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Matthew 23:15
Verse
Context
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte--from heathenism. We have evidence of this in JOSEPHUS. and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves--condemned, for the hypocrisy he would learn to practice, both by the religion he left and that he embraced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, you blind guides,.... Meaning the same persons, the Scribes and Pharisees, as before, though not named, who pretended to be "guides of the blind", Rom 2:19 but were them selves blind, and so very unfit to be guides of others; they were as they were born, ignorant of divine things, of God in Christ, of the true Messiah, of the true meaning of the Scriptures, of the spirituality of the law, and of the Gospel of Christ; and the way of salvation by him; and their minds were blinded by the God of this world, and with a greedy, and insatiable covetousness after the things of it, of which Christ here gives an instance: which say, whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; meaning either that it was no sin to use such an oath, or it was not binding upon a man: he might choose whether he would abide by what he swore by the temple he would do; and thus they ignorantly, and wickedly encouraged vain swearing and perjury. It was usual with them to swear by the temple: take an instance or two. "Says R. Jochanan (p), "by the temple", it is in our hands; but what shall I do?'' The gloss upon it is; "it is an oath by the temple of God, that it is in our power to reveal the illegitimacy of the families of the land of Israel.'' "Says R. Zechariah ben Hakatzab (q), , "by this habitation" (meaning the temple), her hand was not removed from my hand from the time the Gentiles entered into Jerusalem, to the time they went out.'' Jarchi and Bartenora's note on it is, this is an oath. Again, "says R. Simeon ben Gamaliel (r), , "by this habitation"; I will not rest this night until they (doves) are sold for pence apiece.'' The gloss on it is, "he swore by the sanctuary." But whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is guilty; or is bound, or is a debtor, to make good his oath; he cannot be excused, but must be obliged to fulfil it; or if he does not, he is guilty of perjury. This is to be understood not of the gold that covered any part of the temple; nor of the golden vessels in it; but of the gold, or money, or gifts which were offered for the service of the temple: and the sense is, that whosoever swore by "Korban", and that this, or that should be as "Korban", he should not go back from it; he was obliged to give it. This showed the covetous disposition of these men, who made nothing of oaths that were swore by the temple; but those that were made by the "Korban", or the gifts of it, were binding, because their interest was in it; it was for their gain. (p) T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 71. 1. (q) Misn. Cetubot, c. 2. sect. 9. Juchasin, fol. 56. 1. (r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol 166. 1. Misn. Ceritot, c. 1. sect. 7. Vid. c. 6. sect. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:15 A convert (proselyte) made a full conversion to Judaism, performing such observances as baptism, sacrifice, and circumcision (see Acts 13:43). A convert was thus distinct from a “God-fearer,” who adopted certain Jewish beliefs, most notably monotheism, without fully converting to Judaism (see Luke 7:4-5; Acts 10:2). It is likely that to make one convert means to persuade God-fearers to become full converts to Judaism by undergoing circumcision (cp. Gal 2:3, 14; 5:2-12; 6:12-13). • of hell: Greek of Gehenna; see study note on 5:29.
Matthew 23:15
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Intercessory Prayer - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.5K29:23Intercessory PrayerISA 40:31MAT 6:6MAT 23:15LUK 18:1ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the world but do not fully commit to it. The speaker shares examples of individuals in history who fervently prayed for revival and saw results. He also highlights the disruptive nature of revival, causing discomfort and dislocation in people's lives. The sermon encourages listeners to be dedicated and willing to sacrifice for the cause of spreading the gospel.
Exercise Yourself to Godliness
By Paul Washer4.1K1:10:41GodlinessMAT 5:3MAT 23:151TI 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in worldly fables and distractions. He urges listeners to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness. The preacher acknowledges the challenges of walking in the truth and warns against falling into false doctrine. He highlights the significance of receiving everything created by God with gratitude, as it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. The sermon also addresses the current state of the world, emphasizing the need to renew the mind in the Word of God and make a break from secular culture, contemporary Christianity, and even evangelicalism. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that the world is disintegrating and coming apart at the seams.
Doctrine of Hell - Part 1
By John H. Gerstner2.3K49:22MAT 23:1MAT 23:15MAT 23:32MAT 25:41In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of judgment and warns the listeners about the consequences of their actions. He emphasizes that even the smallest sins, like idolatry, will be brought into judgment. Jesus Christ himself spoke about this in the Gospel of Matthew, where he criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for preaching but not practicing what they preach. The preacher also mentions a parable about a disobedient servant to illustrate that those who have more knowledge of God's will will be held to a higher standard and face harsher punishment.
The Importance of Biblical Family Life for the Spread of the Gospel
By Paul Washer2.3K1:05:48Family LifeDEU 4:5MAT 23:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and spending quality time with loved ones. He urges men to imagine the last moments with their wives and consider whether they want to have regrets or send them off joyfully. The preacher also highlights the significance of loving one's spouse above all else, as this will lead to happier children. He cautions against placing too much emphasis on homeschooling or any other aspect of family life, stressing that Christ should always be the center and foundation of our lives. Additionally, the preacher references Deuteronomy chapter four to illustrate the importance of knowing and submitting to God's will as a way to set ourselves apart as believers.
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.
Studies in 1 Peter-07 1 Peter 2:1-8
By Dwight Pentecost1.0K38:40PSA 34:8MAT 23:15EPH 4:22EPH 4:311PE 1:31PE 2:1In this sermon, the apostle discusses five things that believers should lay aside: malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. These behaviors are seen as manifestations of our old nature inherited from Adam and Satan. The apostle emphasizes that believers have been born again and are now children of God, not of the devil. He then builds his exhortation on the assumption that believers have obeyed the truth and have experienced the love of God. The sermon concludes with a reference to Psalm 34:8, encouraging believers to taste and see that the Lord is good and to trust in Him.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 67
By Zac Poonen59723:07PSA 15:4MAT 5:37MAT 23:15MAT 23:23LUK 14:26ROM 7:21This sermon delves into Matthew 23, focusing on Jesus' teachings about the Pharisees. It emphasizes the importance of aligning inner beliefs with outward actions, warning against hypocrisy and the danger of neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The message stresses the significance of integrity in keeping promises and the weightier matters of the law over minor details. Jesus highlights the need to prioritize cleansing the inner life to reflect purity externally, challenging believers to live authentically and in alignment with God's principles.
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.
Pharisees Do Missionary Work and Make People Twofold Children of Hell
By Zac Poonen0Discernment in MinistryTrue RepentanceMAT 23:15JAS 2:1Zac Poonen warns against the dangers of Pharisaical practices in missionary work, emphasizing that while they may appear dedicated, their converts often remain unrepentant and are misled into believing they are saved. He highlights that true conversion requires genuine repentance and a change in attitude towards sin, rather than mere verbal affirmations or superficial religious acts. Poonen also critiques the partiality shown by some church leaders towards the poor, arguing that this can lead to further deception and spiritual blindness. He stresses that both rich and poor can be ungodly, and that true discernment is necessary to avoid making people 'twofold children of hell.' The sermon calls for a return to authentic faith that prioritizes true repentance over empty religious rituals.
Deception Through False Signs and Wonders
By Zac Poonen0True Gospel vs. False TeachingsDeception in the ChurchDEU 13:1MAT 1:21MAT 5:6MAT 23:15MAT 24:24ACT 8:182CO 11:1PHP 2:52TH 2:9JAS 5:14Zac Poonen warns about the prevalent deception in Christendom through false signs and wonders, echoing the warnings of Jesus and Paul regarding 'another Jesus,' 'another spirit,' and 'another gospel' that cater to earthly desires rather than leading to true repentance and holiness. He emphasizes the need for believers to discern the true nature of ministry by comparing preachers to Jesus, focusing on their objectives, attitudes, and approaches to healing. Poonen highlights that many modern preachers prioritize miracles and entertainment over the essential message of freedom from sin, which is the core of Jesus' mission. He explains that God allows deceivers to test the faith of His people, revealing the idols of money and entertainment that have infiltrated the church. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a return to the true gospel that leads to genuine holiness and a relationship with Christ.
His Angelic Robes
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual WarfareDeceptionMAT 23:152CO 11:14GAL 1:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hidden enemies, particularly those who disguise themselves as agents of light while actually serving the devil. He warns that many individuals, appearing righteous, are in fact leading souls away from salvation and towards destruction. Brooks calls for vigilance against these deceptive influences that can lead to spiritual ruin, urging believers to seek God's grace to protect them from such dangers.
Of Zeal.
By John Gill0Zeal for GodTrue vs. False Zeal1KI 18:21ISA 9:7MAT 23:15ROM 10:22CO 7:112CO 11:2GAL 4:18PHP 3:9TIT 2:14REV 3:15John Gill emphasizes the significance of zeal as a fervent love for God and His glory, distinguishing between genuine zeal and various forms of misguided zeal. He explains that true zeal is characterized by a passionate commitment to God's righteousness, worship, and the promotion of the gospel, while false zeal can stem from ignorance, hypocrisy, or misguided intentions. Gill outlines the different types of zeal, including the zeal of God, mistaken zeal, superstitious zeal, and hypocritical zeal, urging believers to pursue a true and informed zeal that aligns with God's will. He encourages Christians to be fervent in their faith and actions, reflecting the zeal of Christ in their lives.
Quiet Zeal
By A.W. Tozer0Quiet ZealTrue RighteousnessISA 42:2MAT 23:15JHN 2:17ROM 12:11GAL 4:18PHP 2:14COL 3:23TIT 2:14JAS 1:201PE 3:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between noisy zeal and the quiet zeal that reflects true godliness. He critiques those who are overly zealous in their pursuits, often creating chaos and distraction, while highlighting that genuine zeal, like that of Christ, is marked by humility and compassion. Tozer illustrates this with an anecdote about a passionate advocate for animal rights whose efforts, though well-intentioned, ultimately led to futility. He reminds us that true zeal should not be loud and disruptive but rather a quiet, steadfast commitment to righteousness. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be zealous in a way that aligns with God's character.
Are We Playing by the Book?
By Vance Havner0RevivalRepentance2CH 7:14MAT 23:15JAS 4:8REV 3:15Vance Havner emphasizes the necessity of repentance within the Church before it can effectively evangelize, likening the situation to boys trying to play ball without a ball. He critiques the Pharisees for their institutionalized religion that produced a dead faith, warning that without genuine repentance, the Church risks creating more unsaved members rather than true converts. Havner calls for a revival that challenges complacent pastors and church members, urging them to break free from the status quo and embrace a deeper, more authentic faith. He highlights the importance of collaboration between pastors and prophets in fostering genuine spiritual growth and revival. Ultimately, he stresses that true revival will expose the superficiality of current practices and lead to a return to the holiness of God.
Of the Various Sorts of Proselytes.
By John Gill0ProselytesFaith and AcceptanceGEN 9:4EXO 12:19LEV 19:34DEU 10:18DEU 14:21ISA 14:1MAT 23:15JHN 6:44ACT 2:10ACT 3:25John Gill discusses the various types of proselytes in the Jewish tradition, emphasizing their different statuses and the conditions under which they were accepted into the Jewish community. He categorizes them into three main types: proselytes of the gate, mercenary proselytes, and proselytes of righteousness, each with distinct obligations and privileges. The sermon highlights the significance of baptism for proselytes of righteousness, who fully embraced the Jewish faith and laws. Gill also reflects on the historical context and the evolving attitudes towards proselytes within the Jewish community. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of sincerity in one's faith journey and the acceptance of those who genuinely seek to follow God's commandments.
The Two Cries and the Two Answers.
By Horatius Bonar0MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 18:9MAT 23:15MAT 23:33MRK 9:43LUK 12:5JAS 3:6John MacArthur preaches about the significance of Geenna, the valley of Hinnom, as a symbol of the future home of unrepentant wicked individuals, likened to a cosmic garbage dump where sinners will find their final abode. Geenna, synonymous with the lake of fire, is a place of eternal punishment for the ungodly, contrasting with the righteous who will enter eternal life. The Valley of Hinnom, associated with pagan sacrifices, serves as a vivid illustration of the eternal fires of hell, emphasizing the need to heed Jesus' warnings against persistent sin and ungodliness.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte--from heathenism. We have evidence of this in JOSEPHUS. and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves--condemned, for the hypocrisy he would learn to practice, both by the religion he left and that he embraced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto you, you blind guides,.... Meaning the same persons, the Scribes and Pharisees, as before, though not named, who pretended to be "guides of the blind", Rom 2:19 but were them selves blind, and so very unfit to be guides of others; they were as they were born, ignorant of divine things, of God in Christ, of the true Messiah, of the true meaning of the Scriptures, of the spirituality of the law, and of the Gospel of Christ; and the way of salvation by him; and their minds were blinded by the God of this world, and with a greedy, and insatiable covetousness after the things of it, of which Christ here gives an instance: which say, whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; meaning either that it was no sin to use such an oath, or it was not binding upon a man: he might choose whether he would abide by what he swore by the temple he would do; and thus they ignorantly, and wickedly encouraged vain swearing and perjury. It was usual with them to swear by the temple: take an instance or two. "Says R. Jochanan (p), "by the temple", it is in our hands; but what shall I do?'' The gloss upon it is; "it is an oath by the temple of God, that it is in our power to reveal the illegitimacy of the families of the land of Israel.'' "Says R. Zechariah ben Hakatzab (q), , "by this habitation" (meaning the temple), her hand was not removed from my hand from the time the Gentiles entered into Jerusalem, to the time they went out.'' Jarchi and Bartenora's note on it is, this is an oath. Again, "says R. Simeon ben Gamaliel (r), , "by this habitation"; I will not rest this night until they (doves) are sold for pence apiece.'' The gloss on it is, "he swore by the sanctuary." But whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is guilty; or is bound, or is a debtor, to make good his oath; he cannot be excused, but must be obliged to fulfil it; or if he does not, he is guilty of perjury. This is to be understood not of the gold that covered any part of the temple; nor of the golden vessels in it; but of the gold, or money, or gifts which were offered for the service of the temple: and the sense is, that whosoever swore by "Korban", and that this, or that should be as "Korban", he should not go back from it; he was obliged to give it. This showed the covetous disposition of these men, who made nothing of oaths that were swore by the temple; but those that were made by the "Korban", or the gifts of it, were binding, because their interest was in it; it was for their gain. (p) T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 71. 1. (q) Misn. Cetubot, c. 2. sect. 9. Juchasin, fol. 56. 1. (r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol 166. 1. Misn. Ceritot, c. 1. sect. 7. Vid. c. 6. sect. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:15 A convert (proselyte) made a full conversion to Judaism, performing such observances as baptism, sacrifice, and circumcision (see Acts 13:43). A convert was thus distinct from a “God-fearer,” who adopted certain Jewish beliefs, most notably monotheism, without fully converting to Judaism (see Luke 7:4-5; Acts 10:2). It is likely that to make one convert means to persuade God-fearers to become full converts to Judaism by undergoing circumcision (cp. Gal 2:3, 14; 5:2-12; 6:12-13). • of hell: Greek of Gehenna; see study note on 5:29.