If you believe
This phrase emphasizes the necessity of faith in the life of a believer. Faith is a central theme throughout the Bible, and it is often linked to the power of prayer. Hebrews 11:6 states that "without faith it is impossible to please God," highlighting the importance of belief in the Christian walk. In the context of Matthew 21, Jesus had just performed the miracle of withering the fig tree, demonstrating the power of faith. This act serves as a tangible example of the potential of faith when aligned with God's will.

you will receive
The promise of receiving is contingent upon the condition of belief. This reflects the biblical principle that God responds to the faith of His people. In James 1:6-7, believers are instructed to ask in faith without doubting, as doubt can hinder the reception of God's blessings. The assurance of receiving is not a blanket promise for any request but is understood within the context of God's will and purpose. The concept of receiving is also tied to the idea of God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where God supplies the needs of His people.

whatever you ask for
This phrase suggests a broad scope of requests that can be brought before God in prayer. However, it is important to interpret this within the broader biblical teaching on prayer. In 1 John 5:14-15, it is clarified that requests should be made according to God's will. The cultural context of the time emphasized the importance of aligning one's desires with God's purposes, rather than treating prayer as a means to fulfill personal whims. The phrase encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to their needs and desires.

in prayer.
Prayer is the means by which believers communicate with God, and it is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus models a life of prayer, often retreating to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). The historical context of Jewish prayer practices involved regular, structured times of prayer, which Jesus both participated in and expanded upon. The New Testament further develops the concept of prayer as a continual, relational dialogue with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This phrase underscores the importance of prayer as the context in which faith is exercised and God's promises are realized.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the power of faith and prayer.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on the importance of belief in prayer.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus is teaching during the final week of His earthly ministry.

4. The Fig Tree
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus curses a fig tree, which withers, serving as a visual lesson on faith and the consequences of spiritual barrenness.

5. The Temple
The setting for much of Matthew 21, where Jesus cleanses the temple and teaches about true worship and faith.The Power of Faith in Prayer
Faith is the key that unlocks the door to answered prayer. Jesus emphasizes that belief is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust in God's power and goodness.

The Importance of Alignment with God's Will
While faith is crucial, our prayers must align with God's will. True faith seeks God's desires above our own, trusting that His plans are best.

The Role of Persistent Prayer
Belief in prayer involves persistence. Jesus encourages His followers to continue praying with faith, even when answers are not immediate.

The Necessity of a Pure Heart
Effective prayer requires a heart free from doubt and sin. Confession and repentance are vital to maintaining a right relationship with God.

The Community of Faith
Prayer is not just an individual activity but a communal one. Believers are encouraged to pray together, supporting one another in faith.(22) All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer.--Here again there is the implied condition (as in Matthew 7:7) that what is asked is in harmony with the laws and will of God. If it were not so it would not be asked in faith, and every true prayer involves the submission of what it asks to the divine judgment. The words suggest the thought, of which we have the full expression in John 11:42, that our Lord's miracles were less frequently wrought by an inherent supernatural "virtue"--though this, also, distinctly appears, e.g., in the history of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:46)--than by power received from the Father, and in answer to His own prayers.

Verse 22. - All things. The promise is extended beyond the sphere of extraordinary miracles. In prayer; ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ: in the prayer; or, in your prayer. The use of the article may point to the prayer given by our Lord to his disciples, or to some definite form used from the earliest times in public worship (comp. Acts 1:14; Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Colossians 4:2). Believing, ye shall receive. The condition for the success of prayer is stringent. A man must have no latent doubt in his heart; he must not debate whether the thing desired can be done or not; he must have absolute trust in the power and good will of God; and he must believe that "what he saith cometh to pass" (Mark 11:23). The faith required is the assurance of things hoped for, such as gives substance and being to them while yet out of sight. The words had their special application to the apostles, instructing them that they were not to expect to be able, like their Master, to work the wonders needed for the confirmation of the gospel by their own power. Such effects could be achieved only by prayer and faith. (On the general promise to faithful prayer, see Matthew 7:7-11.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


If you believe,
πιστεύοντες (pisteuontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

you will receive
λήμψεσθε (lēmpsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

whatever
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

you ask
αἰτήσητε (aitēsēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 154: To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

prayer.”
προσευχῇ (proseuchē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 21:22 All things whatever you ask in prayer (Matt. Mat Mt)