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Matthew 19

New Testament · English Majority Text Version with Greek parallel

Matthew chapter 19 is given here in full, verse by verse, in the English Majority Text Version (EMTV), with the Byzantine Majority Text set beneath each verse. The text follows the Byzantine textual tradition used in the Orthodox Church.

49 patristic excerpts are attached to this chapter, from 4 Fathers — Saint John Chrysostom, Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid, Origen, and Saint Augustine.

Matthew 19

1Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, that He departed from Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, μετῆρεν ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ ὅρια τῆς Ἰουδαίας πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου.

2And great crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.καὶ ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί, καὶ ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ.

3The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”Καὶ προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι πειράζοντες αὐτόν, καὶ λέγοντες αὐτῷ, Εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνθρώπῳ ἀπολῦσαι τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ κατὰ πᾶσαν αἰτίαν;

4And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν αὐτούς,

5and He said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?καὶ εἶπεν, Ἕνεκεν τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ προσκολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν;

6So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶ δύο, ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία. ὃ οὖν ὁ Θεὸς συνέζευξεν, ἄνθρωπος μὴ χωριζέτω.

7They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, Τί οὖν Μωσῆς ἐνετείλατο δοῦναι βιβλίον ἀποστασίου, καὶ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν;

8He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been this way.λέγει αὐτοῖς ὅτι Μωσῆς πρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν ἐπέτρεψεν ὑμῖν ἀπολῦσαι τὰς γυναῖκας ὑμῶν· ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς δὲ οὐ γέγονεν οὕτω.

9And I say to you, that whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marrying a divorcee commits adultery.”λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην, μοιχᾶται· καὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται.

10His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”Λέγουσιν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, Εἰ οὕτως ἐστὶν ἡ αἰτία τοῦ ἀνθρώπου μετὰ τῆς γυναικός, οὐ συμφέρει γαμῆσαι.

11But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but it is for those to whom it has been given:ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Οὐ πάντες χωροῦσι τὸν λόγον τοῦτον, ἀλλ᾽ οἷς δέδοται.

12For there are eunuchs who were born this way from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”εἰσὶ γὰρ εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς ἐγεννήθησαν οὕτω· καὶ εἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες εὐνουχίσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· καὶ εἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς διὰ τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. ὁ δυνάμενος χωρεῖν χωρείτω.

13Then little children were brought to Him, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked them.Τότε προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ παιδία, ἵνα τὰς χεῖρας ἐπιθῇ αὐτοῖς, καὶ προσεύξηται· οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ ἐπετίμησαν αὐτοῖς.

14But Jesus said, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν, Ἄφετε τὰ παιδία, καὶ μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με· τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

15And having put His hands on them, He departed from there.καὶ ἐπιθεὶς αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας, ἐπορεύθη ἐκεῖθεν.

16And behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”Καὶ ἰδού, εἷς προσελθὼν εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ἀγαθὸν ποιήσω, ἵνα ἔχω ζωὴν αἰώνιον;

17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθός, εἰ μὴ εἷς, ὁ Θεός. εἰ δὲ θέλεις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωήν, τήρησον τὰς ἐντολάς.

18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’λέγει αὐτῷ, Ποίας; ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπε, Τὸ Οὐ φονεύσεις, Οὐ μοιχεύσεις, Οὐ κλέψεις, Οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις,

19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”Τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καί, Ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν.

20The young man said to Him, “All these have I kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ νεανίσκος, Πάντα ταῦτα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου· τί ἔτι ὑστερῶ;

21Jesus said to him, “If you desire to be perfect, go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Εἰ θέλεις τέλειος εἶναι, ὕπαγε, πώλησόν σου τὰ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ δὸς πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ· καὶ δεῦρο, ἀκολούθει μοι.

22But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved, for he had many possessions.ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ νεανίσκος τὸν λόγον ἀπῆλθε λυπούμενος· ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά.

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly I say to you, that with difficulty a rich man shall enter the kingdom of heaven.Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι δυσκόλως πλούσιος εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν.

24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”πάλιν δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν, εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυπήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν, ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν.

25And when His disciples heard, they were greatly astonished, and said, “Who then is able to be saved?”ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα, λέγοντες, Τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι;

26And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”ἐμβλέψας δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Παρὰ ἀνθρώποις τοῦτο ἀδύνατόν ἐστι, παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ πάντα δυνατά.

27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. What then shall we have?”τότε ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Ἰδού, ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι· τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν;

28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the Regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ὑμεῖς οἱ ἀκολουθήσαντές μοι, ἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ ὅταν καθίσῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ, καθίσεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους, κρίνοντες τὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ.

29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.καὶ πᾶς ὃς ἀφῆκεν οἰκίας, ἢ ἀδελφούς, ἢ ἀδελφάς, ἢ πατέρα, ἢ μητέρα, ἢ γυναῖκα, ἢ τέκνα, ἢ ἀγρούς, ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, ἑκατονταπλασίονα λήψεται, καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει.

30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι.

The Fathers on Matthew 19

Saint John Chrysostom, Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid, Origen, and Saint Augustine comment on this chapter. Each excerpt below is drawn from the full text held in the Fathers Library; follow the link on any entry to read the whole work.

On Matthew 19:1
Saint John Chrysostom
Eastern Fathers · c. 390 AD · Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew

Having constantly left Judæa on account of the envy of those men, now He frequents it from this time forth, because the passion was to be nigh at hand; He goeth not up, however, unto Jerusalem for a while, but “into the coasts of Judæa.”

Read Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:1–2
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

1-2. And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the region of Judea beyond Jordan. And great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there. Again He sojourns in Judea so as not to give the unbelievers in Judea...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:1
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

And likewise it is a pleasant thing to endeavour to understand and exhibit the fact of the concord of the two covenants,—of the one before the bodily advent of the Saviour and of the new covenant; for among those things in which the two covenants are at concord so that there is no discord between them would be found...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:1
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

“Then came Peter and said unto Him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?” The conception that these things were said in a simple sense by Peter, as if he were inquiring whether he was to forgive his brother when he sinned against him seven times, but no longer if he sinned an eighth time,...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:1
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

“Therefore I say unto you the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who wished to make a reckoning with his own servants.” The general conception of the parable is to teach us that we should be inclined to forgive the sins committed against us by those who have wronged us, and especially if after the...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:16
Saint John Chrysostom
Eastern Fathers · c. 390 AD · Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew

Some indeed accuse this young man, as one dissembling and ill-minded, and coming with a temptation to Jesus, but I, though I would not say he was not fond of money, and under subjection to his wealth, since Christ in fact convicted him of b

Read Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:15–17
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

15-17. And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence. And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And He said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God. The man did...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27
Saint John Chrysostom
Eastern Fathers · c. 390 AD · Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew

All which? O blessed Peter; the rod? the net? the boat? the craft? These things dost thou tell me of, as all? Yea, saith he, but not for display do I say these things, but in order that by this question I may bring in the multitude of the p

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On Matthew 19:27
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

27. Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? Even though it seems that Peter had not forsaken very much, as he was poor, understand that in actuality he, too, forsook much. For the fewer possessions...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Only, though he cannot pay the talents, for he has lost them, he has a wife and children and other things, of which it is written, “All that he has.” And it was possible that when he had been sold along with his own, he would have prospered if some one had bought him, and, by his worth and the things that were his,...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But it is fitting to examine at what time the man—the king—in the parable wished to make a reckoning with his own servants, and to what period we ought to refer the things that are said. For if it be after the consummation, or at it at the time of the expected judgment, how are we to maintain the things about him who...

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Only, I have said these things with the view of referring his return when he comes with his kingdom to the consummation, when he commanded the servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him that he might know what they had gained by trading, and from a desire to demonstrate from this, and from the parable...

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

“And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words.” He who gives a detailed and complete account of each of the questions before him so that nothing is left out, finishes his own words. But he will give a declaration on this point with more confidence who devotes himself with great diligence to the entire...

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Only, when Jesus had finished these words, having spoken them in Galilee about Capernaum, then “He departed thence, and came into the borders of Judæa,” which were different from Galilee. But He came to the borders of Judæa, and not to the middle of it, but, as it were, to the outermost parts, where great multitudes...

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

After this it is written that “there came unto Him the Pharisees tempting Him and saying, Is it lawful for a man to wife for every cause?” Mark, also, has written to the like effect. Accordingly, of those who came to Jesus and inquired of Him, there were some who put questions to tempt Him; and if our Saviour so...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But since the Apostle understands the words, “And they twain shall be one flesh,” of Christ and the church, we must say that Christ keeping the saying, “What God hath joined together let not man put asunder,” did not put away His former wife, so to speak—that is, the former synagogue—for any other cause than that that...

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

After this we will discuss the saying of the Pharisees which they said to Jesus, “Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement and put her away?” And with good reason we will bring forward for this purpose the passage from Deuteronomy concerning the bill of divorcement, which is as follows: “But if a man...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Now, keeping in mind what we said above in regard to the passage from Isaiah about the bill of divorcement, we will say that the mother of the people separated herself from Christ, her husband, without having received the bill of divorcement, but afterwards when there was found in her an unseemly thing, and she did...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Now there are those in whose case it has happened that the man dwells with them without having hated them, because they abide in the house of the last husband, who took to himself their synagogue as wife. But also in their case the latter husband dies, perhaps whenever the last enemy of Christ, death, is destroyed....

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On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But some one may inquire whether the human soul can be figuratively called a wife, and the angel who is set over her and is her ruler, with whom as her sovereign she holds conversation, can be called her husband; so that according to this each lawfully dwells along with the soul which is worthy of the guardianship of...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But, while dealing with the passage, I would say that we will be able perhaps now to understand and clearly set forth a question which is hard to grasp and see into, with regard to the legislation of the Apostle concerning ecclesiastical matters; for Paul wishes no one of those of the church, who has attained to any...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But, even if we have seemed to touch on things too deep for our capacity in the passages, nevertheless, because of the literal expression these things must further be said, that some of the laws were written not as excellent, but as by way of accommodation to the weakness of those to whom the law was given; for...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But perhaps some Jewish man of those who dare to oppose the teaching of our Saviour will say, that when Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his own wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress,” He also gave permission to put away a wife like as well as Moses did, who was said by Him to have...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:27–29
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Now after these things, having considered how many possible accidents may arise in marriages, which it was necessary for the man to endure and in this way suffer very great hardships, or if he did not endure, to transgress the word of Christ, the disciples say to him, taking refuge in celibacy as easier, and more...

Read Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew →
On Matthew 19:7–8
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 400 AD · The Harmony of the Gospels

Matthew continues giving his narrative in the following manner: “And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judæa beyond Jordan; and great multitudes...

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On Matthew 19:7–9
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

7-9. They say unto Him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts permitted you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:13
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 400 AD · The Harmony of the Gospels

Matthew proceeds thus: “Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them;” and so on, down to where we read, “For many are called, but few are...

Read The Harmony of the Gospels →
On Matthew 19:13–14
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

13-14. Then there were brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Let the little children come unto Me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Mothers were bringing their...

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On Matthew 19:17
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 391–430 AD · Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament

The Lord said to a certain young man, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” He did not say, “If thou wilt enter into life eternal,” but “If thou wilt enter into life;” laying down that as life, which is to be life eternal.

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On Matthew 19:17
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 391–430 AD · Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament

The Gospel lesson which has now sounded in our ears, Brethren, requires rather an attentive hearer and a doer, than an expositor.

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On Matthew 19:17–19
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

17-19. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto Him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother, and, Thou shalt love thy...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:21
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 391–430 AD · Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament

The Gospel by the present lesson has reminded me to speak to you, Beloved, of the heavenly treasure.

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On Matthew 19:21–22
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

21-22. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me. But when the man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Everything, He says,...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:20–22
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Next we must speak in regard to this, “And when he had begun to reckon, there was brought unto him one which owed many talents.” The sense of this appears to me to be as follows: The season of beginning the judgment is with the house of God, who says, as also it is written in Ezekiel, to those who are appointed to...

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On Matthew 19:24
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 400 AD · The Harmony of the Gospels

The matter next to be introduced, moreover, is one requiring, in order to its right apprehension and contemplation, a reader of the greatest attention and carefulness.

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On Matthew 19:23–24
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

23-24. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That it is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. As...

Read The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew →
On Matthew 19:28
Saint Augustine
Latin Fathers · c. 391–430 AD · Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament

We heard in the Gospel that the Lord, rejoicing greatly in Spirit, said unto God the Father, “I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

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On Matthew 19:28
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

28. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Surely they will not be seated? Of...

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On Matthew 19:3–6
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

3-6. The Pharisees also came unto Him, testing Him, and saying unto Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He Who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this...

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On Matthew 19:10
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

10. His disciples say unto Him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. The disciples are troubled and say, "If they are joined together so that they are one and remain inseparable their whole life, so that even if the wife should be a schemer, or...

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On Matthew 19:10–12
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

“The kingdom of heaven,” He says, “is likened,” etc. But if it be likened to such a king, and one who has done such things, who must we say that it is but the Son of God? For He is the King of the heavens, and as He is absolute Wisdom and absolute Righteousness and absolute Truth, is He not so also absolute Kingdom?...

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On Matthew 19:10–12
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

But you will here inquire whether all men can be called servants of the king, or some are servants whom he foreknew and fore-ordained, while there are others who transact business with the servants, and are called bankers. And in like manner you will inquire if there are those outside the number of the slaves from...

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On Matthew 19:10–12
Origen
Ante-Nicene Fathers · c. 246-248 AD · Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

And these things will take place whenever that happens which is written in Daniel, “The books were opened and the judgment was set;” for a record, as it were, is made of all things that have been spoken and done and thought, and by divine power every hidden thing of ours shall be manifested, and everything that is...

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On Matthew 19:11
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

11. But He said unto them, Not all can receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. Since the disciples had said that it would be better not to enter into marriage, the Lord says that virginity is a great thing but not everyone can achieve it, but only those with whom...

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On Matthew 19:12
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

12. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs by men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive...

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On Matthew 19:20
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

20. The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Some accuse him of boasting and arrogance. For how could he have achieved love for neighbor if he were rich? For no one who loves his neighbor as himself is wealthier than his...

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On Matthew 19:25–26
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

25-26. When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible. The disciples, being compassionate, did not ask this question for...

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On Matthew 19:29
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

29. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. So that no one would think that what was said applied only to the...

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On Matthew 19:30
Blessed Theophylact of Ohrid
Byzantine Fathers · c. 1080s AD · The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

30. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Christ is suggesting here the Jews and the Gentiles. For the Jews, who were first, became last, while the Gentiles, who were last, were put first. But so that you might clearly understand and learn what...

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