Matthew 18:23-35 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king, which would take account of his servants. Warn against misapplications of the parable. 1. It would be an error to apply it to the subject of property obligations and money-debt. 2. Neither does it relate to civil punishments (Romans 13:1-5). 3. Neither are we to see in this parable the history of any particular persons, but simply the exhibition of the nature and working of the Divine principle of grace. first in absolving us, and then in the temper which it begets in the hearts of those who are the subjects of it. 4. Neither is it intended to teach us by this parable. that our exercise of forgiveness is in any way the procuring cause of God's forgiveness.The way thus cleared, consider some of the elements of the parable itself. 1. Man is an immense debtor. 2. Sad is man's estate in view of this enormous indebtedness. There is a way, however, for these terrible consequences to be averted. 4. But there may be great debtors to whom the Lord's word of entire forgiveness has been spoken, who yet in the end fail of the advantages of it. 5. God's forgiveness is not bestowed that we may indulge our selfishness and greed. 6. There are other servants spoken of besides the two debtors. "When they saw what was done they were very sorry." This is the form which true charity takes when called to witness sinfulness. (J. A. Seiss, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. |
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