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Matthew 25:34
Verse
Context
The Sheep and the Goats
33He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.34Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then shall the King--Magnificent title, here for the first and only time, save in parabolical language, given to Himself by the Lord Jesus, and that on the eve of His deepest humiliation! It is to intimate that in then addressing the heirs of the kingdom, He will put on all His regal majesty. say unto them on his right hand, Come--the same sweet word with which He had so long invited all the weary and heavy laden to come unto Him for rest. Now it is addressed exclusively to such as have come and found rest. It is still, "Come," and to "rest" too; but to rest in a higher style, and in another region. ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world--The whole story of this their blessedness is given by the apostle, in words which seem but an expression of these: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." They were chosen from everlasting to the possession and enjoyment of all spiritual blessings in Christ, and so chosen in order to be holy and blameless in love. This is the holy love whose practical manifestations the King is about to recount in detail; and thus we see that their whole life of love to Christ is the fruit of an eternal purpose of love to them in Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand,.... Before Christ is called "the son of man", now "the king"; who is not only king of saints, but king of the whole world; the king of kings, and lord of lords, the judge of all the earth; he appearing in glory and majesty, sitting on a throne of glory, being attended with his glorious angels, and all nations gathered before him, waiting for the final sentence to be pronounced upon them by him; and who accordingly begins with those on his right hand, his sheep, the chosen, redeemed, and called of God, saying to them, come. The Arabic version adds, "to me": by such a phrase he sometimes had invited, and encouraged poor sensible sinners: to come and partake of his grace: and here by it he calls the righteous, and bespeaks them in the most tender and endearing manner, and yet with the majesty of a king, and the authority of a judge, to come near unto him, with intrepidity and confidence, and take possession of a glorious kingdom; bestowing on them this high and illustrious character, ye blessed of my Father: so called, partly because they were his Father's, not only by creation, but by his choice of them to grace and glory, and therefore most happy and blessed; and partly, because, as such a choice shows, they were dear unto him, highly in his favour, and loved by him with an everlasting love; as also, because they were blessed by him as the Father of Christ, and theirs, with all the spiritual blessings of the everlasting covenant in him; with the pardon of their sins, the justification of their persons, the sanctification of their nature, with adoption, and a right unto, and meetness for the eternal inheritance: hence it follows, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. The happiness of the saints, in the other world, is here expressed by a "kingdom", because of the glory, riches, grandeur, and magnificence of it; as it is sometimes by a crown, for the same reason, suitable to their character and dignity, who are made kings and priests by Christ: and is likewise represented as an "inheritance", as it is elsewhere, being not acquired by industry, or obtained by merit; but is the gift of their heavenly Father, and in right of adoption, as the children of God, being made such by his free grace and favour, and denotes the stability and perpetuity of it: and this is said to be prepared, not only appointed and designed in the council purposes, and decrees of God, but got ready; it is a kingdom erected, an inheritance reserved, and a crown of righteousness laid up in heaven; a glory really provided and secured in an everlasting covenant, and that for you: for some, and not others; for the sheep on the right hand, and not the goats on the left; for the peculiar favourites of God, the objects of his love and choice, the redeemed of the Lamb, and that are born of the Spirit; and that for them, from the foundation of the world. The place itself, where this happiness is to be enjoyed, was actually made on the first day of the creation, when the heavens were formed, and the foundations of the earth were laid, and the glory itself long before. The Ethiopic version here reads, "before the world"; and the Persic, "before the foundation of the world was laid"; and Grotius himself owns, that the phrase is the same as "before the foundation of the world"; and Dr. Hammond's paraphrase is, "before all eternity": for as early were these persons, the beloved, the chosen, and blessed of the Father: so that this glory must be of free grace, and not merit, or owing to any works of righteousness done by men; since it was not only designed and appointed, but prepared and laid up for persons before they had a being, and had done neither good nor evil. The Jews (e) speak of the law being an inheritance for all Israel, from the six days of the creation; but a much more glorious one is here spoken of: nearer to this is what they say (f) that Bathsheba was appointed to be David's wife from the day that the world was created; and add, but the mystery of the thing is, , "the kingdom that is above", which is called by her name. So in 2 Esdras, "the kingdom is already prepared for you": "Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.'' (2 Esdras 2:13). (e) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 91. 2. (f) Zohar in Exod. fol. 44. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:34 prepared for you from the creation of the world: This might be a reference to God’s choosing individuals for salvation in eternity past (see 13:10-17; Eph 1:4; Rev 17:8), or it might simply refer to the Kingdom itself as a place (cp. Matt 25:41).
Matthew 25:34
The Sheep and the Goats
33He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.34Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cost of Discipleship - Part 11
By Paris Reidhead5.6K23:19Cost Of DiscipleshipMAT 22:37MAT 25:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement before the final judgment. He reads from Matthew Chapter 25, highlighting the criteria for judgment based on how individuals have treated others. The speaker emphasizes the need to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves, as this will be a determining factor in the judgment. He also mentions the Apostle Paul's exhortation to examine ourselves and ensure that we are in the faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the triune nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:5 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith5.1K25:57ExpositionalISA 11:5MAT 25:34HEB 4:10REV 1:5REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses two parables from the Bible. The first parable is about the separation of the righteous and the wicked, where Jesus tells the workers of iniquity to depart from him. The second parable is about the Lord entrusting different amounts of money to his servants, and rewarding them based on their faithfulness in using what they were given. The preacher emphasizes that only Jesus has the power to bring about the changes described in the Bible, including the restoration of peace and harmony in nature. He also highlights the importance of using what God has given us faithfully, as it will determine our reign in the kingdom age.
An Unchanging Scandalous Gospel
By Paul Washer4.8K1:06:49GospelMAT 25:34ROM 1:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of consistently teaching and studying the scriptures. He shares his personal experience of teaching his children and encourages listeners to take advantage of every opportunity to grow in knowledge and understanding. The speaker then turns to Romans 116 and discusses the themes of Christ, depravity, and judgment. He highlights the significance of living out one's faith through acts of compassion and service to others. The sermon concludes with a critique of a simplified approach to evangelism and a call to preach the message of salvation freely to all.
The Judgment Day
By Jonathan Edwards4.7K39:11Audio BooksGEN 6:13GEN 19:14EXO 14:30JOS 10:40ISA 66:14MAT 25:34REV 22:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet to gather his elect from all corners of the earth, referring to the apostles and others preaching the gospel. The preacher emphasizes that the great trumpet will be blown again in a more literal sense, with a mighty sound that shakes the earth. He also discusses the pronouncement of the sentence on the righteous and the wicked, with Christ as the glorious judge. The righteous will receive a blessed sentence of inheritance in the kingdom, while the wicked will be condemned to everlasting fire. The preacher highlights the manifestation of the church's righteousness and the exposure of the wickedness of their enemies. He concludes by describing the horror and amazement that the sentence of condemnation will bring to the wicked.
Testimony - Part 9
By Jackie Pullinger3.7K09:58TestimonyMAT 25:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and love to others, as Jesus taught in the Bible. The preacher highlights the passage where Jesus commends those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the needy, cared for the sick, and visited prisoners. The preacher emphasizes that showing compassion is not a burden, but a privilege and a way to share in God's heart. The sermon also emphasizes the need to love one another and to demonstrate love through actions, not just words.
The Faces of Jesus
By J. Oswald Sanders2.8K55:11JesusPSA 27:8ISA 52:14MAT 25:342CO 3:182CO 4:61JN 3:2REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of catching a vision of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This vision will ignite a lifelong zeal to make Jesus known. The speaker encourages the audience to turn their eyes upon Jesus and focus on his wonderful face, as this will cause the things of earth to fade away in comparison to his glory and grace. The sermon also highlights the patience and love of God, as well as the significance of Jesus' marred face and scarred body in revealing the love and glory of God to humanity.
The Gospel Call
By Paul Washer1.8K1:03:21MAT 25:32MAT 25:34ROM 1:16ROM 10:6ROM 10:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuation in the faith. He uses the example of believers in the Roman Empire who were being persecuted and killed for confessing Jesus as Lord. The speaker urges believers not to demand the same level of maturity and purity from new believers as they would from someone who has been a Christian for a long time. He also highlights the need for believers to faithfully proclaim the message of Jesus, even in the face of opposition and persecution. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' invitation to believers to open the door of their hearts and let Him in.
Finn-05 the Mystery of Israel & the Church
By Art Katz1.8K57:10MysteryPSA 2:6ISA 2:3ISA 61:3MAT 6:33MAT 25:34ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of preaching the word of God and its impact on both time and eternity. He prays for a righteous community that is willing to sacrifice and serve others, especially the persecuted. The speaker references Matthew 25, where Jesus speaks about the judgment of nations based on their treatment of the least of these. He highlights the importance of caring for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, as it determines the eternal status of nations. The sermon concludes with a question about believing in God's covenant to David and the patriarchs.
High Calling of God
By Carl Armerding1.7K39:37Calling Of GodMAT 25:34In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a clear objective or goal in life. He uses the analogy of a doctor recommending a specific pace and objective for daily walks to illustrate this point. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to have a sense of purpose and direction in their spiritual journey. He references Philippians 3:14, where the apostle Paul expresses his determination to press on towards the goal of the high calling of God. The sermon also highlights the impact of Paul's ministry in spreading the gospel and the importance of serving others in the name of Christ.
03 Our Goal Is to Think Like Christ
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:01:38MAT 25:34HEB 11:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, comparing it to a football game where the goal is to become like Jesus. It highlights the need to focus on building righteousness and purity in our lives and families, condemning the world by our actions rather than just words. The speaker encourages humility, continuous growth in understanding sin, and the daily pursuit of aligning our thoughts with Christ's.
(Through the Bible) Acts 26-27
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:10:48MAT 25:34ACT 26:18ACT 26:23EPH 1:11COL 1:13In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Paul's journey on a ship in the Book of Acts. The ship encounters a violent storm, and the crew loses hope of being saved. However, Paul encourages them to be of good cheer, assuring them that no one will lose their life. Eventually, the ship reaches land, but it gets stuck and breaks apart. The soldiers on board consider killing the prisoners to prevent them from escaping, but the centurion, who wants to save Paul, stops them. In the end, everyone on the ship safely reaches land. The speaker also briefly mentions another incident where Paul hears a voice speaking to him and is called by God.
(Genesis #10) Symbol of Revolt
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K47:17Rebellion Of ManJER 31:34EZK 36:26MAT 25:34MAT 25:41JHN 4:34HEB 8:12REV 18:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and His sovereignty. He warns about the spiritual influence of Satan that unites sinners in an evil course, using the story of Babel as an example. The preacher also discusses God's judgment and how it can take different forms. Sometimes, God frustrates the purposes of evil men, as seen in the story of Babel. Other times, He allows people to have what they want, but sends a leanness of soul as a form of judgment. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and seeking righteousness.
Rejoicing in What God Has Done
By Zac Poonen1.3K58:49MAT 7:22MAT 20:12MAT 23:12MAT 25:34LUK 10:171CO 1:291CO 13:5EPH 2:8JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejoicing in our own accomplishments or comparing ourselves to others, but rather rejoicing in what God has done for us. It highlights the dangers of pride, boasting in our own works, and the need for humility to receive God's grace for victory over sin. The message stresses the significance of being like the thief on the cross who acknowledged his unworthiness and the need to focus on God's work in our lives rather than our own achievements.
Christ Establishes Righteousness
By H. Robb French82541:53GEN 6:14MAT 5:28MAT 6:33MAT 10:10MAT 25:34JHN 8:11REV 21:21In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christian parents losing their families and identifies various factors that are causing this problem, such as worldly influences like picture shows, pool rooms, dance halls, and evolution. The preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the promises of God and instilling discipline in children to ensure they stay on the right path. The sermon also touches on the topic of judgment, drawing on the preacher's personal experience with his father being a lawyer and witnessing the devastating scenes in the courtroom. The preacher highlights the eternal consequences of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Story Time With Aunt Martha
By Aunt Martha80555:18MAT 25:34MAT 25:37I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or text from the video, I would be more than happy to help summarize it for you.
Redeemed to Love
By Basilea Schlink65004:35Radio ShowMAT 25:34JHN 13:34ROM 5:5EPH 2:101JN 4:19In this sermon, Basilia Schlink shares a testimony from the life of Basilia Schlenk, one of the founders of the Lutheran Evangelical Sisterhood. The sermon emphasizes the importance of love in the lives of believers. The dying spiritual father of the sisterhood's last words were "Love, love, love," emphasizing the significance of divine love in their mission. The sermon encourages listeners to break free from self-love and embrace the love of Jesus, which can transform their hearts and enable them to love others.
An Assembly Convoked Against Sinners.
By Edward Payson0NEH 5:7MAT 12:50MAT 25:34EPH 5:27HEB 10:31HEB 12:11PE 1:16REV 5:11Edward Payson preaches about Nehemiah's firmness in correcting evils among the Jews by setting a great assembly against the guilty, leading to their repentance and restitution. He parallels this with the need to show impenitent sinners the disapproval of a greater assembly against them, including all the good men on earth and in heaven, the holy angels, the inspired writers of the Bible, and ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father. Payson urges sinners to leave their unholy ranks and join the assembly of the truly good for eternal happiness, while reminding believers of the honor and obligations of belonging to such a glorious assembly.
The Service of Consecration
By J.R. Miller0Practical ConsecrationLove and ServiceMAT 25:34J.R. Miller emphasizes that the essence of the gospel is rooted in loving others, as demonstrated by Jesus' teachings and the final judgment, where the treatment of others determines one's eternal fate. He argues that true love for Christ is expressed through acts of kindness and service to those in need, rather than mere emotional sentiments. Miller critiques the notion of self-centered piety, illustrating that all gifts and blessings from God are meant to be shared and used for the benefit of others. He encourages believers to view their resources, knowledge, and experiences as tools for serving humanity, thereby fulfilling their consecration to God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a practical and active expression of faith through love and service.
Moab at Ease From His Youth and Settled on His Lees
By J.C. Philpot0MAT 5:5MAT 19:29MAT 25:34MRK 10:17LUK 10:251CO 6:91CO 15:50HEB 1:41PE 3:9REV 21:7Greek Word Studies delves into the rich meaning of 'inherit' (kleronomeo), emphasizing the concept of receiving a portion or possession as a gift from someone who has passed away. The sermon explores how believers inherit various blessings in the New Testament, such as the earth, eternal life, the Kingdom of God, salvation, promises, and blessings, highlighting the importance of faith, patience, and obedience in obtaining these inheritances. The preacher emphasizes that inheriting the Kingdom of God is not based on works but on grace, and warns against unrighteous behaviors that can hinder one from inheriting God's promises.
The Day of Judgment Asserted
By Thomas Watson0AMO 9:9MAT 25:34MAT 25:41ACT 17:312CO 5:10EPH 5:271JN 2:11JN 3:21Thomas Watson preaches about the certainty and importance of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the need for believers to prepare themselves for this ultimate trial by examining their hearts and ensuring they possess humility, love for others, a penitential spirit, and equity in their dealings. He assures believers of comfort in the face of discouraging fear, weakness of grace, and censures from the world, by pointing to Christ as their Advocate, who will plead their cause, accept even the smallest grain of sincerity, and vindicate them from all injustices at the final judgment.
The Resurrection of Damnation
By Samuel Davies0MAT 25:34Samuel Davies preaches about the solemn reality of the resurrection of damnation, contrasting it with the resurrection of life, where the blessed are welcomed into eternal happiness in the Kingdom of God. He vividly describes the terrifying fate of those who face damnation, emphasizing the irrevocable condemnation and eternal torment they will endure in the fires of hell. Davies urges listeners to awaken from spiritual slumber, warning of the importance of preparing for eternity in this fleeting life, as the final judgment day approaches when all will be raised to either life or damnation.
The Heritage and Its Title-Deeds.
By Horatius Bonar0Faith and InheritanceHeritage in ChristISA 54:17MAT 25:34JHN 10:9ROM 8:172CO 5:21GAL 3:29EPH 1:11HEB 4:11PE 1:4REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dual identity of believers as both 'servants' and 'heirs' of God's heritage, highlighting the blessings that come with this inheritance, including deliverance, peace, and eternal security. He explains that our title to this heritage is secured by God's righteousness, which is divine, righteous, free, and eternal, ensuring that it cannot be lost or diminished. Bonar encourages believers to embrace this gift with faith, warning against the dangers of unbelief that can prevent entry into the promised inheritance. He reminds us that this heritage is a free gift from God, purchased by Christ's righteousness, and invites all to accept it wholeheartedly. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a response of faith to God's invitation to enter into this glorious inheritance.
The Final Gathering of the Flock
By John MacDuff0MAT 7:21MAT 25:31MAT 25:34MAT 25:41MAT 25:462CO 5:10HEB 9:27JAS 2:14REV 22:12John MacDuff preaches about the profound imagery of Christ as the Great Shepherd leading His flock through various life experiences, culminating in the Day of Judgment. He emphasizes the significance of Christ being both the Son of man and the King, highlighting the personal interest each individual has in this future event. The sermon delves into the separation of the righteous and the wicked, the Shepherd's address to the sheep, and the eternal consequences based on works of love and charity. MacDuff urges listeners to prepare for the inevitable Day of Judgment, where the Shepherd-King will welcome the righteous into the kingdom prepared for them, while the unrighteous face eternal separation and condemnation.
My Expectation Is From Him
By C.H. Spurgeon0Hope in Eternal LifeExpectation from GodPSA 37:4MAT 25:34JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 9:8PHP 4:19HEB 10:231PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true expectation for believers should come from God rather than the world, as worldly expectations are ultimately disappointing. He encourages believers to draw from the abundant resources of God's grace and faithfulness, assuring them that God honors His promises and supplies their needs. Spurgeon highlights the hope of eternal life and the glorious expectations that await believers after death, including the promise of being welcomed into God's kingdom. He urges the faithful to live for God, glorifying Him as the source of all blessings and future glory. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that our expectations from God are not in vain, but filled with hope and assurance.
John 9:34-10:12
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:3MAT 25:34JHN 9:37JHN 10:1JHN 10:9JHN 10:11John Chrysostom preaches about the honor and rewards of suffering for the truth and confessing Christ, using the example of the blind man cast out by the Jews but found and honored by Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of believing in the Son of God and the blessings of truth, such as finding confidence in the next life and receiving honor for enduring insults. Chrysostom delves into the parable of the good Shepherd, highlighting the contrast between the true Shepherd, Jesus, who lays down His life for the sheep, and the hireling who flees when danger comes. He urges the listeners to remain obedient to the Shepherd's voice, avoid the tyranny of material wealth, and embrace a life of service and charity to experience the abundant life offered by Christ.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then shall the King--Magnificent title, here for the first and only time, save in parabolical language, given to Himself by the Lord Jesus, and that on the eve of His deepest humiliation! It is to intimate that in then addressing the heirs of the kingdom, He will put on all His regal majesty. say unto them on his right hand, Come--the same sweet word with which He had so long invited all the weary and heavy laden to come unto Him for rest. Now it is addressed exclusively to such as have come and found rest. It is still, "Come," and to "rest" too; but to rest in a higher style, and in another region. ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world--The whole story of this their blessedness is given by the apostle, in words which seem but an expression of these: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." They were chosen from everlasting to the possession and enjoyment of all spiritual blessings in Christ, and so chosen in order to be holy and blameless in love. This is the holy love whose practical manifestations the King is about to recount in detail; and thus we see that their whole life of love to Christ is the fruit of an eternal purpose of love to them in Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand,.... Before Christ is called "the son of man", now "the king"; who is not only king of saints, but king of the whole world; the king of kings, and lord of lords, the judge of all the earth; he appearing in glory and majesty, sitting on a throne of glory, being attended with his glorious angels, and all nations gathered before him, waiting for the final sentence to be pronounced upon them by him; and who accordingly begins with those on his right hand, his sheep, the chosen, redeemed, and called of God, saying to them, come. The Arabic version adds, "to me": by such a phrase he sometimes had invited, and encouraged poor sensible sinners: to come and partake of his grace: and here by it he calls the righteous, and bespeaks them in the most tender and endearing manner, and yet with the majesty of a king, and the authority of a judge, to come near unto him, with intrepidity and confidence, and take possession of a glorious kingdom; bestowing on them this high and illustrious character, ye blessed of my Father: so called, partly because they were his Father's, not only by creation, but by his choice of them to grace and glory, and therefore most happy and blessed; and partly, because, as such a choice shows, they were dear unto him, highly in his favour, and loved by him with an everlasting love; as also, because they were blessed by him as the Father of Christ, and theirs, with all the spiritual blessings of the everlasting covenant in him; with the pardon of their sins, the justification of their persons, the sanctification of their nature, with adoption, and a right unto, and meetness for the eternal inheritance: hence it follows, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. The happiness of the saints, in the other world, is here expressed by a "kingdom", because of the glory, riches, grandeur, and magnificence of it; as it is sometimes by a crown, for the same reason, suitable to their character and dignity, who are made kings and priests by Christ: and is likewise represented as an "inheritance", as it is elsewhere, being not acquired by industry, or obtained by merit; but is the gift of their heavenly Father, and in right of adoption, as the children of God, being made such by his free grace and favour, and denotes the stability and perpetuity of it: and this is said to be prepared, not only appointed and designed in the council purposes, and decrees of God, but got ready; it is a kingdom erected, an inheritance reserved, and a crown of righteousness laid up in heaven; a glory really provided and secured in an everlasting covenant, and that for you: for some, and not others; for the sheep on the right hand, and not the goats on the left; for the peculiar favourites of God, the objects of his love and choice, the redeemed of the Lamb, and that are born of the Spirit; and that for them, from the foundation of the world. The place itself, where this happiness is to be enjoyed, was actually made on the first day of the creation, when the heavens were formed, and the foundations of the earth were laid, and the glory itself long before. The Ethiopic version here reads, "before the world"; and the Persic, "before the foundation of the world was laid"; and Grotius himself owns, that the phrase is the same as "before the foundation of the world"; and Dr. Hammond's paraphrase is, "before all eternity": for as early were these persons, the beloved, the chosen, and blessed of the Father: so that this glory must be of free grace, and not merit, or owing to any works of righteousness done by men; since it was not only designed and appointed, but prepared and laid up for persons before they had a being, and had done neither good nor evil. The Jews (e) speak of the law being an inheritance for all Israel, from the six days of the creation; but a much more glorious one is here spoken of: nearer to this is what they say (f) that Bathsheba was appointed to be David's wife from the day that the world was created; and add, but the mystery of the thing is, , "the kingdom that is above", which is called by her name. So in 2 Esdras, "the kingdom is already prepared for you": "Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.'' (2 Esdras 2:13). (e) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 91. 2. (f) Zohar in Exod. fol. 44. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:34 prepared for you from the creation of the world: This might be a reference to God’s choosing individuals for salvation in eternity past (see 13:10-17; Eph 1:4; Rev 17:8), or it might simply refer to the Kingdom itself as a place (cp. Matt 25:41).