thousand thousand talents. The "second" Targum on the place says, that the sum of six hundred thousand zuzim, drachms, or pence (i.e. Roman ones) is ten thousand talents of silver. These "ten thousand talents" intend sins, which are called debts, in Scripture; not that they are properly so, or owing to God, for then it would be right to pay them, but because they bind over to punishment. All men owe a debt of thankfulness to God, for their beings, the preservation of them, and all the mercies of life; and a debt of obedience to the whole law, in failure of which, they are obliged to punishment: hence every sin becomes a debt, and these are numerous; indwelling sin, and the lusts thereof, are innumerable; as are actual sins and transgressions, they are more than the hairs of a man's head, and are fitly expressed, both for the weight and quantity of them, by "ten thousand talents". In this light they appear to the conscience of an awakened sinner, who sees that he has been doing nothing but sin, all the days of his life; and that he has been continually breaking the law, one precept or another of it, in thought, word, or deed: which violations of the law, even in word and deed, are risen up to so great a sum, that he is not able to give it to any nearness, and with any exactness; he cannot understand all his errors, nor express the full number of them, or declare all their aggravated circumstances; besides the swarms of corruption of internal lusts and sins, which he observes dwelling in his heart, and are as innumerable as the motes and atoms in a sunbeam. The sins of God's people, which have been all made to meet upon Christ, have been laid upon him by his Father's imputation of them to him, with his own consent, are represented in this manner; see Psa 40:12. And indeed, if the debts of one of them amount to ten thousand talents, what must the sum of all be, put together! and how great must be the strength and power of Christ, to bear the weight of these sins, and not be broken or discouraged, and fail, as he did not! and what a rich virtue and efficacy must there be in his blood, to pay off all these debts, and make satisfaction for them, which could never have been done, if he had not done it! for, it is impossible that a person in such circumstances as here described, should ever be able to recover himself, or pay his debts, as follows. (f) Brerewood de Nummis Heb. c. 4. (g) Connection, Vol. 1. Preface, p. 20. (h) Brerewood de Numuis. Heb. c. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:21-35 Peter’s suggestion of seven times was generous, so Jesus’ answer was startling. The disciple’s willingness to forgive should be like God’s forgiving grace, limitless and free (see 18:10-14). Those who do not forgive in this way cannot themselves have experienced God’s forgiveness (18:35; see 6:12).