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- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men--Here they are charged with shutting heaven against men: in Luk 11:52 they are charged with what was worse, taking away the key--"the key of knowledge"--which means, not the key to open knowledge, but knowledge as the only key to open heaven. A right knowledge of God's revealed word is eternal life, as our Lord says (Joh 17:3; Joh 5:39); but this they took away from the people, substituting for it their wretched traditions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites,.... The same character is given as before, and the same woe denounced, and a fresh reason given of it: for ye devour widows' houses; that is, the goods in the houses of such as were left with fatherless children, and but little to support them; who being left alone, and none to advise them, and being weak, and prone to superstition; these greedy dogs, as Isaiah calls them, who could never have enough, easily imposed upon them, wormed them out of all their substance, stripped them bare of the necessaries of life, prevailed on them to sell their houses and goods, and bestow them on them; or got their little estates into their hands, pretending to take care, and dispose of them for them, to their advantage: and for a pretence make long prayers: as if they were very holy, good men; or pretended that the substance of these widows, which they got into their hands, was for their long prayers for them; or they made long prayers for them in return for their substance. Maimonides (x) says, that "the ancient saints, or good men, used to stay an hour before prayer, and an hour after prayer, and "prolonged", or "held an hour in prayer":'' and this being three times a day, nine hours every day, as is observed in the Talmud (y), were spent in this manner; and on this account they got the character of very devout and religious men, and hereby covered all their avarice, rapine, and oppression of the poor: but God will not be mocked; therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation; both on account of their plundering and distressing the poor, the widows, and the fatherless; and also because of their hypocrisy in doing this under the cover of religion and holiness. Hence it appears, that there are degrees of punishment in hell, and that hypocrites, and all such who oppress the poor, under the mask of godliness, supposing gain to be that, will be partakers of the greatest degree of it. In Munster's Hebrew Gospel it is called , "a long judgment", or "damnation", in allusion to their long prayers: and is the very reverse of what they expect on account of them: they say (z). "three things prolong a man's days and years, "he that is long in his prayer"'' is the first mentioned; and he that is long at his prayer, it is an excellency, they say; but instead of a long and happy life, he shall have a long damnation. This verse is left out in some copies, and in others it stands before the former; in which order it is read in the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions. (x) Hilch. Tephillah, c. 4. sect. 16. (y) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2. (z) Ib. fol. 54. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:13-36 Matthew collected seven statements of what sorrow awaits you (literally woe to you), drawing upon similar Old Testament listings (Isa 5:8-23; Hab 2:6-20), and he arranged them to climax in the murder of the prophets. 23:13 What sorrow awaits you: A stark warning of judgment from God. • Hypocrites! In English, hypocrisy describes a contradiction between reality and appearance. But in biblical usage, hypocrisy is misperceiving God’s will, leading people astray, and thus incurring God’s judgment. Coupled with this is often a desire for prestige and power (23:5-12), abuse of teaching authority, false teachings on doctrine or practice (23:13-22), and preoccupation with ethical minutiae (23:23-28). An accurate English term for this combination of factors is heresy. The Pharisees and teachers of religious law displayed all of these characteristics. As the Christian church began to grow, these characteristics continued to appear (e.g., 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Pet 2:1-22), so God’s children always need to guard against them (Jas 4:7-10; 1 Pet 2:1-3). • shut the door of the Kingdom: By their false teaching and opposition to Jesus (see Matt 9:32-34; 12:22-37; 15:12-14; 21:15; John 9:13-34), the teachers of religious law and Pharisees prevented others from hearing and believing the truth about the Messiah.
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
As for Me
By Vance Havner21K29:56CompromiseMAT 23:13In this sermon, the preacher references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua from the Old Testament to emphasize the importance of making a firm decision to serve God. He highlights the challenges faced by Joshua as he led the Israelites into the promised land, dealing with a wavering and easily swayed multitude. The preacher also mentions the example of the apostle Paul, who remained faithful to his calling even in the face of persecution and imprisonment. The sermon encourages listeners to make a firm commitment to serve God, regardless of societal trends or the actions of others.
It's Harvest Time
By David Wilkerson3.7K43:03HarvestMAT 6:33MAT 9:36MAT 23:13MAT 23:37JHN 10:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation would face and the temptations they would encounter. Despite these challenges, the speaker believes that in times of darkness and distress, people become more open to the gospel. He draws parallels to the story of Israel, where God brought them low before their deliverance, and suggests that a similar pattern may occur in the United States and the world.
Grain Offering - Leviticus 2
By Jacob Prasch3.1K1:30:58OfferingPRO 16:18AMO 4:5MAT 23:131CO 5:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He emphasizes the importance of not compromising on key issues such as the authority of the Word of God and the true gospel of Jesus. The speaker also mentions the problems and good aspects of troubled areas like Israel, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective. He concludes by condemning the blasphemous and ungodly behavior he observed at the church meeting.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Evaluation of the Present Day Renewal
By Paris Reidhead1.5K31:25RenewalMAT 5:6MAT 23:13LUK 4:18JHN 7:37ACT 1:8ACT 2:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of God's visitation and the hour of His turning. The preacher encourages the congregation to be stirred from lethargy and apathy and to return to the first works of the faith. He also highlights the significance of the class meeting as an invention of God that saved the nation from destruction. Overall, the sermon calls for a return to the heritage, privileges, prophecies, and promises of the Christian and missionary alliance.
The Crisis of Desperation
By Paris Reidhead1.4K37:49DesperationMAT 5:17MAT 11:28MAT 23:13MRK 12:37JHN 4:24JHN 6:212PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus sending his disciples out into a storm on a boat. The preacher emphasizes that God allowed the storm to happen in order to teach the disciples a lesson about relying on Him. The disciples initially tried to row and bail out water on their own, but eventually realized that they needed to trust in God's sufficiency. The preacher also mentions the story of the little boy who had food with him but didn't eat it because he was completely focused on Jesus. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to trust in God's provision and to not fear the challenges of tomorrow.
Ministry From Matthew 23
By William MacDonald1.2K47:08MinistryMAT 23:2MAT 23:13MAT 23:23MAT 23:25MAT 23:37LUK 11:52In this sermon, the speaker shares about a young man named Martin Selinger who is dying of cancer. Despite his physical weakness, Martin's faith and dedication to serving others is highlighted. The speaker also discusses the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who burden people with rules and regulations without offering any help or support. The sermon emphasizes the contrast between the heavy burdens imposed by religious leaders and the invitation of Jesus to find rest and comfort in Him. The speaker concludes by highlighting the compassionate heart of God, who mourns for rebellious humanity and desires their repentance.
Come Unto Me and I Will Give You Rest
By Peter Orasuk1.1K27:47RestISA 55:1MAT 11:28MAT 23:13LUK 15:17JHN 3:16ROM 6:23REV 20:11In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the rejection of Jesus by the people and the compelling call of the gospel. He emphasizes that the gospel itself has a compelling power that draws people towards it. The preacher also highlights the responsibility of those who have heard the gospel and the judgment they will face if they reject it. He concludes by urging the listeners to respond to the Savior's invitation and trust in Him, warning them of the consequences of continuing to reject Him.
(John) the Silence Is Broken
By Brian Brodersen88750:58MAL 4:2MAT 6:33MAT 21:12MAT 23:13MAT 24:33JHN 1:6JHN 1:15JHN 1:19JHN 1:26REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power of God's word and the significance of silence in our spiritual journey. He highlights the story of John the Baptist and how his ministry broke the long period of silence from God. The speaker encourages believers who may be experiencing a season of silence to continue waiting and watching for God's intervention. He also discusses historical periods, such as the dark ages, where there was a lack of understanding and neglect of the word of God, leading to spiritual bondage. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of preaching the word of God and the impact it can have on individuals and society.
What's Everybody Screaming About?
By Greg Locke7131:00:35MAT 5:29MAT 6:33MAT 10:28MAT 13:40MAT 13:49MAT 23:13LUK 16:19In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Harry Houdini, a famous escape artist, to illustrate a biblical truth. He describes how Houdini would perform daring escapes from a box submerged in water, captivating thousands of people. However, one day, Houdini failed to escape and was found dead in the box. The preacher then relates this story to a passage in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks about the end of the world and the separation of the righteous and the wicked. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the final judgment and warns against living a life of sin.
Our Pattern, Trials & Growth
By John Follette5942:06:06TrialsMAT 11:6MAT 13:3MAT 13:18MAT 21:21MAT 23:13MAT 25:14MRK 4:34In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of John the Baptist and his doubts while in jail. John questions whether Jesus is truly the Messiah, as he expected a different outcome for himself. He sends messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the one they have been waiting for. Jesus responds by performing miracles and preaching the gospel, but also tells the messengers to tell John that blessed is he who is not offended by him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan and not being stumbled by unexpected circumstances.
Five Sins That Jesus Hated Most
By Zac Poonen1Internal RighteousnessThe Sins Jesus HatedMAT 23:13Zac Poonen emphasizes that the righteousness of God and sin are primarily internal rather than external, challenging the conventional understanding of the Ten Commandments. He identifies five sins that Jesus hated most: hypocrisy, spiritual pride, impurity, indifference to human need, and unbelief, none of which are explicitly listed in the commandments. Poonen warns against the dangers of hypocrisy and spiritual pride, urging believers to examine their hearts and motivations. He highlights the importance of purity and compassion towards others, as well as the need to recognize unbelief as a serious sin. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to hate these sins in our lives to align with Jesus' teachings.
Pharisees Corrupt Others
By Zac Poonen0MAT 23:131CO 11:1PHP 3:17HEB 13:7Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the corrupting influence of Pharisaical leaders who hinder sincere young believers from truly following Jesus and entering the kingdom of God. He highlights how these leaders, by living lavish lifestyles and seeking fame, lead the youth astray from the humble path of Christ. Poonen emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus as the ultimate role model and finding genuine followers of Christ to emulate, rather than being swayed by false shepherds in the church.
(Knowing God's Way) 6. Five Sins That Jesus Hated the Most
By Zac Poonen0Sins Jesus HatedSpiritual GrowthMAT 23:13Zac Poonen emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely external adherence to the law but is measured by the life of Jesus. He identifies five sins that Jesus hated the most: hypocrisy, spiritual pride, impurity, indifference to human need, and unbelief, none of which are explicitly listed in the Ten Commandments. Poonen urges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes, recognizing that these sins can manifest subtly and often go unchecked. He warns against the dangers of hypocrisy and spiritual pride, highlighting the importance of humility and genuine faith. Ultimately, he calls for a ruthless crucifixion of these sins in our lives to align with Christ's teachings.
Am Ha-Eretz (Dealing With Those Who Rejected the Rabbis)
By Robert Wurtz II0MAT 23:13ROM 2:11GAL 3:28EPH 6:121PE 5:8Robert Wurtz II delves into the historical context of Am Ha-Aretz, exploring how the Pharisees transitioned into Rabbis and used strong-arm tactics to enforce their authority, leading to the persecution of those who did not submit to their rule. The Rabbis went to extreme lengths, including annulling marriages and confiscating possessions, to maintain control and alienate those who opposed them, even going as far as dehumanizing them. This systematic oppression resulted in the dwindling numbers of Christian Jews and the rise of anti-Semitism, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and persecution against believers in Jesus.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?
By Charles Finney0Unity in ChristThe State of the HeartEZK 34:2AMO 3:3MAT 23:13Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of agreement in heart and spirit for true fellowship, using Amos 3:3 to illustrate that two cannot walk together unless they are in harmony. He explains that mere intellectual agreement is insufficient; true unity requires shared feelings and affections. Finney discusses how differing states of the heart affect perceptions of truth and spiritual matters, leading to discord between saints and sinners. He warns that lukewarmness in faith can lead to dissatisfaction with fervent preaching and spiritual revival, as those whose hearts are not aligned with God will resist the truth. Ultimately, he calls for a transformation of the heart to enable genuine agreement and fellowship in Christ.
The Life of Christ, for Family Devotions - September
By F. L. Mortimer0EXO 22:22EZK 22:18DAN 12:3MAL 3:2MAT 23:13MAT 23:271CO 4:72CO 12:14EPH 4:2COL 1:27F. L. Mortimer preaches a powerful sermon denouncing the hypocrisy and pride of the Pharisees, warning against false teachings and the dangers of seeking worldly recognition over genuine piety. Through various woes, Christ exposes the sins of the Pharisees, highlighting their love of money, deceitful practices, and neglect of true righteousness. The sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine love for God and others, humility, and sincerity in worship, contrasting the righteous with the hypocritical. It serves as a solemn reminder to examine our hearts, motives, and actions, ensuring they align with God's truth and righteousness.
Proposals for Reform Ii
By Martin Luther0MAT 6:7MAT 15:11MAT 18:19MAT 23:131CO 7:231CO 10:25EPH 4:42TH 2:112TH 3:10Martin Luther delivers a sermon proposing reforms within the Church, addressing issues such as the abuse of power by prelates, the commercialization of religious practices like masses and indulgences, the tyranny of the papacy, and the need for unity with the Bohemians. Luther advocates for confession of secret sins to any brother or sister, the abolition of unnecessary festivals and pilgrimages, and the rejection of papal authority in favor of a more humble and loving approach to faith. He emphasizes the importance of truth, unity, and simplicity in Christian practice, urging for a return to the core teachings of the Gospel.
Matthew 23:13-15. Christ Denounces Three Woes Against the Pharisees.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 23:13Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the contrast between the blessings and woes pronounced by Jesus, focusing on the Pharisees' hypocrisy and false teachings. Jesus exposes the Pharisees' righteousness as a mere facade, concealing secret wickedness and leading others astray. He condemns their actions of shutting the kingdom of heaven against men, devouring widows' houses, and making proselytes for selfish gain, warning of the severe consequences awaiting hypocrites and false teachers.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men--Here they are charged with shutting heaven against men: in Luk 11:52 they are charged with what was worse, taking away the key--"the key of knowledge"--which means, not the key to open knowledge, but knowledge as the only key to open heaven. A right knowledge of God's revealed word is eternal life, as our Lord says (Joh 17:3; Joh 5:39); but this they took away from the people, substituting for it their wretched traditions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites,.... The same character is given as before, and the same woe denounced, and a fresh reason given of it: for ye devour widows' houses; that is, the goods in the houses of such as were left with fatherless children, and but little to support them; who being left alone, and none to advise them, and being weak, and prone to superstition; these greedy dogs, as Isaiah calls them, who could never have enough, easily imposed upon them, wormed them out of all their substance, stripped them bare of the necessaries of life, prevailed on them to sell their houses and goods, and bestow them on them; or got their little estates into their hands, pretending to take care, and dispose of them for them, to their advantage: and for a pretence make long prayers: as if they were very holy, good men; or pretended that the substance of these widows, which they got into their hands, was for their long prayers for them; or they made long prayers for them in return for their substance. Maimonides (x) says, that "the ancient saints, or good men, used to stay an hour before prayer, and an hour after prayer, and "prolonged", or "held an hour in prayer":'' and this being three times a day, nine hours every day, as is observed in the Talmud (y), were spent in this manner; and on this account they got the character of very devout and religious men, and hereby covered all their avarice, rapine, and oppression of the poor: but God will not be mocked; therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation; both on account of their plundering and distressing the poor, the widows, and the fatherless; and also because of their hypocrisy in doing this under the cover of religion and holiness. Hence it appears, that there are degrees of punishment in hell, and that hypocrites, and all such who oppress the poor, under the mask of godliness, supposing gain to be that, will be partakers of the greatest degree of it. In Munster's Hebrew Gospel it is called , "a long judgment", or "damnation", in allusion to their long prayers: and is the very reverse of what they expect on account of them: they say (z). "three things prolong a man's days and years, "he that is long in his prayer"'' is the first mentioned; and he that is long at his prayer, it is an excellency, they say; but instead of a long and happy life, he shall have a long damnation. This verse is left out in some copies, and in others it stands before the former; in which order it is read in the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions. (x) Hilch. Tephillah, c. 4. sect. 16. (y) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2. (z) Ib. fol. 54. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:13-36 Matthew collected seven statements of what sorrow awaits you (literally woe to you), drawing upon similar Old Testament listings (Isa 5:8-23; Hab 2:6-20), and he arranged them to climax in the murder of the prophets. 23:13 What sorrow awaits you: A stark warning of judgment from God. • Hypocrites! In English, hypocrisy describes a contradiction between reality and appearance. But in biblical usage, hypocrisy is misperceiving God’s will, leading people astray, and thus incurring God’s judgment. Coupled with this is often a desire for prestige and power (23:5-12), abuse of teaching authority, false teachings on doctrine or practice (23:13-22), and preoccupation with ethical minutiae (23:23-28). An accurate English term for this combination of factors is heresy. The Pharisees and teachers of religious law displayed all of these characteristics. As the Christian church began to grow, these characteristics continued to appear (e.g., 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Pet 2:1-22), so God’s children always need to guard against them (Jas 4:7-10; 1 Pet 2:1-3). • shut the door of the Kingdom: By their false teaching and opposition to Jesus (see Matt 9:32-34; 12:22-37; 15:12-14; 21:15; John 9:13-34), the teachers of religious law and Pharisees prevented others from hearing and believing the truth about the Messiah.